10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Austin Film Festival Screenwriters Conference: What's Missing From the Official FAQ

The Austin Film Festival (AFF) kicks off each year with its Writers Conference, a four-day event of panels and parties exploring the craft and business of screenwriting. For screenwriters, this is heaven, where they can celebrate and commiserate with their peers and idols as they learn, network, and bond.

I attended for the first time last year, and quickly honed in on the things I wish I had known before arriving in Austin. I’ll be attending again this year, where my screenplay BIGGER IN TEXAS is a Second Rounder in the Drama Feature Competition, a hard-earned win that I will be shamelessly flaunting on my badge, as any self-respecting AFF attendee should! More on that below.

The festival has its own FAQ page, but here are ten tips for how to get the most out of the conference.

[ID: A selfie of Laura, a woman with white skin, shoulder-length brown hair, glasses, wearing a black mask. Behind her is a room in the Austin Club full of other screenwriters waiting for a panel to start.]

1. Network before you arrive

If you’re like me, you’re on countless screenwriting-related email listservs, discords, and Twitter/X communities. Now is the time to start chiming in and asking if any of those anonymous screen names you’ve bonded with are heading to Austin this year. The more you make those connections now, the easier it will be to hit the ground running when you recognize each other in line for a panel, or need someone to eat a quick taco lunch with.

2. Network after you leave

Let those writerly bonds grow through the year. Everyone will be thrilled to exchange contact info after chatting, so make sure you follow up. Write down the contact info or photograph the badges of the people you loved chatting with. Create a networking spreadsheet that records what you chatted about, then drop a line to say hi after the conference. This is how friendships, collaborations, representation, and writing groups are born, so don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

[ID: Laura’s Austin Film Festival badge from 2022, complete with an image that matches her social media profile photo.]

3. Know your work

Every conversation will start with the question, "What projects have you been working on lately?" Before you leave, polish up an elevator pitch for your most recent project and a few short sentences on what you like to write, where you come from, and what makes you distinctive.

If you need direction for creating or strengthening your project elevator pitch, check out this episode of The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna, “The Elevator Pitch + Austin Film Festival Prep Workshop.”

Likewise, for your personal pitch, I recommend this article, “How to Create a Killer Personal Pitch That Will Help You Sell Your Project” (2019) by Carole Kirschner, Director of the CBS Diversity Writers Program and WGA Showrunner Training Program.

4. Bring comfy shoes

Make sure you pack shoes you can walk in. The conference does a great job at scheduling events within a walkable radius in downtown. Still, sometimes your schedule shakes out so you have to hoof it ten to twenty city blocks as fast as possible to snag a spot in a popular session.

[ID: A rainbow colored sculpture of a cowboy sitting on a long-legged horse in downtown Austin.]

Unfortunately, horses aren’t provided, so pack your good walking shoes!

5. Dress to impress your fellow writing nerds

Despite my best efforts (let’s be honest, nonexistent efforts), my collection of movie-related clothes grows year after year. If you’re like me, this is your audience – make an impression! Last year, I wore a bomber jacket that said “Don’t Fuck with Martin Scorsese” on the back… by the end of the day, I was in countless Twitter photos, and had tons of new writer friends who started conversations with me about the jacket. I was known for a day or two as “the girl with the jacket.” Go get yourself a nickname. (And will I be wearing it again this year? Of course! Come say hi.)

[ID: The writer from the back, standing in front of a green trellis, wearing a black bomber jacket with white sleeves and text that says “Don’t Fuck with Martin Scorsese.”] 

6. Dress up your badge

After you buy a badge, AFF will reach out to request a badge photo. Not only should you send a photo ahead of time (which avoids a long photo line at check-in), but you should send the same photo as your favorite social media handle (Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Discord, etc.). This will help those who already follow you electronically recognize you in person, and help those you meet at the conference find you online. If you're active on social media, write your handle on your badge.

This year’s contest is already closed, but word to the wise – if you rank in the contest, they put it on your badge for everyone to see. Claim those bragging rights!

7. Minimize travel

Book lodging as close to the geographical center of the events as you can, which tends to be around the corner of 7th St. and Congress Ave. All official events are within walking distance of that point, so you likely won’t need a car during the day. And when you careen out of the Driskill Bar in the early hours of the morning, you’ll thank your past self for the short walk home.

8. Maximize panel benefits

Look at two things when choosing panels: what they are talking about, and who is saying it. Depending on where you are in your screenwriting journey, you may create a schedule designed to address your writing or industry blind spots. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to attend a topic that may not light you on fire, but features your screenwriting idol on the panel – you’ll take away critical advice regardless of what they plan to discuss.

[ID: A room in the Austin Club packed with screenwriters of various genders and skin tones. The room has a white ceiling, cream colored arches, and a chandelier.]

9. Bring a good notebook

You will be writing notes on your lap. This may sound overly specific, but I recommend bringing a hard cover, spiral bound notebook. Nothing is worse than four days straight of trying to write fast while the pages are closing on you or the notebook bends around your thighs, all while you’re furiously jotting down tips for taking a general meeting, what not to do when querying managers, and how to write dialogue that leaps off the page.

You can take notes on your phone, but the panelists you respect may perceive that as rude.

10. Hydrate and pack snacks

This ain’t amateur hour. We’re all adults. Long days and fun nights mean you’ve got to take care of yourself. Being your best self and maintaining a full schedule is hard if you’re hungover. Whether you indulge in alcohol or not, keep in mind that getting food can be time consuming, so be prepared with some hearty snacks that’ll keep you going in case of tight turnarounds between events.

___

Laura Kroeger is a published film writer, screenwriter, editor, and alumni of the Women in Film and Video Narrative Script Development Fellowship. You can follow her on X/Twitter at @reel_insight.

Have other questions you want answered in a blog post? Let us know at info@fourwindfilms.com. Work in film? Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook [at]FourwindFilms.






My Experience Working With a Publicist for My Short Film and Production Company

Success in publicity depends on many things including your own draw, the draw of the product, your target markets, and timing. I hired All Communications to publicize my short film Prologue but also to help with my production company, Fourwind Films. Here’s what I learned, and how much you should budget for a publicist.

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Finding Your Voice as a Woman of Color Producer in the Film Industry

By Danielle Earle

Photo by Kelly Fournier on Unsplash.

Photo by Kelly Fournier on Unsplash.

Finding my voice as a Black woman in the film industry was a challenge for me. Experiencing prejudgement in a sea of white creatives was the last thing I expected, but that was the reality. 

Trust Your Vision and Create Your Own Opportunities

I continue to strive for a seat at the table. At times, the sea of white creatives assumes that having a seat at the table for a person of color means serving, volunteering without a sense of self-worth. So, what do we do? What do we do as black actresses, directors, and writers? How do we find acceptance? We form our own opportunities. We learn to value self-worth and continue to fight back with a shield placed against our hearts. That shield is a vision that holds clear in our minds which is our superpower. 

In 2010, at the age of 26, was when I finally found a sense of self-value. I knew I wasn’t meant for corporate America, and the Arts were the only place that I could call home. 

For years I never felt my voice was worthy for art, for love, or anything for that matter. Films were my escape, my adventure to the unknown. Ten years later my voice became stronger and I created my film production company PL Entertainment LLC.

There were not many filmmakers that looked like me, nor were they the same gender. The majority of them were white males who were getting the financing and support. For Black women, finding the resources back then was slim to none.

Don’t Let Yourself Be Stereotyped

I remember going out to events and explaining about my little, no budget series, Brooklyn Is In Love and having a response from a white creative who said, “This series will never get noticed. This is not what people are looking for.”  A Black male creative said, “You need more diversity.” 

When I produced my first LGBTQ Feature film,  I got criticism from several members of the white LGBTQ community who said that it was ironic I had white actors in my film.  I felt judged rather than celebrated as if it was taboo as a Black writer to write white characters. As if women of color (WOC) within the LGBTQ community are not equipped to create queer content for white America. Or there’s a sense of surprise that my work doesn’t fit under the landscape of the general stereotype for Black women in the gay community. That there’s no way I’ve lived similar experiences as them.

When I produced Brooklyn Is In Love in 2011, New York was a dead town. Post Grads were sleeping on the streets of Manhattan with no job and no security blanket. Artists were struggling to save enough for rent the next month. In the midst of it all, I was in the center. Watching it unfold, behind a lens. 

So I decided to make art from crisis to give us a sense of hope. Since the launch of episode 1, the view count exploded. I was getting emails and comments online, praising the show. At first, it was like lighting a match in the dark and waiting for a spark. The spark happened and that’s when it became real. 

You’re in a position as a woman of color producer, whether you are queer or straight. You have to continue to prove yourself. When I entered the doors and signed my first contract at the Guild after the success of the series, it made me realize that this was my new journey. 

Collaboration is Key

The best way I found to do it is by creating the platform yourself, and navigating a maze of possibilities. Yes, there are roadblocks, but there are ways around it. Collaborating is the answer. 

At 26, I was a very stubborn late bloomer. Over the years, I learned to find my community of people that valued my self-worth through financing, support, guidance, and collaboration. Collaboration and networking are key to a continuous road of achievement. 

Another tip for finding your voice is to always keep an open mind when collaborating. There will be times when the idea may change or shift. Don’t be afraid to speak up to your team. Yes, as Producers we strive to stay relevant. We need it. We crave it, and it’s totally natural, but don’t let it take you over. Invite people into your heart and creative world, because that is the only way you will grow. 

Remember there are so many writers looking for an opportunity, and they need a good producer like you to help them get their work seen. It’s about passing the torch. Once you reach a level of acceptance, it’s the greatest gift in the world as a creative. 

Know Your Worth In Dollar Signs!

When you are negotiating a contract, whether it is as a producer, director, or writer, don’t be afraid to tell them your self-worth in dollar signs. Black women in the industry have always had to settle for less, and in 2021, it is finally a year of celebration for Black Art. If it doesn’t go in your favor, there is always another opportunity waiting for you.

WOC Producers, continue to show your worth to the world, and never be afraid to show your bright light. It’s never too bright because you are the reason for the change, for the progress, and for the next generation of WOC Producers everywhere. 

Follow Danielle Earle on Twitter, Instagram, and on her company’s website, PL Entertainment LLC.

If there are other questions you want to be answered in a blog post, let us know at info@fourwindfilms.com or visit our website at www.fourwindfilms.com. Also, we work with a large, diverse community of crew and artists working in most aspects of the filmmaking process and are always happy to help make connections. And we are always building our community! Send us your work for review or feedback.

Secrets of Successful Fundraising for Filmmaking

By Jamie Monahan 

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash.

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash.

It can be difficult to feel inspired to do anything during a pandemic when filmmaking and festivals are being delayed or canceled, artists are unemployed, and we are constantly told what we can’t do. That’s why I want to share some tips that you can do right now as a filmmaker to move your project forward during quarantine. A successful fundraising campaign takes a minimum of one to three months’ pre-planning. During this downtime, you can pre-write all of your campaign emails, create a campaign action calendar, and automate your social media posts. By doing all of this preparation, you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to crowdfund!

1. Audience Building:

Two of the biggest questions you need to answer as a creator are: “Who is your audience?” and “Where do they watch movies?” Now more than ever your audience is so important. Build your show’s Instagram account with behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with actors and crew, red carpet photos, your project poster, concept art, etc. Start creating super fans who are loyal not only because they love you the creator, but also because you took them on the creative journey. Superfans take pride in the fact they are the OG fans! Start a newsletter for your film and send monthly updates. Mailchimp is my go-to platform for newsletters. There are plenty of platforms that allow you to schedule social media posts ahead of time. Free options include Tweetdeck for Twitter, the Facebook scheduling tool on Facebook, and Later.com for Instagram. There are also tools like Hootsuite that cost money but allow you to pre-schedule most if not all of your social media platforms in one place.

2. Charitable Donations:

Any money you do not have to pay back is free money! I highly suggest getting fiscal sponsorship for feature films. Fiscal sponsorship allows people to make large tax-deductible donations to your film. It involves a fee-based contract between a project and an established non-profit. It’s important to remember that charitable donations can only be used for the creation of the film not for distribution or advertising. The Film Collaborative, and Fractured Atlas are two great fiscal sponsorships you can apply to.

3. Grants:

There are endless film grants you can apply to. It may feel overwhelming but applying for grants is another opportunity for free money. Candid has 150,000+ funders and 16+ million grants. Women Make Movies has a resource page dedicated to grants and funders with over 60+ organizations to apply to. Most filmmakers do not apply to grant which I think is a mistake. If grant writing is not your specialty, hire someone. It may be worth it even if you just receive one! The Film Fund gives out grants monthly and all you need to apply is a strong one-sentence log-line and a small application fee.

4. Crowdfunding:

Crowdfunding = Free Money! Always have a deadline when crowdfunding. Ideally, 30 days to create a sense of urgency. My favorite crowdfunding platforms are Kickstarter and Seed & Spark. Anytime someone donates, share that information on social media. Sharing will remind people who haven’t donated yet to donate to your campaign. Make sure to personally reach out to friends and family via a hand-written letter, email, or phone call. A genuine connection will always get better results than relying on social media. A successful and professional-looking crowdfunding campaign makes you more attractive to investors.

5. Private Investors:

Be honest with investors! Explain the risk. Only 20% of movies make their money back. If an investor most likely won’t make their money back why would they invest? Some people invest because they believe in the story or message you’re trying to tell. Others will invest because they believe in you, the creator. Then some will invest because they love the arts, being a part of something, or the glamor of it all. Your job is to find out what your investors want and how you can give it to them. Is it credit in the film? Putting their business in the “Special Thanks” section of the credits? VIP passes to a screening?

I hope you find this information helpful and empowering. 2020 was a difficult year for many but I have been so inspired by the resilience of artists. We are essential and the world needs our stories now more than ever!

Follow Jamie Monahan on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @jmemonahan. If you’re interested in her upcoming classes, seminars, screenings, and more, sign up for her newsletter here.

If there are questions you want to be answered in a blog post, let us know at info@fourwindfilms.com or visit our website. Also, we work with a large, diverse community of crew and artists working in most aspects of the filmmaking process and are always happy to help make connections. And we are always building our community! Send us your work for review or feedback.

WOC Filmmakers: Resources for Making Connections

By Cindy Chu

“How are you going to eat?” my mom asked me in Taiwanese. If you’re a woman of color or first or second-generation American, I’m sure your parents have asked you that same question. As a child of working-class Taiwanese/Chinese immigrants and a first-generation American from Queens, NY, filmmaking is the last career my parents define as being “successful”. When I told my mother I wanted to be an actress, she was scared for me. We didn’t know anyone in the industry, and every movie and television show she watched was a sea of white people with barely any Asian American faces. 

Fast forward years later, I’m now a screenwriter/filmmaker. Despite starting my career without any industry connections,  I joined the following organizations that help underrepresented filmmakers build connections and find collaborators. Through these communities, I found collaborators for my award-winning projects. In an industry that relies heavily on “who you know” and has a long history of racism, it’s imperative for BIPOC creatives to strengthen their network by joining organizations and communities that value fair access.

NYC WOMEN FILMMAKERS - I can’t say enough how much this organization has saved my ass! From tax advice to hiring crew, it’s helped me find the resources I needed. It’s also where I met Piper Werle of Fourwind Films to write this. There are monthly events that cater to different topics of the industry like editing for film/TV, legal advice from a law clinic, and more. Women, trans women, and non-binary identifying creators who are based in NYC or travel to the city frequently for work can join the Facebook group.

WOMEN OF COLOR UNITE - Their #StartWith8Hollywood mentorship program matches industry mentors with WOC, and it’s a signup process without application fees or numerous essays. If you’ve ever applied to creative fellowships, contests, etc. this sounds like a miracle! They have a Facebook group for both allies and WOC, and a private network for only WOC to share opportunities and network.

GHETTO FILM SCHOOL - Despite its name, it’s not a literal school. They educate, develop, and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers, and support early career professionals from ages 14-34. I’ve even collaborated with a talented colorist through the organization. You can sign up for their newsletter and join their Facebook group to hear about job opportunities and events.

Last, but not least, HUE YOU KNOW...FOR BIPOC IN MEDIA - It’s a space to ask entertainment-related questions, seek advice, and view or make posts for employment seeking and opportunities. Their members are artists, lawyers, CEO’s, and anyone who works in media. They cover a wide spectrum of careers from Public Relations to Film/TV (scripted or unscripted) and more. BIPOC media folks can join their Facebook group.

As much as the entertainment industry is somewhat improving, like with the Oscars adding a diversity requirement for eligibility, the opportunities for women of color are still not enough. For Asian Americans, the old Hollywood system still finds ways to keep us separate. Take the 2021 Golden Globe nomination for Minari, a Korean-American story that is written, directed, produced, and stars Americans, yet is still considered in the Foreign Language Film category. 

The USC Annenberg Inclusive Initiative (2020) notes, “ Looking across all racial/ethnic groups measured, the number of films that erased girls/women from all speaking or named roles across the 100 top films of 2019 was as follows: Hispanic/Latinas (71 movies), Black (33 movies), American Indian/Alaskan Native (97 movies), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (99 movies), Asian (55 movies), Middle Eastern/North African (92 movies), Multiracial/Multiethnic (45 movies). In contrast, White girls and women were only erased from 7 movies." This is largely due to the origins and long history of Hollywood being dominated by white men. This is changing as more women of color, and BIPOC in general, are taking decision-making positions as executives, directors, showrunners, producers, and more.

While it can feel daunting starting out in the industry, know that you’re not alone. This is only a partial list of organizations to join, you can also look for specific groups related to your ethnicity or career path. The community you create today are the ones you’ll be rising up with in the future. I hope this blog helps you find your community. 

Additional Resources: 

Follow Cindy Chu on Instagram @itscindychu, and on Twitter @cindychuwrites.

If there are other questions you want to be answered in a blog post, let us know at info@fourwindfilms.com or visit our website at www.fourwindfilms.com. Also, we work with a large, diverse community of crew and artists working in most aspects of the filmmaking process and are always happy to help make connections. And we are always building our community! Send us your work for review or feedback.