In addition to an 8 day film festival and 4 day Conference, we offer Year Round Events, a Young Filmmakers Program, a TV show, Radio show, Podcast and more! Austin Film Festival is really about creativity, about trying to help people find their voice. And it’s fun.” - Ron Howard, 2009 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award Recipient
- Ron Howard, 2009 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award Recipient
The folks [at AFF] share our passion…Which is, of course, why they are so damn adept at crafting a conference that manages to satisfy the needs and desires of all of us attending.” -Scott Rosenberg, screenwriter
Get to know the faces and stories of the people who run the show for the Austin Film Festival!
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– David McKenna (BLOW, AMERICAN HISTORY X)
This competition accepts both filmed and written submissions in an effort to find talented voices who can adapt their vision to emerging digital platforms. AFF will select one winner who displays the strongest voice and greatest potential for establishing a digital series.
At AFF, we love being able to further the art and craft of storytelling in the next generation! The Young Filmmakers Competition is a FREE film competition is open to young creatives ages 13-18.
08/10/2022 AFF Blog, Competitions, Juror Announcements, News, Screenplay Competition
We’re excited to announce the first wave of judges for our 2022 Script Competitions! Here’s the list:
Matt Dy – Literary Manager at Lit Entertainment Group
Matt Dy attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Science in Radio/TV/Film with a focus on screenwriting and producing. He joined Adam Kolbrenner’s Lit Entertainment Group as a literary manager in 2019. Previously, he worked at Austin Film Festival (AFF) since 2008 where he served as the Director of Script Competitions and facilitated the evaluation of thousands of annual script submissions. Through AFF, he helped shepherd the careers of countless writers and is thrilled to continue championing writers as a literary manager.
Liz Kelly Manager, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at Disney General Entertainment Content
Liz Kelly is Senior Manager of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at Disney GeneralEntertainment Content. In this role, she works with the network and studio to staff writers, directors, and BTL crew across ABC, ABC Signature, Freeform, Disney Channel, 20th TV, FX, Nat Geo, Disney+, and Hulu’s scripted television shows. She manages the industry-leading Disney Writing Program, DisneyDirecting Program, and Disney PA Program. She has staffed talent on THE GOOD DOCTOR, THE ROOKIE, A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, DAVE, HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE, THE GOLDBERGS, STATION 19, RAVEN’S HOME, and BLACK-ISH, among other scripted series. Prior to Disney, Kelly worked for 6 years at Fox, most recently as Associate Director of Production and Development Labs–Film & TV, for 21 CF Global Inclusion. Kelly staffed writers and directors on FOX’s scripted television shows, including THE GIFTED, THE COOL KIDS, LUCIFER, LAST MAN ON EARTH, THE EXORCIST, THE RESIDENT, and LETHAL WEAPON, among others. She managed the Fox Writers Lab, Fox Directors Lab, Fox DP Lab, and Fox Filmmakers Lab, tracked and maintained network diversity statistics regarding on-air and behind-the-camera creative talent, and managed the department’s partnerships and sponsorships with non-profits and film and TV festivals.
Kelly has been a judge, script reader, or panelist for numerous film and TV festivals across the country, including the Tribeca Film Festival, New York Television Festival, Austin Film Festival, ATX TelevisionFestival, SeriesFest Denver, CAAMFest San Francisco, San Diego Latino Film Festival, NALIP MediaSummit, LA Skins Fest, Outfest, BlackStar Philadelphia Film Festival, and Humanitas New Voices. In 2017, she was invited to be part of Creative Artists Agency’s “Amplify: Next Gen” group of up-and-coming entertainment artists, agents, and executives.
Kelly is a member of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society. She has a BA from UCLA and is a graduate of UCLA School of Theater Film & Television’s graduate-level Professional Program in Screenwriting
Andrea Dimity, Producer/literary manager
Andrea Dimity is a producer and literary manager. Currently serving as executive producer on the upcoming feature entitled Kandahar (Gerard Butler), produced by the John Wick outfit Thunder Road Pictures. Kandahar is the first big-budget US feature shot in Saudi Arabia. Andrea has also produced the Amazon Prime feature called Viral Viral and is the literary manager to screenwriter Pete Barry, who wrote Marian, a large-budget action-adventure feature that is being produced by Amy Pascal, Donald DeLine, and Margot Robbie. She is also manager to John P. Dowgin, Austin Film Finalist and Enderby award finalist, and Cate Honzl (Warroad/PaperClip), Black list writer.
Ray Utarnachitt was most recently a writer and executive producer on DC’S. LEGENDS OF TOMORROW. He is a Michigan native and like any good Asian student, was pre-med at the University of Michigan for 3 years. Much to his parents’ dismay, he switched tracks and graduated with a Film degree. Ray broke into the business working in production on commercials, music videos, and features. He has also written for PERSON OF INTEREST, THE TOMORROW PEOPLE, THE FLASH, and SUPERGIRL. He is an alumnus of the Warner Bros. Writers Workshop
Aaron Cruze is an independent producer focused on character-driven material of all genres from underrepresented creators in queer, female, and BIPOC communities. His first feature, OPERATOR starring Martin Starr and Mae Whitman, had its World Premiere at SXSW and was distributed by The Orchard/1091 Media. Prior to producing, Aaron was in the Current Series department at FX Networks working on such acclaimed programs as AMERICAN HORROR STORY, SONS OF ANARCHY, JUSTIFIED, ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, and others. As head of development for Matthew Rhodes’ Persistent Entertainment, Aaron developed and packaged dozens of projects with filmmakers David O. Russell, Gil Kenan, Lasse Hallström, and others. Aaron was also Award Coordinator for the Producers Guild of America leading the program that is now the industry-recognized “Producers Mark” (p.g.a.). Aaron began his career assisting Jerry Bruckheimer and Marc Platt. In addition to producing, Aaron is a frequent consultant and/or judge for development labs and competitions such as Warner Bros’ Writers and Directors Workshops, Austin Film Festival, Sundance Institute’s Directors/Writers/Producers Labs, and Film Independent’s Fast Track. Born and raised in Glendale, AZ, Aaron has a Bachelor of Arts from Boston’s Emerson College.
Samantha Shear is the VP of Development at Emmy-winning global entertainment company Zoic Studios. She joined the company in 2018 to launch their new content division, quickly establishing the company as a player to watch in the development space across family and genre content. Some of the feature film projects in development so far include the original screenplay SID at Amazon Studios with Davis Entertainment as well as holiday rom-com Meet The Clauses and The Secret Tree (based on the middle-grade novel by Tracey Trivas) with 1440/Universal. In television, Zoic is developing a YA Korean fantasy series Gilded (based on a trilogy of novels by Christina Farley) with Sony Television and Wheel of Time creator Rafe Judkins as well as arcane punk comic book series Battle Chasers created by Joe Madureira and to be adapted by Derek Kolstad (JohnWick)with Alcon Entertainment. A graduate of USC’s prestigious Peter Stark Producing MFA program, Shear has established herself as a visionary executive and producer in the world of IP adaptation. Shear is currently attached as a producer on the feature adaptation of the graphic novel Blacksmith, at AGC Studios
Craig Brody is the founder of Map Point Management, a recently launched boutique literary management and production company. Brody began his career in New York City as a corporate lawyer, specializing in intellectual property law before making a move to Hollywood. He wanted to continue representing clients but was more passionate about advocating for creators than large corporations. Brody’s first stop was at CAA, where he spent 11 years in the motion picture literary department. His favorite parts of being an agent were discovering emerging talent and breaking writers and directors from television and theater into film. As the TV renaissance continued, and more of his clients had an interest in working in the thriving medium, Brody decided that he would be most valuable to his clients’ businesses if he could work with them in all areas. In 2016, he made the jump to become a manager at The Shuman Company. At the end of 2019, Brody started Map Point Management to further nurture the creative visions of his clients and elevate previously underrepresented voices.
Craig’s clients include writers, directors, and creators, such as: Academy Award-nominated writer Virgil Williams (MUDBOUND, A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN), two-time WGA Award-winning writer Debora Cahn (creator/showrunner of the upcoming Netflix series THE DIPLOMAT, HOMELAND, FOSSE/VERDON,THE WEST WING), filmmaker Ben Younger (BLEED FOR THIS, BOILER ROOM, PRIME), playwright/writer Zakiyyah Alexander (co-showrunner of GROWN-ISH, HUNTERS, RUSSIAN DOLL, GREY’S ANATOMY), award-winning playwright/writer Lauren Yee (PACHINKO, FX’s upcoming THE STERLING AFFAIRS, BILLIONS), writer/director Stephen Scaia (co-creator/co-showrunner/director of BLOOD & TREASURE, LIMITLESS), author/writer Sarah Cornwell (AMC’s upcoming MAYFAIR WITCHES, Netflix’s upcoming (OVERLOOK, THE FOREST) and award-winning music video director/writer Sherif Alabede (Netflix’s upcoming 12 SCARS and THE CRAVING, PERRY MASON), others. Craig lives in Los Angeles with his wife,their two children,and their pet turtle, Jerry.
Beth Bruckner O’Brien – Producer
Beth Bruckner O’Brien is a producer and executive who has worked on 36 films during her career, most recently executive producing Robert Rodriguez’s HYPNOTIC, starring Ben Affleck(now in post-production) as well as co-producing the film, UNHINGED, starring Russell Crowe. She previously executive produced BULLET HEAD, starring Adrien Brody, John Malkovich, Kieran Culkin, and Antonio Banderas, and LEATHERFACE, a prequel to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. She’s worked as a development executive on THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD franchise, the OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN franchise, the EXPENDABLES franchise, the MECHANIC franchise, and the following films: BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, THE ICEMAN, LOVELACE, THE PAPERBOY, STONEHEARST ASYLUM, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3D, SURVIVOR, FROZEN, SAW 6, SAW 3D, HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET, and more. Beth is also a writer and has been featured on the Young and Hungry list and the Hit List.
Creston Whittington is a Senior Creative Executive at Fremantle in the Scripted Programming division (The Young Pope, American Gods, Mosquito Coast)–building hour-long drama series for premium-cable and streaming platforms. Prior to working at Fremantle, Creston worked in development, production and acquisitions at both Broad Green Pictures and Participant Media. Creston Whittington is also a blacklist screenwriter, having been featured on the 2020 blacklist.
Cami Delavigne is a feature and TV writer who got her start co-writing BLUE VALENTINE. She’s written on shows for AMC, ABC, Amazon, NBC and Showtime. Cami has taught at NYU and AFI, and used the pandemic to design Screendancing, a class that combines screenwriting and dancing to get writers out of their heads and into their bodies.
Daniel Seco is a literary manager and partner at Empirical Evidence. He was a former sports journalist covering U.S. Soccer, MLB, and the NBA, Seco began his Hollywood career in 2013 at Resolution. He joined CAA in 2014 where he worked in the motion picture literary department before venturing into literary management on the feature side at Writ Large in 2015 as a coordinator/junior manager. A series of consulting jobs including a stop at Netflix in its Original Film department gave way to Seco joining schemes Entertainment as a literary manager in 2018. Currently, Seco is a literary manager and partner at Empirical Evidence, a literary creative company founded by Derrick Eppich. Seco is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland and the University of Florida as well as a cancer survivor.
Audrey Knox – Manager, Cartel Entertainment
Audrey Knox is a literary manager at Cartel, with clients in film and television, among whom are writers staffed on SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE, GINNY & GEORGIA, and P-VALLEY; who have written episodes of Creepshow, THE GOLDBERGS, and BATWOMAN; and are writing for G-Unit, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and Apple TV+. She worked her way up from Receptionist in 2016 to Manager in 2018. Audrey has experience in both scripted and unscripted television, on set, in production, and in writers’ rooms. She has a BFA in Screenwriting from Chapman University.
Giselle Contreras is a manager of television at 3Pas Studios, Eugenio Derbez’s production company. In television, 3Pas has set up projects at HBOMax, Apple+, Amazon, Hulu, FX, Starz, E!, Nickelodeon, ABC, and NBC. Their half-hour comedy ACAPULCO Airs on Apple+, and they are currently working on a television adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar’s classic film WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN starring Gina Rodriguez with Lionsgate and I Can & I Will for Apple+. Prior to joining 3Pas, she attained a basis for storytelling at the UCLA School of Theatre, Film, and Television before learning the ropes of representation at a boutique talent agency. She sharpened her skills in the business side of the industry at FactoryMade, a venture company specializing in entertainment projects, and Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network, an English language, Latino-infused cable channel. Her experience also includes working at the intersection of media and philanthropy with The Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation, eventually transitioning to Overbrook Entertainment’s Film/TV production and development department. As the daughter of immigrants, she is passionate about the community and supports Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) as a volunteer interpreter for minors applying for asylum status.
Fred Strype is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer, whose work has been screened and honored internationally. Tenured professor/Distinguished Service Chair Emeritus: Sarah Lawrence College Filmmaking & Moving Image Arts Program. Founder/Co-Director–The Cinema Sarah Lawrence Feature Film Intensive Program. Founder: Screen Story Supply & Manufacturing, LLC (2020)–Film & TV project consulting, development& production. Most recent project: Producer-“Jack London’s Martin Eden,” feature film starring Andrew Richardson, Hayley Griffith, and Annet Mahendru (2021).
Credit line: moderator; AFF Screenwriting Award-Winner; Producer: Jack London’s Martin Eden (2021); Professor: Filmmaking, Screenwriting & Moving Image Arts Program, Sarah Lawrence College, Founder: Screen Story Supply & Manufacturing LLC, Film & TV project consulting, development & production.
Dustin Alpern is a literary manager based in Los Angeles who works with both US and Canadian clients. Dustin’s focus is towards both building the Los Angeles roster and providing Canadian writers and directors with staffing and development opportunities in the US market. Dustin enjoys working with his clients in all aspects of their careers, whether that’s finding and introducing them to studio execs and producers with similar tastes, giving them creative feedback on their material, or fighting to improve their contracts. Dustin earned a BA degree from The University of Michigan. Shortly thereafter, Dustin began his career as a freelance producer, working with notable artists and brands such as Glass Animals, Disturbed, The Amity Affliction, Cady Groves, Freestyle, and many more. Dustin also worked for a period of time in the marketing department at Sony Pictures helping produce integrated marketing campaigns for films such as Jumanji, Smurfs: The Lost Village, and Ghostbusters.
Glenn Cockburn is the founder of Meridian Artists. Along with the rest of the Meridian Artists team, Glenn currently represents a select roster of some of Canada’s most talented writers, directors, and producers. Glenn’s career started in 1996 when he began working as script reader for New Line Cinema and innovative Artists Agency. From 1997 through 1999, Glenn worked as a Creative Executive at Templeton Production’s first look deal with New Line Cinema. In 1999, Glenn returned to Toronto and joined The Characters Talent Agency where he ran the Packaging Department. Glenn also acted as Executive Producer on the feature film, Young People Fucking, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2007 and became one of the most successful and highest-grossing Canadian comedies of all time. Glenn’s other professional activities include teaching the course, The Business of Film and Television, at Sheridan College as well as being a board member for the Humber Comedy program. Glenn has a B.F.A.Honours in Film and Television Production, from York University and an M.B.A. from the Ivey School of Business
Jason Lubin is a manager-producer and the principal at First Story Entertainment, which he founded in 2018. The Lit Management Company represents a diverse roster of talented writers and directors with fresh voices in all genres for Film and TV. The company’s clients have been staffed on shows on multiple networks including showtimes, CW, Apple+ and Netflix and have sold series to Disney and HBO Max. In 2021, two of the nine participants selected for the highly competitive WBTV Writers Workshop were clients. In the feature space, First Storyclients have written films starring Robert De Niro and JohnMalkovich, have sold specs to Searchlight Pictures and have directed projects accepted to Cannes. Jason also develops both feature film and television projects under the company’s banner. Prior to starting First Story, Jason was a seasoned development executive. He worked as the Head of Production & Development at Lynda Obst Productions, a Sony based production company, and for seven and a half years at Lionsgate, where he rose to Story Editor in the Motion Picture Group and served as the junior creative executive on multiple feature projects. Jason cut his teeth as the assistant to CEO JonFeltheimer and was named one of Variety’s Ten Assistants to watch in 2013. A graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Jason currently sits on the board of the Trojan Entertainment Network where he was elected President of the organization for the 2018-2021 term.
Samantha Henderson (Credited as Samantha Kern) is an Oklahoma native and an Ovation-nominated producer. Samantha holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from The University of La Verne (Cum Laude) and graduated with a post-graduate certificate from The Guildford School of Acting (UK) with an a. M.F.A. from The University of Surrey (UK). Film credits include: The California No producer; Manson Family Vacation (SXSW 2015) executive producer; Surviving Cliffside (SXSW 2014) co-producer; G.B.F. (Tribeca 2013) co-producer; Zombies and Assholes (Best Short Atlanta Underground Film Festival 2011) writer/producer. Theatre credits include: The Homosexuals (Celebration Theatre, LA2013) associate producer; What’s Wrong with Angry? (Celebration Theatre, LAOvation nomineeBest Production 2012) producer; Take Me Out (Celebration Theatre, LA 2011) executive producer.
Nick Bow was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Nick was always drawn to the arts and creative ventures. He received his BFA in photography from The University of Kentucky and later his MFA in Filmmaking from SCAD. He started his career as an office PA before joining on with Kilter Films as an assistant where he eventually moved on to be an Associate Producer for season 4 of Westworld. He is currently working as a freelance producer in Los Angeles.
Lee Stobby has over 10 years of management and producing experience. Some of his client highlights include: Shay Hatten (JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3, JOHN WICK 4, ARMY OF THE DEAD, ARMY OF THIEVES, DAY SHIFT), Kate Trefry (STRANGER THINGS), Isaac Adamson (#1 Black List script BUBBLES), Rodney Ascher (ROOM 237, THE NIGHTMARE, A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX), and Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy (Cannes winner THE TRIBE and upcoming THE TIGER starring Alexander Skarsgård and Dane DeHaan). Stobby’s Producing highlights and credits include SISTER AIMEE, which premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was released by 1091; WILDLING starring Bel Powley, Liv Tyler and Brad Dourif and which sold to IFC and premiered at the 2017 SXSW; HOW TO BE ALONE staring Maika Monroe and Joe Keery; PEOPLING, starring Kimmy Robertson and Josh Fadem which played at Fantasia, Fantasic Fest, and Sitges and has over 30 million online views; MUNCHAUSEN written and directed by Ari Aster; two features currently in pre-production as well as feature development set up with Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho, Charlize Theron’s Denver and Delilah, Darren Aronofsky’ Protozoa, Universal, Greg Silver’s Stampede, and Netflix.
Born and raised in Europe, Isabella Mastrodicasa is an LA-based manager and producer. After graduating in Criminal Law from Bocconi University in Milan and in Business & Management of Entertainment from UCLA, she started her career in Hollywood at Verve in the Motion Picture department. She then transitioned to The Kennedy/Marshall Company, where she assisted Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern on the production of award-winning documentary Finding Oscar, executive produced by Steven Spielberg. After a few years working in management at Heroes and Villains Entertianment and launching their digital department, she decided to found Never Settle Media in 2022 with the purpose of nurturing digital content creators and global filmmakers in the entertainment industry. She most recently produced the short film ‘Zita Sempri’, a coming of age story set in Sicily where the female experience is dismantled across generations. This is the directorial debut of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ & ‘Station 19’ actress Stefania Spampinato, and it recently premiered at the 68th Taormina Film Festival, which was opened by Francis Ford Coppola presenting his 50th anniversary of ‘The Godfather’. Isabella is passionate about creating a supportive and positive community for clients and partners, and about amplifying important topics such as diversity & inclusion, female empowerment, and social change.
AFF Blog, Competitions, Juror Announcements, News, Screenplay Competition
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