![]() ![]() We knew the film was powerful, but we had no idea it would elicit such raw, unfiltered emotion. When the screen cuts to black at the end, we were astounded at the open sobs we heard in the audience. The producers and I were excited, but we had no idea what type of emotional response the film would generate. “ The most memorable experience at the Austin Film Festival was having the opportunity to premiere the film there, and experience the very first full audience reaction to the film. Scooter Corkle Screenwriters to Watch 2018 (Writer, Hollow In The Land, Pour Retourner, Chloe and Attie) And nightmarish actually, knowing the pain never stops even at their level… Come to think of it, yeah no, it was mainly fear, that feeling was fear.” For those who sat in the room and listened to Shane Black and Walter Hill discuss the community we are all a part of, the struggles and the fights we all meet together, and how none of us are alone in this, the words were quite the inspiration. I met (and drank with) so many fascinating artists, was immersed in a relentless amount of interesting panel discussions – even speaking on one – and oh god the parties. I can’t say that I’ve been to a more filmmaker focused festival anywhere. “Similar to my own journey, my memorable moment at Austin was actually a series of moments. Tate Elizabeth Hanyok Screenwriter to Watch 2019 (Writer, Sex APPeal) It’s the first time I ever felt truly invited into Hollywood’s castle walls.” I simply could not believe I was sitting at tables with the big dogs. And cherished words of wisdom from some of my screenwriting heroes. It was an organizational masterpiece! I came away with some friends and collaborators for life. ![]() I was in awe of the instant community and overwhelmed by the diversity of events. Sean Collins-Smith Screenwriter to Watch 2019 (Writer, End of Life, 2017 Austin Film Festival Finalist) But because of Austin, she saw me win! And now she knows who I am, and has requested my work.” Not two minutes after my speech, I get a text message from that showrunner – she’s in the audience, she saw my speech, and she wants to buy me a drink after the ceremony is over to congratulate me on the award! It’s one of those things that you never think is possible – least of all for a guy who lived all the way out in Richmond, Virginia, 3,000 miles away from anything Hollywood related. Fast-forward to Austin, and I win an award for my pilot script, and have to go on stage to give a speech. We kept in contact on Twitter, and at one point she asked for my phone number. In Atlanta a few months prior, I’d met an amazing showrunner who was unbelievably kind and we ended up grabbing lunch together. However, I was still taken aback by the randomness of certain networking opportunities. I was more well-versed in networking this time around, and made an effort to approach people a little more. “The second time I went to the Austin Film Festival, I was a finalist in the AMC One-Hour Pilot category again. ![]()
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