Austin Film Festival: Friday Panel & Film Picks
Friday. Day two of Austin Film Festival. Everything’s really getting going now, but you’re already worn out from yesterday’s insanity. Not to worry, we have you all set! We’ve even taken into account that some panels might be full, so we’ve gone ahead and given you a backup. That’s just the kind of friends we are.
9:00 AM: Script to Screen: MAD MEN, Driskill Maximilian Room
Start your day off with a…well, if you thought we were going to say “bang", then you haven’t seen “Mad Men”, Matthew Weiner’s moody masterpiece of tension and drama set in the fast-paced world of advertising in 1960s New York. This is a personal favorite around the Austinist offices, and we can’t wait to hear how these haunting stories come to life.
ALT: How to Sell your Spec Script, Stephen F. Austin Ballroom
Learn how to get an agent, find a producer, and all the other stuff no one ever has to do on “Entourage,” with tips from people who’ve done it.
10:45 AM: Write What You Know (Fantasy/Sci Fi), Stephen F. Austin Ballroom
If you attended the previous panel in that room,“How to Sell your Spec Script,” then you’re sitting pretty (see what we did there?) for one of the hottest panels of the day. This is a virtual who’s who of sci-f (syfy?) rock stars. Sit slack-jawed as Michael Green (“Heroes,” “Smallville”), John Turman (Hulk), and Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi[!]) regale you with war stories from the set of shows you’ve always dreamt of being a part of.
ALT: What Gets Producers Excited, Stephen F. Austin Assembly Room
How can you make it in film if you’re not peddling what everyone’s looking for?
(Don’t forget to eat. Take a few minutes here and grab a burrito or something before heading to the next panel.)
1:45: The Art of Storytelling, Driskill Ballroom
You didn’t buy a ticket to AFF so someone could tell you storytelling is an art. But if you want to talk about how to make that art with people that believe as you do and have done it before, this is a good panel to hit. The venerable Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi[!]) will join Peter Hedges (About a Boy, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape). Daniel Petrie Jr. (Beverly Hills Cop) and Cheryl Hines (Serious Moonlight) should add a little bit of levity.
ALT: Breaking into (and Writing for) Animation, Stephen F. Austin Assembly Room
This town is chock full of artists too. Let producers from King of the Hill and Disney help you get started.
3:15: Documentaries from the Ground Up, Driskill Hogg Room
Anyone can grab a camera and point it at their friends. But what turns home movies into a documentary, and what do you do with a it once you’ve made it? Get helpful tips from other documentary filmmakers who’ve been there and can help you learn from their mistakes and benefit from their knowledge.
ALT: Breaking Into the Business, Stephen F. Austin Ballroom
Let’s cut the crap. Breaking into the business is what we’re all here for.
5:00: Film Texas BBQ, French Legation
BBQ. Delicious. (Producer’s Pass only)
6:00: Screening: Left Field, Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
This doc, about a rowdy kickball league that evolves into a de facto family and how they handle the twists and turns life brings their way, is a blast. As the sun sets on a long day of panel-hopping, sit back and enjoy these colorful characters play kickball in the park. The road gets bumpy, but you’ll enjoy every moment.
7:00: Marquee Screening: Precious, Paramount
This movie’s been getting a lot of buzz—here’s your chance to get in on it early. The story of an abused girl in Harlem circa 1987 and how she struggles to overcome the obstacles life has put in her way, is based on the acclaimed novel Push. Oprah says shouldn’t miss it, and we always do what she says, so…
ALT: Screening: American Cowslip, Texas Spirit Theater
Colorful and zany without being obnoxious, this is a star-studded fairy tale through the mind of one of the most lovable junkies you’ll ever meet.
8:30: Mitchell Hurwitz Presents AFF Presents…, Alamo Drafthouse Ritz
This incredibly talented writer and producer is probably most famous for the cult classic and critically acclaimed series “Arrested Development.” Who knows what he will be showing at this screening? No one’s telling, but we’re more than a little sure that whatever it is will be side-splittingly funny.
10:15: Screening: Harmony & Me, Texas Spirit Theater
This film looks like a lot of fun, and it’s not just because of the Bishop Allen song on the trailer. Director Robert Byington (Registered Sex Offender) returns to AFF with the story of a recently dumped guy that’s having trouble getting over it. This smart comedy takes a cutting look at depression that seem to come standard with the “quarter life crisis.”
There! See, that wasn’t so bad, was it? Now you’re ready to go get some film knowledge imparted to you. Head on out, have fun, and hey…don’t forget to turn off your cellphone.
Be sure to check in every morning for our Panel & Film Picks, as we continue to cover the 2009 Austin Film Festival!
