2022 Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference

I will be back again moderating panels and giving a special presentation.

After a couple of years away from the conference due to COVID, I will be back again in 2022! I just locked down my schedule today. Here it is.

Friday, October 28, 2022

A BREAKDOWN OF CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (Moderator)
3:15PM-4:30PM

The key to a powerful screenplay is creating complex characters that act as the viewer’s guide through the unknown. As film is a visual medium, it has the potential to extend past verbal limitations and reveal characters’ stories by utilizing just actions and emotions. Is this the reason why we’ve seen a boost in character-based narratives? This panel will explore the characteristics of a well-rounded protagonist, and writers will leave with insight into creating clear-cut characters, stories, and objectives.

Featured Guests: MATT COOK, ROBIA RASHID

Saturday, October 29, 2022

HOW TO WRITE ‘ACTION’ ON THE PAGE (Moderator)
4:45PM-6:00PM

What do you mean, “show, don’t tell?” Perfecting this particular skill is much easier said than done. In this panel, our group of outstanding action-genre writers will share their favorite methods for showing off their characters’ traits.

Featured Guests: OREN UZIEL, RIC ROMAN WAUGH, NICEOLE LEVY

Sunday, October 30, 2022

THE PROTAGONIST PASS (Presentation)
1:15PM-2:30PM

The Protagonist is almost always your story’s single most important character. Their wants, needs, backstory, and psychological journey drive the plot and shape relationships with other key characters. In this session, learn how to make the most of your rewrites by doing a Protagonist Pass. You’ll uncover new insights about your Protagonist and sharpen the focus of your story.

This is only for AFF screenwriting contest 2nd rounders and above.

I’ll also be doing a Roundtable on Saturday (12:30PM-1:45PM): The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television.

For more information on the event, go here.

Hope to see you there!

Twitter: @austinfilmfest.