Austin Film Festival Announces New Scripted Digital Series Competition for 2015 Festival

For its 22nd anniversary, Austin Film Festival (AFF) is introducing a new contest to its program: The Scripted Digital Series Competition. This competition will accept both filmed and written submissions in an effort to find talented voices who can adapt their vision to emerging digital platforms. From the film and script submissions from the competition, AFF will select one winner who displays the strongest voice and greatest potential for establishing a digital series.

"Compelling narratives are no longer confined to the movie theater or television screen," AFF Co-founder and Executive Director Barbara Morgan said. "More and more, writers are turning to online platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or their own websites to bring their stories to life. As a result, the entertainment industry is in the middle of an unprecedented creative expansion outwards, and AFF is proud to be one of the first film festivals to recognize and celebrate this new method of storytelling."

The Scripted Digital Series follows the Festival's long history of programming new media and innovative formats. AFF was one of the first festivals to include television into its programs and Conference, and it continues to find and promote new talent annually. By incorporating the Scripted Digital Series Competition, AFF intends to support the artists behind this new medium through industry exposure and attention.

To further support this addition to the Festival, AFF plans to showcase writers, producers, and innovators of digital platforms at its renowned Screenwriters Conference where filmmakers can refine their craft, make connections, and walk away inspired to start their next project.

Juries for all AFF competitions consist of established writers, filmmakers, and industry insiders who often also serve as panelists for the Screenwriters Conference. Past jurors have included America Ferrera, Tom Skerritt, Ashley Miller, James V. Hart, Leigh Whannell, Jenny Lumet, Stephen Falk, Craig Mazin, and executives from companies such as The Weinstein Company, AMC, Sundance Institute, Oscilloscope Laboratories, and Gravitas Ventures.

Entrants that advance to the Semifinalist level will be asked to provide a treatment of their vision for the series and how subsequent episodes will unfold. The winner of the Scripted Digital Series Competition will receive a $1000 cash prize, AFF's bronze typewriter statue, and reimbursement for travel and lodging. Additionally, all filmed series finalists will be screened publicly at the 2015 Festival.

About Austin Film Festival

Austin Film Festival is funded and supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, City of Austin Economic Growth & Redevelopment Services Office/Cultural Arts Division.

For more information on submitting a film or screenplay, please visit www.austinfilmfestival.com.

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