Writers Ranch

On Feb. 19th, AFF is launching our inaugural Writers Ranch.

Designed to launch careers, the mission of the Writers Ranch is to actively foster the development and production of emerging writers' and filmmakers' works through intensive workshops with distinguished industry professionals.

Three writers (Jeremy Wadzinski, Terry Parmer and Ben Lee) selected from our Board of Directors will be joining us at the Seven Sisters Estate ranch in Boerne TX, along with two industry professionals.

Congratulations to all three.

Look for posts through next week regarding progress at the Ranch.

M&Ms Oscar Bingo

The M&Ms web site now has a section dedicated to the Academy Awards ceremony, which wouldn't be terribly original (I mean, doesn't every candy company want you to eat their brand during the Oscars?) except for their offer of free downloadable "Oscar Bingo" cards. You know the drill - much like business buzzword bingo, you can cover the spaces on your card when certain phrases are spoken or certain events happen on screen.

For Oscar Bingo, phrases include "It's an honor to be here" and "I'm speechless." Some of the on-screen events are pretty generic like "Orchestra cuts off acceptance speech," but some of them are unusual and funny without being impossible. Personally, I like "cravat" and "Winner brought mom/dad as a date." Normally I fall asleep in front of the Academy Awards, but with that little something extra to keep me entertained, I may watch the whole thing.

Be sure to bring your Oscar Bingo cards to our Oscar Party at Ranch 616!

MovieMaker Magazine ranks Austin 2nd

As you may have read in the recent issue of MovieMaker magazine, Austin was ranked number 2 in the top 10 cities for moviemakers. In 2004, Austin was ranked number 1, I guess you cannot take the top spot every year. Nearby San Antonio was considered one of the "cities on the rise."

You can read an article about it in The Daily Texan, University of Texas' student paper, that I am quoted in. I learned a good lesson here, no matter how many different things you talk about, a reporter will always pick up on the oddest thing you say.

Looking for an intern

The Screenplay Competition Department is looking for interns for the Spring and Summer semesters. Anyone interested, please contact dawn@austinfilmfestival.com.