Thursday, September 29, 2011

A Letter from Franklin Leonard, VP Creative Affairs at Overbrook Entertainment and Creator & CEO of The Black List


I am frankly embarrassed to have not been more aware of the Austin Film Festival before 2010, my first year attending the Festival.

Here I am, the creator of the Black List, the annual list of Hollywood’s most liked unproduced screenplays, and here’s a film festival built to celebrate screenwriters. Hell, the logo is a typewriter with film cascading out where the paper should be.

Point is, the Austin Film Festival is a natural home for me as it would be for anyone who believes in the power and value of a great screenplay. There will be tons of us there in 2011 and, I am certain, beyond. And we will be talking about screenplays, how to write better ones, and celebrating those that have already pulled off the feat.

Truth be told, you don’t even need to care all that much about the screenplay to enjoy the festival. A love of movies is probably enough, just don't expect to leave without joining the rest of us who revere those who walk out onto the blank page and come out on the other end with a work of genius.

Looking forward to 2011,

Franklin Leonard
Creator & CEO
The Black List


Franklin Leonard will be hosting The Black List Conference Wrap Party on Saturday, 10/22, 11:00pm-1:00am. Open to Weekend Badge holders and above.

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