Writers on Screenwriting: Craig Mazin

We know how valuable it can be to hear other writers discuss the craft. It can inspire renewed commitment to one's work, give ideas for different ways to approach a story and remind us that we are not alone with our frustrations - and joys - in the writing process. To become a better resource for up-and-coming writers, we've asked AFF speakers - past and upcoming - to share their thoughts, practices and lessons with us.

Craig Mazin is the co-writer of the hit comedies Scary Movie 3 and Scary Movie 4. Currently, he is writing The Hangover 2 with director Todd Phillips, as well as an action-comedy for producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a science-fiction comedy for Paramount Pictures, and a family adventure for 20th Century Fox.

Craig served on the Board of Directors of the Writers Guild of America, West from 2004 to 2006. He also runs The Artful Writer — a website for professional and aspiring screenwriters.

Writers on Screenwriting: Craig Mazin


Here's my One Simple Rule Of Screenwriting

1. Relax.

That doesn't mean sleep. It means relax. If you write one good page today, that's fine. Relax. If you write nothing today, then in all likelihood you'll have a ten-page-day a week from now, so relax. Can't figure the scene out? Relax. Scripts not selling? No one's reading your stuff? Or everyone's read it, and it's crap?

Relax, because grinding and despairing will never get the job done. They just make it harder. If you're meant to be a screenwriter, you'll be one. If not, you won't. Make sure you can pay your bills and support your family. The rest will happen as it will.

Take a breath. It's not the be-all, end-all. It can even be fun!

Just follow the rule.

Writers on Screenwriting is just a taste of the AFF Conference experience - we hope you'll join the conversations with Craig and others this October 21-24!

Randall Wallace on board for 2010 AFF!

After a long hiatus during which he was busy directing the upcoming and highly anticipated Secretariat (written by another AFF alum, Mike Rich), writer/director and AFF board member Randall Wallace will be joining us for the 2010 Conference!

Randy is unique among Hollywood filmmakers; his movies have been both critical award winners and tremendous commercial successes. Combined, his four films have grossed nearly $1 billion dollars at the theatrical box office, garnering numerous accolades including the prestigious Best Picture Oscar®.

Wallace wrote the Academy Award® winner Braveheart and the blockbuster Pearl Harbor. He also wrote, directed, and produced the critically acclaimed We Were Soldiers and The Man in the Iron Mask. Wallace is also the New York Times bestselling author of seven novels and the lyricist of the acclaimed hymn Mansions of the Lord, performed as the closing music for President Ronald Reagan’s national funeral.

Have questions for Randy? Send them to maya@austinfilmfestival.com and we'll post his answers on our blog!

The current list of 2010 panelists is up! Check it out here. New names are being added every week, so be sure to check in with us regularly.

Peter Hedges Returning to Austin!

We are delighted that Peter Hedges will be returning to Austin and joining us for the 2010 Conference, October 21-24! An AFF favorite, Peter wrote both the novel and screenplay adaptation for the highly acclaimed What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?, as well as the adapted Oscar-nominated screenplay About A Boy, and wrote and directed Dan in Real Life and Pieces of April.

Peter has a new novel out this spring, The Heights, available from amazon.com and in book stores. If you're in Austin, be sure to attend his reading at Book People on Wednesday, March 24th!

Check out this interview with him from the Brooklyn Eagle.

Have questions for Peter? Send them to maya@austinfilmfestival.com and we'll post his answers on our blog.

The current list of 2010 panelists is up! Check it out here. New names are being added every week, so be sure to check in with us regularly.

New Screenplay Competition Director 2010

Hello friends -

I hope 2010 finds you well. Things are already getting geared up around here and everyone is looking forward to the 17th Annual AFF in October.

I am writing to let you know that this will be my last week working with the Austin Film Festival. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working here and that is in no small part due to all of the people I have been able to work with. I can say without hesitation that this job would not be possible without all of your help and support and I thank you all for that.

The good news is that we didn't have to look very far for my replacement. Matt Dy, AFF's Office Manager for the last 2 years, will be taking my place. Matt is incredibly capable and very familiar with the competition and how it runs. He is also a writer himself which makes him well suited for the position. We have had plenty of time to make the hand-off and I know it will be a smooth transition.

Matt's email address is Matt@austinfilmfestival.com. Please feel free to welcome him to the position and introduce yourself.

Thanks again for all of your support. My forwarding address is mcphail.alex@gmail.com. Please don't hesitate to let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.

I hope to see you all again at the Festival in October.

Take care,
Alex McPhail