This year, as a 2nd rounder for my thriller feature, Lineage, I’m attending the legendary Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference virtually.
Not just because the virtual badge was cheaper, but because airfare from Pittsburgh, PA to Austin, TX was ridiculous and their covid restrictions for the event were ridiculous as well.
Masks and vaccinations, I understand. But requiring all attendees to get covid tested and produce a negative result every 2 days just to attend the festival’s daily activities is just plain nuts!
As a 2nd rounder, I have a lot of seminar options available through the virtual pass. So that pass seemed sensible for me.
It saved me a boat load of cash too – no airfare, Uber, or hotel costs to pay.
The contest received a record 14,648 entries this year.
So far, I’m enjoying the event in the comfort of my living room recliner. I have snacks, drinks, lunch and dinner at the ready. I take bathroom breaks without missing a word of the host or guest speakers.
A win, win!
I’ve never attended Austin in person. Have only ranked as a 2nd rounder twice in the past 2 years. So I can only imagine how awesome it would be to enjoy the events first-hand in Texas with my peers and fellow creatives.
But the virtual event is incredible.
I truly feel like I’m in the room, attending the event, listening to the speakers first-hand.
I’m unencumbered by a mask. Didn’t need to swab my nose today or any other day of the festival.
So far, the information given by the speakers is priceless. I’m learning a lot. The events are filmed. Most of them are available hours or a day after they appear live.
Thus, the virtual pass lasts almost a week after the festival concludes in Texas. Yea!
Okay, lunch break’s over. I gonna get back to the Festival.
My advice to you – polish up your scripts. Submit them to Austin.
Hope you get lucky and they make it a 2nd round read or higher. If you do, strive to attend the festival, in person or virtually.
You won’t regret it. I don’t so far!
