This year, as a 2nd rounder for my thriller feature, Lineage, I’m attending the legendary Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference virtually.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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!<\/p>\n
As a 2nd rounder, I have a lot of seminar options available through the virtual pass. So that pass seemed sensible for me.<\/p>\n
It saved me a boat load of cash too – no airfare, Uber, or hotel costs to pay.<\/p>\n
The contest received a record 14,648 entries this year.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A win, win!<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But the virtual event is incredible.<\/p>\n
I truly feel like I’m in the room, attending the event, listening to the speakers first-hand.<\/p>\n
I’m unencumbered by a mask. Didn’t need to swab my nose today or any other day of the festival.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Thus, the virtual pass lasts almost a week after the festival concludes in Texas. Yea!<\/p>\n
Okay, lunch break’s over. I gonna get back to the Festival.<\/p>\n
My advice to you – polish up your scripts. Submit them to Austin.<\/p>\n
Hope you get lucky and they make it a 2nd round read or higher.\u00a0If you do, strive to attend the festival, in person or virtually.<\/p>\n
You won’t regret it.\u00a0I don’t so far!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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