Screenwriting : Lew Ritter by Lewis Ritter

Well, it was at AFF that I met the agent who first sold one of my scripts. Safe to say that your mileage may vary, but it was a win for me.

I agree with Jim. They have great screenwriter's panels and really tout themselves as a screenwriter's festival. I was a second rounder in 2013 and 2014 and they're very nice people. Last year, they provided me with free coverage for my script. Another benefit is Austin is a great party town. So there's a lot to do while at the festival. My experience with contest and film festivals has been largely favorable and has assisted me build my brand.

I am looking forward to networking with influential agents and managers. I have some excellent scripts, and contest wins, but they have not done much to boost my career. If you place high in the contest, are agents etc more receptive to hearing your pitch and reading your stuff? Did you get any work as result of the Festival?

I went last year as my TV pilot reached the second round. I would say once is enough. And get the highest pass you can afford so you can go to all the networking events, otherwise you're wasting your time and money.

Has anyone been able to quit their day job and earn a living as writer? Being a second rounder should mean that people pay serious attention to your stuff and want to read it and rep you. Am I too optimistic?

Possible you are too optimistic about being a second rounder. Speaking as a guy who's been one, there are lots of second rounders. It doesn't automatically mark you as industry-ready and no, reps will not particularly be impressed. I was also a semi-finalist (top 10) and that standing did not in itself generate interest from reps either. The year I went the WINNER got pursued by at least one rep at the festival (clung to him like a barnacle), but I did not see that for any other writer that I was aware of.

I met last year's winner. He has an agent but he's still doing the competition circuit. Ergo, winning some competitions is no guarantee of anything except perhaps the prize money!

I love AFF and I will be returning as a speaker and moderator this year for my 3rd time. It's worth the money to go. Last year, one of my clients came in second in the pitch competition and I got him signed to a manager from that. In fact, 3 managers approached me IN the bar during the finals and told me I had to introduce them & they wanted to sign him. I've had 2 clients win the Screenwriting Contest. 1 TV, 1 Film. the film writer did get meetings from that. But either way, its a great 5 days!

I am entered in several competitions. My script Whistleblower won the Breaking Down the Walls thriller competition and my pilot for Turbulence is entered in several contests. I have some contacts, but all I get from them is vague promises. I want to go to AFF and network like crazy. I am hoping to win more contests and get my stuff out there.

Here's an article I wrote about last year's AFF for Creative Screenwriting: http://creativescreenwriting.com/comic-con-for-screenwriters-austin-film...

Thanks for the article. Danny, did you speak for Steve Arevities NY screenwriters group? I have gotten a lot of great feedback. Should I bring scripts?

Any thoughts on UoT Austin's MFA film programs?

Hey Lewis, Yes, I have spoken to NYC Screenwriters before a few years ago. No, there's no real point in bringing scripts. But if you're pitching, you better bring a good pitch. And definitely bring cards or one-sheets!