Austin Film Festival
Panel of Speakers
At our next mixer on Wednesday, August 8th at Opal Divine’s Austin Grill we present up to 4 speakers from the staff of the Austin Film Festival (AFF). Celebrating its Silver Anniversary this year, AFF is recognized as one of the best and most important film festivals, offering movies galore of every genre (many first releases), as well as panels and workshops with industry specialists discussing filmmaking, screenwriting, production, casting, financing, greenlighting, and much more. Come learn lots about it and wish AFF a Happy 25th Anniversary at this month’s #NAMixer.
AFF will be announcing a special discount promo code for anyone in our audience who may wish to attend its annual Film Festival & Conference on October 25 – November 1, so make sure to make it to this mixer!
Spanning 8 jam-packed days & nights, this year’s Austin Film Festival & Conference features film screenings, workshops, roundtables, panels, parties, special events, and numerous networking opportunities. Find out about submitting, volunteering, interning, and everything there is to know about AFF’s Festival & Conference on October 25 – November 1, 2018 from these fine staff people of AFF:
Samantha Johnson – Executive Administrator (manages the script readings and is always looking for actors)
Born and raised in Texas, Samantha graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in English. Her passion for writing and storytelling led her to the Austin Film Festival where she began as an intern in the Conference Department before taking on the role of Film Marketing & Events Coordinator. Most recently Sam served as the Office Manager and she is thrilled to now be taking over the position of Executive Administrator at AFF. Out of the office, you can find Sam in the Red River District enjoying live music or binge-watching movies over queso and champagne.
Gabbi Lindgren – Script Competitions Coordinator (manages the volunteer readers)
Originally from Eagan, Minnesota, Gabbi moved to Austin in January of 2015. Since her move she has filled a number of roles within AFF from starting as an intern in the Development Department to eventually serving as the Registration Director for the 2015 Festival before transitioning to her role in the Screenplay Department in which she coordinates all things administrative for the Competition. In her free time she enjoys throwing the Frisbee for her dog, Jasper, eating breakfast tacos, and of course, watching movies.
Samantha Levine – Marketing Director
Originally from Chicago, Samantha attended the University of Texas at Austin and has stayed in the city ever since. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance with a concentration in RTF. Samantha originally joined AFF as an Office Management Intern for the 2013 Festival and has also filled the roles of Event Coordinator, Office Manager, Theater Operations Coordinator and Script Reading Coordinator. Samantha is looking forward to furthering the mission of AFF through marketing efforts. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys yoga, going to see live music and theatre, performing and sleeping.
Rob Gonzalez – Volunteer Manager
Raised in the Treasure Valley and Rocky Mountains of Idaho, Rob came to Austin by way of Tucson after graduating from the University of Arizona. He began interning with Austin Film Festival in 2016 and was hired shortly after as the Volunteer Manager. With his varied work experience as a white water raft salesman, ski patroller, independent theater manager, and kombucha brewer, Rob continues to serve as the head of volunteer operations. You can find him outside of work in the middle of nowhere enjoying the harshest nature he can find, or at home on his couch, sipping a homebrewed drink, and playing video games.
So check out the AFF Filmmakers Roundtable: Meet The Crew at the 4th Tap Brewing Co-op on Tuesday, August 7th, and the next night be sure to join us at this month’s Network Austin Mixer on Wednesday, August 8th at Opal Divine’s for insights and info about AFF and its upcoming Film Festival and Conference.
Get there early to take advantage of Opal Divine’s Happy Hour which lasts until 7, then $3 “Three for Texas” beers the rest of the evening. And don’t cook or go anywhere else for a meal or snacks because Opal’s offers a tasty and largely locally-sourced menu of goodies.
Last Month
We extend our deepest thanks to writer, producer, filmmaker, sound engineer (and more) Andrew Garrison for his excellent presentation at our Wednesday July 11th Mixer! Andrew showed some clips of his work, explained his processes and creative approaches, and answered a multitude of questions from our audience. Andrew is continuing to make movies right here in Austin, where he teaches production and is the Audio Area Head of Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin. Thank you, Andrew, for your time, insights, professionalism, and inspiration!
See photos here, and more mixer photos here.
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Mixing & Networking @ 6:00PM, Announcements @ 6:30, Speakers @ 6:45
Followed by More Mixing & Mingling and Networking