Tag: film

September 11, 2019 ~ AFF

Posted onAuthorGary WimmerLeave a comment

Austin Film Festival
Panel of Speakers

Our next #NAMixer on Wednesday, September 11th at Opal Divine’s Austin Grill features up to 4 speakers from the staff of the Austin Film Festival (AFF).

Every October something big and wonderful happens here in Austin: AFF’s Annual Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference. Founders Barbara Morgan & Marsha Milam created AFF to celebrate the art of storytelling through film in 1993, bringing writers, filmmakers, and the community together to further the art and craft of filmmaking by inspiring and championing the work of screenwriters, filmmakers, and all artists using the language of film to tell a story. It was the first event of its kind to take the lead in bringing professional and amateur screenwriters — and now filmmakers — together to celebrate the role of the screenplay in filmmaking and discuss the considerable creative possibilities of writing for film and television. Going a step further, it brings producers, agents, and screenwriters together to foster the sale of screenplays and launch long-term successful careers.

And did you know that AFF also offers an array of amenities throughout the year?

Classes Workshops Summer Camps Filmmaker Q&As Networking Events Festival Scholarships Conversations in Film Student Opportunities Audience Award Series Youth Filmmakers Program Podcasts, Radio Programs, Television Series
Membership Program with advance screenings, film premieres, script readings, exclusive parties, discounts around town, and more

So come to Opal Divine’s on September 11th to learn more from our fine panel featuring:

  • Marissa Padden, Theater Operations Manager
  • Brittany Falk, Executive Administrator
  • Corbin Heinchon, Production Manager
  • Samantha Levine, Marketing Director

AFF Badges 2019

Last Month

We want to extend our warmest gratitude to the one and only Bill Kirchenbauer for guest speaking on Wednesday August 14, 2019!

An intensely talented and creative actor, stand-up comedian and much sought-after entertainer, Bill kept our audience mesmerized for over an hour as he delivered his, well, thing: presenting enlightening and informative insights highlighted with tasteful doses of spontaneous humor and brilliant entertainment. Because that’s what he does, and does so well. Thanks again, Bill! You are always a superb speaker and entertainer.

See photos here, and more mixer photos here.

Come on the 11th and bring a friend to network and enjoy the show. While there enjoy 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.

Beware both rush hour traffic and current construction! From IH35,

heading south, slight right with construction cones veers off the frontage road to get to the businesses just north of Oltorf, including Opal Divine’s at the Best Western Plus Hotel

heading north, turn left onto Oltorf, then turn right immediately after crossing over the southbound frontage road of IH35 onto East Live Oak Street, and turn right into the Best Western Plus Hotel parking lot where Opal Divine’s is situated

Pass along our website and check it for details about each month’s speaker(s)!
Find this month’s mixer on Facebook and invite your friends.
Get on our mailing list and keep up with us on social media:
Like our page & join our group on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Mixing & Networking @ 6:00PM, Announcements @ 6:30, Program @ 6:45
Followed by More Mixing & Mingling and Networking

August 14, 2019 ~ Bill Kirchenbauer

Posted onAuthorGary WimmerLeave a comment

Bill Kirchenbauer
Entertainer Extraordinaire

Bill Kirchenbauer

Our guest speaker at August’s #NAMixer will be the one and only Bill Kirchenbauer, an intensely talented and insanely creative actor, comedian, producer, writer, host, and much sought-after entertainer. Bill has appeared in film flicks you may have seen, including Airplane, National Lampoon, and Stoogemania, as well as starring and regular roles on television series, including Mork & Mindy, Fernwood Tonight & America 2 Night, Night Court, and Totally Hidden Video.

Bill’s been tickling people’s funny bones since early childhood. Later, while his peers studied marketing strategy, he pursued mime, ventriloquism, and improvisation, leading up to his winning the first Stand Up Competition in Los Angeles in 1978. Soon after that victory, he appeared on Late Night With David Letterman and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Carson liked Bill so much that he booked him for 10 more appearances.

ABC executives knew a good thing when they saw his popularity spiral in the role of the irascible, but lovable, “Coach Lubbock” in the hit series Growing Pains, leading to starring in a spinoff in the same role that also proved to be a ratings hit, Just the Ten of Us, which continues to air in many countries, including the United States on the USA Network.

Bill’s true love has always been the stage, and he’ll be on ours this month! So don’t miss an evening with him to learn what drives him, how he manifested his dreams, and his successes. Mark you calendars and join us on Wednesday, August 14 @ Opal Divine’s for a fun-filled, inspirational, and unique experience with stories from our industry’s foxhole.

Last Month

We extend our deepest appreciation to those brave and highly successful casting directors who graced our stage in July: Brad & Kimberly Burton, both CSAs of Burton Casting, Michael Druck of Michael Druck Casting, and our own amazing Donise Hardy, CSA, of A Casting Place.

These outstanding professionals shared their insights and experiences with our huge crowd, and answered all kinds of questions from our attendees. Thank you all so much for your time and passion!

See photos here, and more mixer photos here.

Come on the 14th and bring a friend to network and enjoy the show. While there enjoy 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.

Beware both rush hour traffic and current construction! From IH35,

heading south, slight right with construction cones veers off the frontage road to get to the businesses just north of Oltorf, including Opal Divine’s at the Best Western Plus Hotel

heading north, turn left onto Oltorf, then turn right immediately after crossing over the southbound frontage road of IH35 onto East Live Oak Street, and turn right into the Best Western Plus Hotel parking lot where Opal Divine’s is situated

Pass along our website and check it for details about each month’s speaker(s)!
Find this month’s mixer on Facebook and invite your friends.
Get on our mailing list and keep up with us on social media:
Like our page & join our group on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Mixing & Networking @ 6:00PM, Announcements @ 6:30, Program @ 6:45
Followed by More Mixing & Mingling and Networking