If you’re interested in film, you should take advantage of the Austin Film Festival. It’s a great way to get started in the media business. AFF will be taking submissions up until June 1. The theme is “Where You’re From”, meaning submissions should film about your hometown and its significance to you. There are rules and guidelines just like any other competition would have. Those general rules include:
• Films must be submitted on VHS tape or DVD, NTSC, or PAL (please test before sending) and be available for screening on 35mm composite condition, HDCam, or digital file.
• Films must have been completed after April 1, 2010. Films must be available for screening during the Austin Film Festival, October 20-27, 2011.
• Narrative and Documentary films with U.S. distribution (obtained prior to being selected for AFF screening) or films produced, financed or initiated by a major film studio or television network are ineligible for competition, but may be considered for special screening. Selection for screening will be determined no later than one month prior to the festival. Films that have screened on US network or cable television or distributed to theaters prior to the festival dates are also ineligible for competition.
• Films that have played in Austin in a theatrical setting to a public audience are not eligible to be screened at the Austin Film Festival. The only exceptions to this rule are cast and crew screenings and films that have played in conjunction with the University of Texas at Austin.
• Austin Film Festival reserves the right to change submission category at their discretion.
If you want to get more involved with the Austin Film Festival you can visit their website, http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/new/. This is a great opportunity to people who have a passion for film, screenplay, or acting. There’s always a lot of famous people at the film festival and they’re looking for new talent, so get filming!