AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL AND BIG INDIE PICTURES
Big Indie Pictures will be sponsoring both the AFF Film Competition’s Narrative Feature Award and Fellowship, as well as the Script Competition’s Big Indie Pictures Screenwriter Fellowship.
AUSTIN, TX (March 20, 2024) — Austin Film Festival (AFF) and Big Indie Pictures are excited to announce a brand-new partnership for the 31st Annual Austin Film Festival. Big Indie will be the presenting sponsor of both the AFF Film Competition’s Narrative Feature Award and Fellowship, as well as the Script Competition’s Big Indie Screenwriter Fellowship.
Founded in 2006, Big Indie is a film, television, and documentary production company based in New York that is predominantly known for its work in independent film on projects like Still Alice, Manchester by the Sea, and Captain Fantastic. Big Indie has an extensive production services arm that has partnered on recent projects like Swarm, Daisy Jones and the Six, Underground Railroad, Being the Ricardos and many others. Big Indie also recently produced Michael Shannon’s directorial debut Eric LaRue.
As the presenting sponsor of the Film Competitions’ Narrative Feature category, Big Indie Pictures will review the submitted films of the finalists, with a representative of Big Indie acting as a juror for the competition. Narrative Feature category winner will receive the Big Indie Pictures Fellowship, which gives the winner industry guidance to help shape their next project through the development process. The fellowship will include assistance in creating/editing a pitch deck, practicing their pitch, plus meeting with members of Big Indie Pictures to learn behind-the-scenes practices of developing and workshopping original ideas, IP, and more. Conversations during the program may include, but not limited to insights on pitfalls to avoid and methods to stay active and involved in the industry, tips on career guidance, and best practices. Additionally, the winner will receive the AFF Bronze Typewriter Trophy and $2,500 cash prize. Finally, the winner receives the opportunity to continue work with Big Indie Pictures after the Fellowship per the discretion of both parties.
The Big Indie Pictures Screenwriter Fellowship is open to narrative feature scripts of any genre from writers or writer/directors with a unique take on a genre or contemporary conversation that feels fresh and can be produced independently. Scripts must be entered in the drama or comedy feature category to add fellowship consideration. The fellow receives $1,000 cash prize and $500 travel allowance to attend the Austin Film Festival. Big Indie Pictures will provide winner industry guidance to help develop and potentially produce a feature through the Fellowship Program.
Big Indie’s Karl Hartman says about the partnership, “We are thrilled to partner with the Austin Film Festival and its 2024 iteration. The festival’s focus on writers and independent cinema could not feel more timely. Our goal for this partnership with AFF is to assist in continuing its efforts in supporting up and coming artists and filmmakers as they make their way into the industry. We can’t wait to start reading and looking forward to being inspired!”
AFF’s Film & Script Competitions are currently open for submissions. Film submission deadlines are as follows: Early Deadline of March 22, Regular Deadline of May 17, Late Deadline of June 21, and Extended Deadline of July 6. For the screenplay competition, the deadlines happen March 22 for the Early Deadline, April 19 for the Regular Deadline, and May 24 for the Late Deadline.