Narratives In Progress

What it is:
Our Narratives-in-Progress program began in 2005 as a way to offer the growing, diverse and vibrant filmmaking community of Austin peer-level critiques of rough/fine cuts of their narrative features. Films that have gone through the program have premiered at major film festivals like Sundance, SXSW and the LA Film Festival.

We hold regular screenings of rough/fine cuts, followed by audience discussion and feedback (written and verbal). Sessions are moderated by experienced Austin filmmakers and audience members are expected to agree to confidentiality regarding the film and the feedback process.

Screenings are held in the evening, in the Austin Studios Screening Room. Filmmakers can select up to 10 people to invite to the screening. The remaining 20 available seats are open to AFS Filmmaker-level members on an RSVP basis.

The Narratives-in-Progress Steering Committee will select which films will be screened.

Eligibility:
The director / producer must be a current AFS member at the Filmmaker level ($50/year) or above.

Submitted rough cuts should have a running time between 40 and 120 minutes.

Filmmakers should send in their applications in advance, as it can take up to a month for the review process and scheduling process to yield a screening date.

Filmmakers may submit their film for consideration a maximum of 2 times.

1. 2 VHS or DVD copies of the film (40-120 minute running time).
2. Contact information, including: Name, mailing address, phone, e-mail.
3. A short synopsis of the film (1 paragraph maximum, should read like a festival program).
4. Description of video submitted. Detail any technical problems the committee should be aware of for review.
5. Notes on what kind of feedback you'd like to receive.
6. Project Personnel (1 page maximum). This should include a short bio for the Director/Producer, as well as brief bios of the key creative personnel on the project.
7. Timeline for the project, covering pre-production through distribution (1 page maximum).
8. SASE if you want your materials returned.

Please note: projects will not be considered unless the Producer / Director is an AFS Filmmaker-level (or higher) member. If you would like to submit your film for consideration in the series, and do not qualify at the member level, please also enclose a $50 check made payable to Austin Film Society or join online.

• Austin Film Society
• ATTN: Narratives-in-Progress
• 1901 E. 51st
• Austin, TX 78723

What happens next:
We will not be able to publicly screen all submitted films. Once we receive submitted materials, the information is forwarded to members of our Screening Committee. They review the materials and will do one of two things: recommend the film for a public feedback screening session; or return the materials to the filmmaker with written comments.

If selected for a public screening, the filmmaker will be matched up with a moderator who will coordinate an audience feedback questionnaire. AFS staff will work with the filmmaker to schedule the event and technical details.

The night of the event we recommend the filmmaker have an associate keep notes on the moderated discussion following the screening. The entire event will run a maximum of 3 hours.

Narratives-in-Progress Steering Committee Members:

Janet Pierson, co-chair
Bryan Poyser, co-chair
Kat Candler
Mia Carter
Justin Hennard
Kyle Henry
Scott Rice
Beth Sepko
Yaphet Smith
Jacob Vaughan
Anne Walker
Dana Wheeler-Nicholson
David Zellner
Nathan Zellner

 "I'd had several test screenings of my rough cut before Narratives-In-Progress, but the AFS screening was by far the most helpful. The participants were knowledgeable and genuinely interested in helping the film and the event was set up to ensure we could stay and discuss the edit in a meaningful way."

-Chris Eska, AUGUST EVENING


Questions about the process?
Contact Director of Artist Services Bryan Poyser at bryan@austinfilm.org or call 512 322-0145.