Screenwriting Master Michael Lucker Breaks Down a Script at This Month's Eat, Drink, & B-Indie!

Fresh off hosting his Screenwriter School this weekend (July 18-19), acclaimed screenwriter and industry expert Michael Lucker will join us for a special EDBI all about Screenwriting. We will break down a script using 12 actors and a scene written by Lucker himself. ATLFF Screenplay Programmer Ali Coad will also be on hand to answer questions!

It all happens Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30 PM at Manuel's Tavern.

Once you learn from Lucker and finish your own film, television or webseries screenplay, make sure you submit it to the 2016 ATLFF Screenplay Competition!

Join us on the third Tuesday of every month at Manuel's Tavern for Eat, Drink, & B-Indie presented by Stella Artois! The first 40 (age appropriate) attendees will receive a ticket good for a free Stella Artois.

Support Our Filmmaker-in-Residence, Darrell C. Hazelrig, With a Night of Comedic Shenanigans

As part of our year-round filmmaker residency program, the Atlanta Film Festival proudly presents The "Edgor & Izzy" Variety Show!; a special IndieGogo Launch Event for the Feature Film "Edgor & Izzy!" Taking place Thursday, July 16th @ 9:30PM, at the Plaza Theatre!

Come out and support local filmmaker (and ATLFF alum) Darrell C. Hazelrig as he takes the momentum built from multiple award-winning short films into the feature film realm. This film's extremely talented cast, friends, and supporters have put together an epic show for their IndieGogo launch; come support the huge and exciting undertaking going into production on a feature film is!

Every supporter (ticket-buyer or donation) will receive updates from the set of "Edgor & Izzy" when production kicks off in October! One of the great things about indie filmmaking is that we get to include all of you in every step of the process!

EVENT DETAILS

Location: Plaza Theatre, Downstairs
Time: 9:30PM
Price: $10 (all proceeds will go toward the production of "Edgor & Izzy") ; Available below!
Make a Donation: In addition to your ticket purchase, you can make a donation to the production of this film; it takes a village! All donations are tax deductible. See the ticket purchase window below.

"EDGOR & IZZY" SYNOPSIS 
Two brothers find themselves adrift within a nightmarishly fantastical landscape of their own psychological making, forced to work together to overcome their differences in order to escape from the haunting specter of their innermost fears and weaknesses. 

PRODUCTION
"Edgor & Izzy" is scheduled to kick off production in October. It will be filmed locally, as well as out west in some of our nation's most iconic locations, such as Death Valley and Old Route 66. The vast majority of its cast and crew are Atlanta-based, all of which are super excited to bring this fantastical story to our audience here at home and beyond!

WHAT SHENANIGANS TO EXPECT
In addition to a special discussion with the film's cast and crew, some of them -- as well as awesomely infamous local talent -- will be strutting their stuff on stage for a night jam-packed with laughs (and probably a healthy dose of comedic irreverence)! 

LINEUP:

DAD'S GARAGE
Improv Comedy 

EVAN FOWLER
Stand-up Comedian

BEAU BROWN
Adult-Themed Puppetry

HEATHER LUTTRELL
Singer/Songwriter

TIPPY TAPAGE
Tap Burlesque

HOSTED BY:
Brian Bremer

Check out all of the performer photos, bios, and videos we'll be releasing on our Facebook page all week! Come be part of the excitement! 

FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Darrell Hazelrig (Writer/Director), Christopher Sailor (Producer), Shannon Reis (Producer/Casting Director), Elizabeth Leary (Producer), Molly Coffee (Production Designer), Jessica Hinckle (Script Supervisor), plus many more!

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT "EDGOR & IZZY"

Become a Fan on Facebook
Join the Launch Party Facebook Event
Check Out the Website

Macon Film Festival to Celebrate its 10th Anniversary July 16-19—Screening Several ATLFF Alumni

We are very excited for our brothers and sisters just south of ATL to kick-off their 10th annual film festival!

The Macon Film Festival moved their annual film celebration from February to July this year, joining forces with the Bragg Jam Music Festival to form an even larger, 10-day event for the city. The four-day film festival takes place in downtown Macon from July 16-19, making use of Macon's historic cinemas, beautiful streets and elegant party venues.

The Macon Film Festival has long been a proponent of both Georgia-made film and Southern film. Both Southern documentaries and music documentaries receive special attention in Macon, representing the city's musical heritage.

This year's opening night film is "Mavis," from director Jessica Edwards, which premiered at SXSW earlier this year. Georgia film icon Burt Reynolds is scheduled to attend, with special screenings of his films "Deliverance" and "Sharky's Machine" set to play at the Cox Capital Theatre.

Several films from ATLFF will screen in Macon, including features "Divided Time," "Frame by Frame," "Old South" and "Wildlike" and short films "The Bravest the Boldest" and "Thundercluck: Chicken of Thor."

For more information and to get your tickets and passes now, check out MaconFilmFestival.com!

Sign Up for a Slot at the New Mavericks Open Mic Night on July 15!

Last month, New Mavericks launched a new monthly networking event at Java Vino on the third Wednesday evening of every month. This month, the New Mavs are hosting an open mic night for you to introduce yourself to the Atlanta filmmaking community on Wednesday, July 15!

Sign up for a slot now! Each person will get a maximum of 2 minutes on the mic. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with other mavericks and talk about what you do, what you're working on and areas where you could use assistance. Thanks again to Java Vino for hosting!

Russell Sheaffer's Experimental Feature "Masculinity/Femininity" (ATLFF '15) is Available for Free

"Masculinity/Femininity" is an experimental documentary feature from renowned filmmaker Russell Sheaffer that played this year's ATLFF. Picking up where "Masculinity & Me"—his short film starring James Franco—left off, "Masculinity/Femininity" is presented as a series of monologues, stories and performance pieces by artists, academics and gender theorists.

Sheaffer also had an experimental short film play this year's festival. "Broken Jaw" is a mediation on physical and psychological trauma.

To celebrate the United States Supreme Court's decision on marriage equality, Sheaffer decided to release "Masculinity/Femininity" without cost through Vimeo On Demand. Click here to rent the film free of charge, using Promo Code: Equality.

ATLFF is dedicated to experimental film programming—both features and short films. Our annual experimental shorts block consistently exceeds expectations, and "Masculinity/Femininity" is just one example of an ATLFF experimental feature official selection. Additionally, partnerships with local organizations like Contraband Cinema help keep us focused on experimental film year-round.

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We are now accepting submissions for the Experimental Features, Experimental Shorts and all other categories for the 2016 Atlanta Film Festival. The Regular Deadline is September 18.

ATLFF Now Accepting Pilot Episodes in Both Film and Screenplay Submissions

"Pepper's Place," from Zombie Cat Productions and Fake Wood Wallpaper.

Through partnerships with cable networks such as HBO, Starz, SundanceTV, ESPN, Fox Sports, FX, AMC and BBC America, the Atlanta Film Festival has been screening amazing television programming for years. Earlier this year, at the 39th annual ATLFF, we showcased our first ever indie television pilot—"Pepper's Place," directed by Atlanta's own Molly Coffee of Zombie Cat Productions.

Incorporating colorful set pieces, skillful puppetry, and catchy music, "Pepper's Place" was a pitch-perfect and hilarious compliment to our annual Touch the Puppet Head event.

Having seen the success of "Pepper's Place" at ATLFF '15 and the growing number of pilots produced annually, we are now opening up both film and screenplay submissions to pilot episodes for the first time ever!

Working on a one-hour drama pilot? Maybe it's a 30-minute sitcom? Have a great web series idea? We are looking for great works in all categories. Haven't shot your pilot yet? No problem—we have a screenplay competition as well.

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The Call for Entries is now open for Pilot Episodes and all other categories for the 2016 Atlanta Film Festival and for the 2016 ATLFF Screenplay Competition. The Regular Deadline is September 18.

ATLFF '15 Best Documentary Feature Winner "Stray Dog"—One of the Year's Most Lauded Films

The Documentary Feature Jury Award-Winning film from the 2015 Atlanta Film Festival was Debra Granik's "Stray Dog."

Harley-Davidson, leather, tattooed biceps: Ron "Stray Dog" Hall looks like an authentic tough guy. A Vietnam veteran, he runs a trailer park in rural Missouri with his wife, Alicia, who recently emigrated from Mexico. Gradually, a layered image comes into focus of a man struggling to come to terms with his combat experience. When Alicia's teenage sons arrive, the film reveals a tender portrait of an America outside the mainstream. "Stray Dog" is a powerful look at the veteran experience, a surprising love story, and a fresh exploration of what it takes to survive in the hardscrabble heartland. (official synopsis)

You probably recognize Granik's name as the Oscar-nominated writer-director of 2010's "Winter's Bone." Shortly after that film debuted at Sundance, it played ATLFF, earned several Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture) and went on to launch the career of America's currently reigning movie star queen, Jennifer Lawrence. It was on the set of "Winter's Bone" that Granik first met Ron Hall, one of the film's characters. The contrast of his gruff appearance with his truly gentle nature was so fascinating, Granik turned her camera to Hall for a documentary and "Stray Dog"—the film—was born.

As you can see, "Stray Dog" played dozens of festivals—many of them in competition—and went on to win a bevy of awards. It was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2015 Independent Spirit Awards, losing to eventual Oscar-winner "Citizenfour."

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We are now accepting submissions for the Documentary Feature category and all other categories for the 2016 Atlanta Film Festival. The Earlybird Deadline is June 20, Regular Deadline is September 18.

Christina Humphrey and Alyssa Armand Step Into New Roles as ATLFF Shorts Programmers

Alyssa Armand (left) and Christina Humphrey (right) have a gravely serious discussion... Probably about Film.
Photo: Portraits by Isadora

The Atlanta Film Festival is pleased to announce the expansion of our programming department, including new titles for two of our talented programmers. Christina Humphrey will now move into the role of Senior Shorts Programmer and Alyssa Armand will take the title of Shorts Programmer.

"I couldn't be any happier to work alongside Christina and Alyssa on ATLFF's female-led programming team. Their dedication to showcasing quality filmmaking and providing outlets and resources to filmmakers will allow these two to continue to expand on our already strong film program."
—Kristy Breneman, ATLFF Creative Director

Christina Humphrey began her ATLFF career in 2011 as an intern. Back then, ATLFF's offices were still housed in the Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center. In 2012, she moved into the role of Shorts Programmer and has now overseen ATLFF's Oscar-eligible short film program for several years running. Christina graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and a Minor in Film. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters of Arts in Film Studies from Georgia State University. Having formerly worked as stage security for Lil Wayne, Christina now spends her off-hours as a part of Contraband Cinema and New Mavericks, swimming across lakes with board members, and as a contributing writer for Reel Georgia.

Alyssa Armand first joined the ATLFF family as a volunteer during the 2013 and 2014 festivals. In the fall of 2014, Alyssa began an internship with the festival before joining the staff as Assistant Programmer in January 2015. Alyssa initially attended Savannah College of Art and Design to study photography before transferring to Georgia State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Film & Video. Although she once slapped her own mother during a Candyland-induced rage, Alyssa insists her wild days are behind her and that her post-work activities mostly consist of binge-watching any-and-every television show ever produced.

Congratulations, Christina and Alyssa! We are grateful for your hard work.

The Earlybird Deadline is About to Fly By!

The Earlybird Deadline is this Saturday, June 20th! This year will be our 40th annual film festival and we need your help to make it the best yet. We are looking for groundbreaking and creative films to show in-and-out of competition.

Submit your Feature film for only $35 or your short film for only $25. We accept submissions through FilmFreeway and Withoutabox.  Fees, application and information need to be uploaded by 11:59pm on Saturday. 

Be ahead of the game and submit yours today!

For more information check out our submissions page or our submissions FAQ page. 

Michael Lucker's Screenwriter School Returns in July!

Screenwriter School is offering a weekend workshop with professional screenwriter Michael Lucker who shares all the nuts and bolts one needs to know to bring their story to life. Participants learn tricks of the trade for creating great ideas, characters, plots, scenes, dialogue, action and more! Students leave the class with the confidence to face the blank page on their own and the know-how to break into Hollywood. Filled with film clips and script excerpts, Michael makes the writing process easy, compelling and fun. Join us!

Michael Lucker is an acclaimed writer with twenty years experience in film and television. He began his career as assistant to Steven Spielberg working on "Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade," "Always," "Back To The Future" II & III and "Arachnophobia." He then moved to Hollywood Pictures where he served in creative affairs on "Crimson Tide," "Terminal Velocity" and "Straight Talk." After optioning his first screenplay to Paramount Pictures, Michael went on to write movies for DreamWorks, Disney, Fox, Universal and more, including “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Film. Michael has lectured for various colleges and writers organizations including Emory University and the Atlanta Film Festival. 

ATLFF Members have received an email with a discount code for 10% off!