Script Reader

*Volunteer Role*

Each year we receive 10,000+ submissions, and our skilled team of competition readers are generous with their time to make sure each script has a thorough read and is given thoughtful/ comprehensive notes of constructive criticism that provides the writers with insight as to why their script does or does not move forward within the script competition.

Each year our readers help identify the top scripts within each category, to usher in emerging talent, and bring fresh perspectives and unique voices to our panel of industry judges. Through their competition placement, writers have gone on to secure representation and work in writers’ rooms with industry heavyweights such as HBO, Netflix, ABC, AMC, and more.

As a competition reader and writer myself, I’ve improved my own writing through this opportunity of reading an abundance of scripts and making notes of what’s working and what’s not working within the script. It’s also beneficial to have a pulse on the industry and see what content is being produced and what industry professionals are looking for.

As an AFF reader you’ll:

• Join the AFF community and be invited to year-round AFF events to meet like-minded creatives
• Uplift emerging writers trying to break into the industry
•  Become a better Writer, Reader, Filmmaker, Producer, and overall consumer of media
• Sets you up to earn a free badge to the 32nd annual Austin Film Festival coming up this October!

Reading for AFF is a big commitment and we’re looking for the very best readers to help maintain the quality of work that advances in our competition. As a reader you devote as much or as little time as you’d like to our reading program.

As we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the vast majority of our readers are compensated for their work via Festival opportunities. You would have the ability to earn a Producers Badge for the Festival which would give you access to all the panels, parties, and screenings we have to offer. After one year of reading for AFF, you will be considered for paid reading opportunities.

Attending the Austin Film Festival’s Writers Conference allows everyone the opportunity to join a robust and vivacious community of storytellers. Whether you’re passionate about reading and uplifting storytellers, or a writer breaking into the industry yourself, joining our reader team will allow you the opportunity to grow as a reader, writer, producer, or media-consumer.

Additionally, Readers in good faith are invited to year-round Festival Programming, including advanced screenings, webinars, live On Story tapings, and much more!

I. Eligibility guidelines have been established to be fair to our writers, and to you as a reader. Please review the Q&A below to see if any of this applies to you.

“Can I read in any category?” 

Yes and no.

If you entered/ plan to enter a script in the competition this year, that’s the only category you’re not permitted to read. For example, if you submitted a script in the Comedy Feature competition (or plan to submit), you CAN NOT read for that category.

“Do I need to have prior experience?” 

Yes.

You must have experience writing or reading scripts and be well versed in script format and story structure. If you aren’t sure if you’re qualified, shoot us an email describing your experience (scriptmanager@austinfilmfestival.com).

“Do I have to take a test?”

Yes, but it’s a simple one. (Whew!)

We’ll have you evaluate a sample script so we can see your writing level and style.

“Do I need to test in every category?”

Just the ones you have an interest in.

Ultimately, you may decide to read only one category of scripts during the festival. But if you don’t test in any others, you’ll be limited to that category.

*We ask that if you test in short screenplay, you choose a second category as short screenplay submissions are less popular than the other categories.

II. Reader Application Form – Upload a brief resume detailing any relevant writing/film, podcast or play experience you may have.

Click here to begin your application. 

Test Scripts – Upon completion of your application, you’ll review the testing scripts Important Note: These scripts are not to be distributed.

Click here to download test scripts.

Click here to submit your notes.

Submitting Notes – Readers will be asked to assess the script in the following categories: Concept, Plot, Structure, Characters, Dialogue and Overall. Notes are required for all categories with a minimum of 150 characters per section, except the Overall section which has a requirement of 750 characters.

When you’re done…

 E-mail scriptmanager@austinfilmfestival.com to let us know you completed the application and test forms. Please feel free to attach a script coverage sample or any other writing sample that showcases your ability to analyze a story.

Once everything has been submitted, we’ll review your materials and let you know if you’ve been selected to be a Reader this year.