Nestled in the heart of Austin, Texas, amidst the vibrant culture and rich history of the city, lies the iconic Driskill Hotel – the esteemed host of the annual ATX TV Festival.
As you know, Filmmaker Mixer loves the art of film, TV and story. So, naturally I had my sights set on the ATX TV Festival, ready to schmooze with industry bigwigs and soak up some Texas inspiration.
However, fate had other plans, and Texas allergies hit me like a surprise cameo from a character who was killed off three seasons ago.
And these weren’t normal allergies. This was knock-you-off-your-feet, put-you-in-bed, I-can-barely-hear-out-of-one-ear allergies.
And barely hearing out of one ear is not a good thing for a podcaster.
As such, I missed the opening days of the fest, but after a boost of antibiotics, Advil, Zyrtec and Tequila, I was able to catch the last half of the festival. Okay, I lied about the Tequila.
But in any case, somewhat sneezing and wheezing, I was able to enjoy some of the panels and screenings.
I was not disappointed.
The festival presents a meticulously curated schedule, offering a diverse array of panels, screenings, and discussions that catered to every taste and interest. From exclusive screenings of highly anticipated series to insightful conversations with industry professionals, there was something for everyone at ATX.
One of my favorite panels was The Art of World-Building presented by Sony Pictures Television.
And not just because I ran into our friend and recent podcast guest Martin Jones from the Austin Studios. But also because the panel was fun and insightful. By the way, Martin says “hi” to all you Filmmaker Mixers out there.”
The World-Building panelists, each a luminary in their respective field, offered a captivating glimpse into the meticulous craft of creating immersive fictional universes. It’s fascinating to me how many details go into crafting that world. From Esther Marquis (Costume Designer, For All Mankind) discussing the impact of how the costume defines the character and their place in the world to John Lindley (Cinematographer, Justified: City Primeval) discussing how the simple changing of light in a room can impact the emotion of the world you are creating, each artist brings one piece of the puzzle to build that world.
Throughout the weekend, attendees were treated to a plethora of screenings, including Orphan Black: Echoes which stars and is executive produced by Krysten Ritter (Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Love and Death). The show “takes a deep dive into the exploration of the scientific manipulation of human existence, following a group of women as they weave their way into each other’s lives and embark on a thrilling journey, unraveling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a wrenching story of love and betrayal.”
In addition to the screenings and panels, the festival also offered invaluable opportunities for networking and professional development, with industry insiders sharing their expertise and offering sage advice to aspiring creators and storytellers. Whether attending workshops on writing for television or participating in pitch competitions, there was no shortage of inspiration and opportunities to learn and grow.
As the weekend draws to a close, I find myself frustrated that iconic Texas allergies delayed me from attending the opening days of what I now consider the iconic ATX TV Festival held at the iconic Driskill Hotel.
Wow, that’s a lot of “iconics.”
But seriously, allergies or not, the ATX TV Festival not only exceeded expectations but has also reaffirmed the enduring power of television to inspire, entertain, and bring people together from all walks of life.
The ATX TV Festival at the historic Driskill Hotel is a must-attend event for any television aficionado. With its stellar lineup of programming, vibrant atmosphere, and unparalleled sense of community, it is an experience that will leave you counting down the days until next year’s festivities.
As I wave the festival goodbye, I also wave the allergies goodbye.
Time to take more Advil and Zyrtec…. And maybe some Tequila.
Peace.
Filmmaker Mixer