The Austin Film Festival wrapped a month ago and media placements continue to trickle in. We could not be more pleased with the media coverage of this year’s festival. Awareness was at an all-time high and feedback from attendees has been positive. Excerpts from recent articles follow:

“One of my favorite film events in the country [is] the Austin Film Festival….” Tim Basham, Paste

“People love the Austin Film Fest for its casual nature, for the opportunity it affords you to get close to filmmakers and screenwriters without the pomp and circumstance that surround some other fests.” Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman

“…one of the best fests in the country.” Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle

“No film festival in the country celebrates the screenwriter quite like [the AFF]…Unlike the majority of film festivals where you’re lucky to get a ten-minute glimpse of talent at a post-screening Q&A, intimate contact with producers, writers and showrunners is what the AFF is all about.” Graham Flashner, Filmmaker

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum is one of the Giant Media team’s favorite places, which is why we’re delighted to sponsor the 11th Annual Umlauf Garden Party (April 23, 2009). Nestled in a woody area of Zilker across from Barton Springs Pool, the museum showcases the work of much celebrated sculptor Charles Umlauf in an outdoor, kid-friendly setting.

The newest addition to the Garden is the Kay and Hayes Pitts Family Pavilion, which was unveiled last month. Designed by D•CRAIN, the pavilion echoes the landscape as it transitions from creek to hillside. Crafted from Leuders limestone and steel, the pavilion’s structures are complimented by dramatic lighting. The area accommodates up to 200 and is suitable for everything from yoga to weddings.

Melanie Spencer covered the pavilion in the Austin American-Statesman Style Matters section (http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/design/entries/2008/10/27/new_pavilion_at_the_umlauf.html). More information about the pavilion is available at the Umlauf site (http://www.umlaufsculpture.org/facilities/).

Kay and Hayes Pitts Family Pavillion: photo credit carltonwade.com

Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest is a one-of-a-kind music festival that is known for showcasing the best in independent, progressive and underground music. Earlier this year, FFF promoters announced the initial line up featuring a one-time Dead Milkmen Reunion, Bad Brains, The National, Atmosphere, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Clipse, The Black Angels, Black Heart Procession, Municipal Waste, The Octopus Project, Z-trip, Dan Deacon and plenty more. In addition to the musical line up, this year the festival will incorporate comedy acts like Tim & Eric’s Awesome Show, Neil Hamburger, Dragonboy Suede, Matt Bearden and others.

Today, Transmission Entertainment (TE) announces the local vendor partners that are joining in to round out the complete FFF experience at Waterloo Park. Local favorites like Parlor Pie, Room Service Vintage, The Woodland, Prototype Vintage, Vegan 101, Birds Barbershop, Starlite, Big Rig Vintage, Ruby’s, Luster Creations, Daily Juice, Leighelena Jewelry, Best Wurst, Jah Seed, Snowie, Toy Joy, Boomerangs, Brave New Books, Monofonus Press and more will be adding to the festivities at the park this year. Additionally, screen-printing, video games, a mechanical bull, sumo wrestling and mountains of merch tables will be on site to contribute a larger dose of fun and creativity to the FFF environment.

Also, as in years past, TE will be working with online media partners to continue to promote emerging music, the creative class, and online communication tools for education in an ever-changing music environment. The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Austinist will be hosting an FFF Blogger Panel at Club de Ville that will be hosted by representatives of SPIN, Gorilla vs Bear, Brooklyn Vegan, MOKB and Aquarium Drunkard. This will be an educational event that is open to the public and followed by the annual Austinist Local Music is Sexy party at the Mohawk.

In addition to working with innovative local vendor partners, festival promoters have also been working with local businesses to promote an ‘energy efficient’ festival experience. This year, FFF will be supplementing power with solar generators for vendor tents, employing with local waterloo park residents, recycling through eco-action, and will be encouraging the use of cycling and carpooling via various on-site incentives for festival goers.

This years Fun Fun Fun Fest will be held at Waterloo Park on November 8th and 9th. Tickets are available via the Fun Fun Fun Fest website (www.funfunfunfest.com) and at local Austin outlets like Waterloo Records, Sound on Sound, End of an Ear and Prototype Vintage. Student discounts are also available to students around the world that like to rock.

It seems impossible that months and months of work wraps tonight. How will we fill the entertainment void? November’s Fun Fun Fun Fest will help fill the emptiness, but the truth is that the AFF offers a unique vibe that’s hard to match. Hang out at the Driskill at any point during the Festival and you’ll understand what we mean. The Driskill serves as the unofficial experiential nexus of the AFF where fans, screenwriters and celebrities collide in a good way. We personally saw James Cromwell, Greg Daniels, Danny Boyle and Shane Black hanging out happy to chat up whoever approached them. In fact, someone on the Giant team couldn’t resist gushing to Mr. Cromwell that he would forever remain “Farmer Hoggett” in her mind. We could go on and on, but alas we’re on to the next big thing. We’ll close out the AFF tonight with the screening of “Two Lovers” with Mr. James Gray in attendance. Until next year, AFF!

Danny Boyle at a screening of his new film 'Slumdog Millionaire' at the Austin Film Festival in Austin, Texas on Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.(Photo by Jack Plunkett/Austin Film Festival)

Actors Seann William Scott and Jane Lynch attend a screening of their film 'Role Models' at the Austin Film Festival in Austin, Texas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008.(Austin Film Festival/Jack Plunkett)

Charlie Kaufman, right, and Austin Film Festival programmer John Merriman answer audience questions following a screening of Kaufman's film 'Synecdoche, New York' at the Austin Film Festival in Austin, texas on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008.(Austin Film Festival/Jack Plunkett)

For more 2008 Austin Film Festival photos, check out their flickr here.

The Austin Film Festival kicks off next Thursday, Oct. 16 with a bang. The AFF opens with Oliver Stone’s much buzzed about “W.” with James Cromwell in attendance. And speaking of the AFF, look who’s on the cover (BIG AS DAY) of today’s Austin American-Statesman’s Life & Style section! AFF Program Director, Kelly Williams, sat down with entertainment editor Charles Ealy to wax poetic about film programming, his devotion to comedy and Telly Savalas.

Grab a copy of the paper, click here, or see below for the full story.

Five-time Emmy Winner and Adapter of “The Office” Will Accept Award at October Festival

AUSTIN, Texas — Sept. 4, 2008 — The Austin Film Festival (AFF) will honor writer, producer and director Greg Daniels with the 2008 Outstanding Television Writer Award at the 15th Annual Austin Film Festival (Oct. 16-23, 2008). Daniels will receive the award at the Austin Film Festival Awards Luncheon presented by AT&T on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 at the Austin Club.

AFF co-founder and Executive Director Barbara Morgan said, “We’re thrilled to honor Greg Daniels for his contribution to ground-breaking comedic television on four landmark series all still on the air: ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘The Simpsons,’ ‘King of the Hill’ and ‘The Office.’ Throughout his work, Daniels represents the innovative spirit of the Outstanding Television Writer Award. We look forward to hosting him at the Conference.”

The AFF was the first and continues to be one of the only film festivals in the country with a primary focus on writers and their craft. This year the AFF Conference will feature an exceptional lineup with television writers and creators of the most watched and most talked about shows on television today, including Tim Kring, creator and writer of “Crossing Jordan” and “Heroes”; Matthew Weiner, writer for “Mad Men” and “The Sopranos”; and Melissa Rosenberg, writer for “Dexter” and “The O.C.”; and screenwriter of the highly-anticipated adaptation of the bestselling novel “Twilight.”

About Greg Daniels
Greg Daniels began his writing career at Harvard University, where he wrote for the Harvard Lampoon. He launched his professional career writing for HBO’s satirical “Not Necessarily the News” before moving to “Saturday Night Live,” for which he received his first Emmy Award. He went on to receive a Writers Guild Award nomination for his episode of “Seinfeld” titled “The Parking Space.” He became co-executive producer of “The Simpsons,” winning his second Emmy Award and, according to a TV Guide poll published on the occasion of the 300th episode of “The Simpsons,” went on to write three of the series’ ten most popular episodes.

In 1995 Daniels left “The Simpsons,” the longest-running animated series in television, to create “King of the Hill” with Mike Judge. Today the Emmy-winning “King of the Hill” is the second longest-running animated series in television. Daniels’s most recent project is “The Office,” which he adapted from the BBC series for American audiences on NBC. Daniels directs, writes and produces and has earned two Emmy Awards for his work on the show.

Daniels is currently working on a new series with Emmy-nominated “Saturday Night Live” star Amy Poehler to air on NBC in early 2009.

About the Austin Film Festival Conference

This year the AFF Conference will feature a strong focus on television writers and a slate of panels on the art of the teleplay and the future of television programming. Confirmed television panelists include:
• Channing Dungey, ABC Studios
• Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia (“Judging Amy,” “Jericho,” “E-Ring”)
• Dan French (“The Late Late Show,” The Best Damn Sports Show Period”)
• Matthew Gross, ABC Studios
• Jake Kasdan (“Freaks and Geeks”)
• Tim Kring (“Crossing Jordan,” “Heroes”)
• Michael McDonald, ABC Studios
• Melissa Rosenberg (“Dexter,” “Ally McBeal,” “Boston Public,” “Party of Five”)
• Phil Rosenthal (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Coach,” “The Man in the Family,” “A Family for Joe”)
• Chuck Sklar (“Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Chris Rock Show”)
• Matthew Weiner (“Mad Men,” “Sopranos”)
Conference participants will enjoy unparalleled access to some of the industry’s most important writers in an intimate and informal setting.

About the 15th Annual Austin Film Festival
The 2008 Austin Film Festival (Oct. 16-23) and Conference (Oct. 16-19) will be held at the Driskill Hotel, InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel and other venues in Austin, Texas. The Austin Film Festival screens over 180 films in eight days including North American and World premieres from around the globe. Theaters include: The Paramount Theatre, The Alamo Drafthouse Lake Creek and Ritz, The Landmark Dobie, The Regal Arbor, The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, The Hideout and The Long Center for the Performing Arts. For a complete list of panelists and events, more information, or to register, go to www.austinfilmfestival.com or call 512-478-4795 or 800-310-3378. Conference Badges and Film Passes can be purchased online or by phone.

The Austin Film Festival (AFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of writers and filmmakers and recognizing their contributions to film, television and new media. The AFF champions the work of aspiring and established writers and filmmakers by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships. www.austinfilmfestival.com

Special support is provided to the Austin Film Festival by Absolut Vodka, American Airlines, AT&T, City of Austin, Clear Channel Radio, Dos Equis, KVUE and Target.

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The ACL Sound and the Jury competition, presented by Dell Lounge, is in its final stages. Passionate music fans made their choice by voting for their favorite band at http://www.delllounge.com/music/sandj/contest/ and six finalists have moved on to the final round of the competition. All six bands are preparing for next week’s event in Austin, where they will compete for a spot on the Dell Stage at ACL Fest.

The six finalists are:

60 Tigres of Monterrey, Mexico
Good Morning Maxfield of Provo, Utah
The Scotland Yard Sale of Austin, Texas
The Steps of Austin, Texas
T-Bird & the Breaks of Austin, Texas
Quiet Company of Austin, Texas

All six bands will perform in a live Battle of the Bands and the winner will be decided by audience vote and an industry judging panel at the end of the night.

When:
Sept. 24
Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Where:
Antone’s
213 W. 5th Street

The Sound and the Jury winner will play on the Dell Stage at ACL Fest on Friday, Sept. 26 at 11:45 a.m.

In addition to the above, The Sound and the Jury winner will receive: a professional photo of the band; a music video directed by Super!Alright!; an ad announcing the band in the Dec./Jan. issue of PASTE Magazine; a full track on the Dec./Jan. PASTE Magazine compilation CD; and a Featured Artist spot on the Dell Lounge (www.delllounge.com)

Interviews with indie bands playing at ACL will be taking place in the Dell Dome throughout the festival weekend. An extension of the ACL Fest experience, the Dell Dome provides opportunities for self expression including screen printing, do-it-yourself buttons, temporary tattoos and rock-inspired hairstyles.

The Sound and the Jury and the Dell Dome at ACL are the culmination of Dell’s Summer Rocks tour of the summer’s hottest music festivals.
Check out cool and exclusive content here: http://www.delllounge.com/summerrocks/dome/

Giant Media has been brought on by Transmission Entertainment to help with media outreach for the new Austin music festival, Fun Fun Fun Fest 2008. This will be the third year for FFF Fest, and it’s sure to be a good one. The show line-up was released today, and an edited version on the news release is posted below. For even more FFF Fest information, check out the Web site here.

FUN FUN FUN FEST 2008 SET FOR NOVEMBER 8 – 9 AT WATERLOO PARK IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

WITH HEADLINERS CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH, THE NATIONAL, ATMOSPHERE, DEAD MILKMEN, MINUS THE BEAR, BAD BRAINS, CLIPSE and MORE

AUSTIN, TX – Transmission Entertainment is proud to announce this year’s Fun Fun Fun Festival line-up. In the tradition of years past, FFF ‘08 once again teams punk rock legends with the hottest indie buzz bands, crowd-pleasing dance and hip-hop acts, and cutting-edge comedians. Fun Fun Fun Fest will be held November 8 and 9 at Waterloo Park in downtown Austin, Texas.

Unlike other festivals held in the dead summer heat, Fun Fun Fun Fest is the premier fall festival – the perfect ending to an ever-growing summer festival season. In an effort to keep things, well, fun, festival planners are eyeing a circus tent of events, including a dunking booth with members of bands and other “celebrities.” The Altercation Punk Rock Comedy troupe, Coldtowne Comedy Hour, Tim and Eric of Adult Swim’s Tim and Eric Awesome Show and other comedy acts will also be on hand to entertain festival-goers looking for a break from the music.

FFF ‘08 showcases artists performing on four stages, expanding on last year’s three-stage set-up. In addition to the indie, punk, and dance-themed stages, FFF ‘08 will feature a more intimate stage for solo artists.

Joining headliners Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The National and Minus the Bear on the main stage are Atmosphere, St. Vincent, Deerhoof, Bishop Allen, locals Trail of Dead, Jim Ward’s (Sparta) countrified Sleepercar, and a host of other hot new acts.

Bringing together Austin’s creative class, Fun Fun Fun Fest will once again offer festival goers the opportunity to get new haircuts, tattoos, vintage threads and more from local vendors who set up shop on festival grounds. Food and beverages will also be sourced from local providers, with more details to be announced soon. In addition, FFF ‘08 looks to work closely with local non-profits like Health Alliance for Austin Musicians and Grounded in Music.

This year, FFF will implement some of the newest applications in mobile technology. Stage schedules, maps as well as audio and video content from FFF artists will be right at the fingertips of FFF attendees’ cell phones and PDAs.

Appearing at Fun Fun Fun Fest 2008:

Stage 1:
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The National, Atmosphere, Minus The Bear, St. Vincent, Trail of Dead, Deerhoof, Rival Schools, Islands, The Annuals, Bishop Allen, Centro-matic, Sleepercar, Frightened Rabbit, Spinto Band, Parts and Labor, Colourmusic, Experimental Dental School, 27, Till We’re Blue or Destroy…and more!

Stage 2:
Shearwater, Tim Fite, Magnetic Morning (Adam Franklin of Swervedriver, Sam Fogarino of Interpol), The Revival Tour w/: Chuck Ragan (of Hot Water Music), Tom Gabel (of Against Me!), Ben Nichols (of Lucero), Tim Barry (of Avail), Kevin Seconds (of 7 Seconds), The Tim and Eric Awesome Show, The Cynics, Ugly Beats, El Paso Hot Button, Walter Schreifels (of Quicksand, Rival Schools, GB, YOT), Coldtowne Comedy Hour, Pepi Ginsberg, Altercation Punk Rock Comedy Hour, and Frank Smith….and more!

Stage 3:
Bad Brains, ALL, Dead Milkmen, Flipper, Adolescents, Integrity, Bouncing Souls, Swingin Utters, DOA, Killdozer, Cro-mags (jam), Scared of Chaka (Dave from The Shins), Young Widows, Leftover Crack, Trash Talk, World Burns to Death, Krumbums, Mammoth Grinder, Cute Lepers, Bitter End, High Tension Wires, Born to Lose

Stage 4:
Clipse, Z-trip, Dan Deacon, Yacht, Grupo Fantasma, Kool Keith/Dr. Octagon, Dengue Fever, Brownout, Franki Chan, Toxic Avenger, Hawnay Troof, Starlynx, Richard Henry….and more!

The Giant Media team took our first trip to Sturgis Bike Week in South Dakota with client Rozone Productions. Rozone produced Rock’n the Rally, a series of concerts in the largest outdoor amphitheater in the U.S. Everyone was blown away by shows from two of the music industry’s biggest touring acts: KISS and Kenny Chesney.

Mon. Aug. 4, KISS used their explosive theatrics to commemorate the 35th anniversary of their KISS ALIVE album, which they played in its entirety. KISS brought their biggest show, performing five huge gags that had Rock’n the Rally attendees going wild. The show included major pyrotechnics, Gene’s classic blood spitting, Paul riding a zip line over the audience and a fireworks show that could be seen for miles.

Kenny Chesney’s Poets and Pirates Tour played Rock’n the Rally on Weds. Aug. 6. The biggest touring act in country music and the only one to sell out NFL stadiums, Chesney brought in thousands of fans from South Dakota and surrounding states. The seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year played a full set of his billboard hits and wowed the crowds with Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley and U2 covers. Fans had the privilege of gearing up for Chesney with opening act Pat Green.

A deal signed in May 2008 with amphitheater owner Glencoe enables Rozone to lead production and promotion of the Rock’n the Rally shows for the next five years, meaning that there’s more rock to come. Stay tuned for next year’s Rock’n the Rally lineup announcements!

On Thursday, July 31, The Austonian announced a major construction milestone: the completion of its 10-story base and the start of construction of the residential tower. The building is on schedule and will be completed at the pace of one floor per week. Since then, construction has reached the 13th floor.

In response to general interest in the state of The Austonian and downtown development, Giant Media and The Austonian team hosted a media tour of the 10th floor, which when finished will serve as an urban garden complete with a 75-foot pool, fountain, private cabanas, two outdoor kitchens, two outdoor fireplaces, a secured dog park and wireless Internet. The event also provided local, media their first glimpses of the residential tower as well as the spectacular view of the capitol.

The media event was a success and received coverage on all five news stations, the Austin American-Statesman and the Austin Business Journal.

Links to news coverage of the July 31st kickoff of construction of the residential tower follow:
KVUE

KXAN

News 8 Austin

My FOX Austin

Austin American-Statesman

Austin Business Journal