Virtual Reader Jobs

Austin Film Festival hosts a robust Script Competition, averaging 12,000 submissions from around the world annually. With a variety of categories to submit in, our goal is to support and uplift emerging storytellers, while helping new voices break into the industry. As competition readers, our job is to conduct a thorough evaluation and give thoughtful feedback in order to help writers elevate their work.

For 33 years as a 501(c)3 non‑profit organization, Austin Film Festival has furthered the art and craft of storytelling by inspiring and championing the work of writers, filmmakers, and all artists who use written and visual language to tell a story. As a non‑profit we’re able to do this work because of the generous gift of time our dedicated readers have provided us throughout the years and whose support has helped storytellers realize their dream of working in the industry.

The ideal candidate for the Reader Program is a voracious reader who is well‑versed in the basics of screenwriting and has a keen sense for analyzing a story. At AFF, storytelling is our focus! So, testing helps us determine the strength of a reader’s eye for strong storytelling and quality.

All readers must provide a current resume and complete a thorough application and testing process before being considered as a reader.

Readers who are accepted are required to join our State of the Union – Onboarding Readers Call, prior to receiving script assignments. Readers may request a minimum of 5 scripts every two weeks in various categories. Readers will be asked to assess the script in the following categories: Concept, Plot, Structure, Characters, Dialogue and Overall. Feedback is required for all categories.

As we are a 501(c)3 non‑profit organization, the vast majority of our readers are compensated for their work via Festival opportunities. One of the most exciting aspects of reading for AFF, is each reader accumulates hours that go towards a Badge to our 33rd Annual Austin Film Festival this upcoming October.

Each year our readers help identify the top scripts within each category, to usher in emerging talent, and uplift fresh perspectives. 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.

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. 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.

Please Email scriptmanager@austinfilmfestival.com for more information.