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May 7, 2012
ATX Television Festival opening night lineup set
Two popular shows airing on the USA cable network will screen on opening night of the first-ever ATX Television Festival.
Reshma Shetty, ‘Royal Pains’
TV lovers will be treated to the Season 1 finale of “Suits” and an episode from Season 3 of “Royal Pains.” We’re told cast and crew members from both shows will be in attendance, but no names have been released just yet.
Both “Suits” and “Royal Pains” return to USA’s lineup this June with fresh episodes.
“When we started programming the festival, we had USA as our number one choice for opening night,” said Caitlin McFarland, who co-founded the festival. “No one does summer series like USA. What better fit to kick off a television festival in June than ‘Suits’ and ‘Royal Pains.’”
Two episodes of ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” will also be shown during the fest, and Explosions in the Sky will screen its new music video for “Postcard From 1952,” as well.
Several new guests have been added to the lineup, including Jason Ritter (“Parenthood”), James Lafferty (“One Tree Hill”), Nick Kroll (“Children’s Hospital” and “The League”) and Scott Porter (“Friday Night Lights”).
The event runs June 1-3, with screenings and panels scheduled at several Central Austin venues, including Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, the State Theatre, the Stephen F. Austin Hotel and the Hotel San Jose.
Badges start at $120. More info at atxfestival.com.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
04.20.12: New details on ATX Television Festival
01.18.12: TV-focused ATX Festival debuts June 1
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April 20, 2012
New details on ATX Television Festival
The first-ever ATX Television Festival is just around the corner, and we’re starting to learn more about what we can expect.
Attendees will be among the first to see the second season premiere of MTV’s “Teen Wolf.” There will also be screenings of the “Friday Night Lights” pilot and series finale attended by several of the show’s cast members, as well as the world premiere of “Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters,” a Hasbro cartoon.
Other shows set to screen include “True Blood,” “Parenthood,” “Awake,” “Firefly,” “Vampire Diaries,” “Lone Star,” “Teen Wolf,” “Austin City Limits,” “Life Unexpected,” “Love Monkey,” “Archer,” “The League,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Grimm,” “NTSF:SD: SUV” and “Children’s Hospital.”
Actors attending include Arielle Kebbel, Tom Cavanagh, Judy Greer, Adrianne Palicki, Gaius Charles, Matt Lauria, Ian Gomez, Alicia Witt, Michael B. Jordan, Jaimie Alexander, Lindsay McKeon, Jesse Plemons and Paul Scheer.
The festival runs June 1-3. Badges start at $120. More details at atxfestival.com.
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April 15, 2012
Public television marks 50 years on Central Texas airwaves
When public television made its Central Texas debut 50 years ago, many viewers still had black-and-white TV sets.
KLRU’s ‘Biscuit Brothers’
High-definition? Ha. The programs were decidedly low-tech.
But people were instantly hooked. Five decades later, that’s still the case, with preschoolers in need of their daily “Sesame Street” fix and prime-time period drama “Downton Abbey” becoming an almost-instant cult favorite.
“We try to put together programming that’s distinctive and unique,” Paula Kerger, PBS’ president and CEO, told the American-Statesman on a recent visit to Austin. “What are the things we can produce that no one else is doing?”
Figures from Nielsen Media Research show that 91 percent of American households watch PBS at some point during the year. In a typical month, it has 123 million viewers — more than several well-known networks, including Discovery Channel, HBO, HGTV and TLC, Nielsen reports.
Public broadcasting got its start in 1953 right here in Texas, when Houston’s KUHT launched, according to current.org.
Read more in my story from today’s American-Statesman.
MORE ON KLRU’S ANNIVERSARY
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January 18, 2012
TV-focused ATX Festival debuts June 1
Austin’s getting yet another festival.
The three-day ATX Festival, set to kick off June 1, will focus exclusively on TV, including screenings of shows already on the air, programs that are still in development, and an assortment of cult favorites.
Special attention will also be paid to unaired pilots and “series that were canceled before their time.”
And, like many film festivals, panels and question-and-answer sessions featuring industry executives are planned, according to co-founders Emily Gipson and Caitlin McFarland.
“At the heart of it, we are both fans of TV,” said Gipson, who has worked on projects for Fox, TLC and Discovery.
“We have created an event for fans like ourselves, and are giving them a chance to engage in watercooler conversations on a larger level with the people that bring their favorite shows to life.”
“We also wanted a place for the industry to discuss where the medium is headed, and explore innovative outlets for production in a medium that is changing,” added McFarland, who has experience working with well-known directors Nora Ephron, Mira Nair and Betty Thomas.
“We’re both Texans and love Austin, so what better place than there to host it?”
A campaign to raise $25,000 to help fund the event kicked off this week, with donors eligible to receive gifts that include festival badges and autographed DVDs.
For more details on ATX Festival, visit atxfestival.com.
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October 13, 2011
Music, TV influence Halloween costume trends
This Halloween, Charlie Sheen is definitely winning.
Charlie Sheen
Spirit Halloween, a chain of pop-up shops owned by Spencer Gifts, reports Sheen costumes are flying off shelves.
The troubled actor made headlines earlier this year when he was dismissed from the hit CBS sitcom “Two and a Half Men.”
Several other pop-culture icons are also on Spirit’s most-popular list:
Superheroes, including the Green Lantern and Captain America
Ninjas
Zombies
Smurfs
Monster High dolls
Angry Birds characters
Lightning McQueen from “Cars 2”
Singer Katy Perry
Spirit has about 1,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada. There are four in Austin, two in Killeen and one each in New Braunfels, Round Rock, San Marcos and Temple.
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August 7, 2011
TV critics name 'Friday Night Lights' top program
Frederick M. Brown/Getty
“Friday Night Lights” stars Jurnee Smollett and Connie Britton (center) stand onstage at the 27th Annual Television Critics Association Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 6, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.
The Television Critics Association named Austin-filmed “Friday Night Lights” Program of the Year at its 2011 Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday. The departing DirecTV/NBC family football drama, which ended its five-season run July 15, beat out HBO newcomers “Boardwalk Empire” and “Game of Thrones” as well as “Justified” (FX) and “Parks and Recreation” (NBC) to take the top honor. Executive Producer Peter Berg told critics gathered at an earlier TCA panel that he is writing a feature film script for “FNL” in the hopes that stars Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler will reprise their roles as Tami and Coach Eric Taylor.
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May 27, 2011
What to watch: Memorial Day weekend TV marathons
Our friends over at TV Tango have compiled a list of Memorial Day weekend television marathons and specials. The listings include programming from today through Monday night.
Highlights include Syfy’s Aquatic Monster Movie Marathon, IFC’s “Arrested Development” marathon and OWN’s “Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes” Marathon.
Remember that the shows are listed in the Eastern time zone, so you’ll want to tune in (or get the hamsters running inside the DVR) an hour earlier than the times shown.
Happy Memorial Day!
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May 19, 2011
Win tickets to TNT premiere party
The Austin American-Statesman is giving away 20 pairs of tickets to a premiere party for the quirky, new TNT lawyer series “Franklin & Bash,” starring Mark Paul Gosselaar & Breckin Meyer. One lucky winner will get to meet and greet the duo at the event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 24 at Speakeasy, 412 Congress Avenue.
To enter (entries must be received by midnight Thursday, May 19, so act quickly!) just send your name, phone number & email address to events@statesman.com.
“Franklin & Bash” premieres on TNT June 1st, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. central time.
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May 17, 2011
This week's TV picks
What to watch; what to avoid:
Monday:
“How I Met Your Mother” 7 p.m., CBS: Season 6 wraps up tonight.
“Chuck” 7 p.m., NBC: Season 4 ends with trouble at a wedding, and it’s more serious
than an inability to choose which side to sit on.
“Mad Love” 7:30 p.m., CBS: Tonight’s first-season finale is also a series finale.
Farewell, Judy Greer. You deserved better.
“Mike and Molly” 8:30 p.m., CBS: The couple confronts the m-word (marriage) in the
Season 1 conclusion.
“Castle” 9 p.m., ABC: Beckett gets a new lead on her mother’s killer as Season 3 calls it
a night.
“Hawaii Five-0” 9 p.m., CBS: Wo Fat goes after McGarrett in tonight’s Season 1 finale.
Tuesday:
“NCIS” 7 p.m., CBS: Season 8 winds down with a killer confrontation.
“One Tree Hill” 7 p.m., The CW: Season 8 ends tonight.
“NCIS: Los Angeles” 8 p.m., CBS: The NCIS L.A. crew searches for Hetty in the second-season wrap-up.
“Hellcats” 8 p.m., The CW: The Hellcats head to Nationals in a potential series finale.
“Raising Hope” 8 p.m., Fox: A “goth” Jimmy is one of the gags in tonight’s season-
ending flashback episode.
“The Good Wife” 9 p.m., CBS: Season 2 concludes as Alicia and Kalinda reluctantly
team up.
Wednesday:
“Criminal Minds” 8 p.m., CBS: J.J. returns as Season 6 concludes.
“America’s Next Top Model” 8 p.m., The CW: A Season 16 winner is declared tonight.
“Breaking In” 8:30 p.m., Fox: The series concludes with a guest shot by Mike Tyson.
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 9 p.m., NBC: The venerable procedural puts the lid
on a dozen seasons tonight.
Thursday:
“The Big Bang Theory” 7 p.m., CBS: Season 4 concludes with a roommate swap for Sheldon.
“Grey’s Anatomy” 8 p.m., ABC: A chief resident is named as Season 7 wraps.
“The Mentalist” 8 p.m., CBS: Back to back episodes wrap up the drama’s third season.
“Bones” 8 p.m., Fox: Booth goes undercover on a bowling team in the sixth season finale.
“The Office” 8 p.m., NBC: The search for a new boss commences in tonight’s season finale.
“Private Practice” 9 p.m., ABC: Season 4 concludes tonight.
“Parks and Recreation” 9:30 p.m., NBC: Leslie plans a memorial service as we mourn the end of Season 3.
Friday:
“Kitchen Nightmares” 7 p.m., Fox: Season 3 concludes.
“Supernatural” 8 p.m., The CW: Season 6 wraps up as Sam’s bleakest memories return to haunt him.
Saturday:
“Major League Baseball” 6 p.m., Fox: The Rangers take on the Phillies in
Philadelphia.
Sunday:
“Billboard Music Awards” 7 p.m., ABC: “Community’s” Ken Jeong hosts.
“The Simpsons” 7 p.m., Fox: Ned Flanders hooks up with Edna Krabappel in the Season 22 capper.
“Bob’s Burgers” 7:30 p.m., Fox: Season 1 concludes tonight.
“Family Guy” 8 p.m., Fox: Seth McFarlane takes on “Star Wars’ (again) in this one-hour season finale.
“Celebrity Apprentice” 8 p.m., NBC: Season 11’s winner is named. The loser, I guess, is fired.
Permalink | | Categories: Event, Random thoughts, TV tips
February 14, 2011
'Bones' creator nabs AFF's Outstanding Television Writer Award
The Austin Film Festival has announced that “Bones” creator Hart Hanson has been named recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Television Writer Award and will appear at the Festival in October along with “Bones” stars Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz.
Hanson will accept the Award at the Festival’s annual Awards Luncheon on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Austin Club.
Awards Luncheon tickets are $50 each and are available for purchase by Conference and Producers Badge holders only. For additional information on the 18th Annual Austin Film Festival & Conference, panels and film screenings, and how to purchase everything from a Producers Badge to a Film Pass, visit the official website or call 1-800-310-FEST (3378).
Read the AFF’s press release after the jump.
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January 30, 2011
My tweets from the Screen Actors Guild Awards
“Modern Family’s” Sofia Vergara, right, tweeted this photo of her and her on-screen husband Ed O’Neill at Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Wait a minute … these are the SAG Awards? Betty White wins everything then. #SAGawards
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series goes to Steve Buscemi. #SAGawards
Steve Buscemi looks very Steve Buscemi-esque in HD. #SAGawards
Outstanding Female Actor in a Drama Series goes to Julianna Margulies. #SAGawards
Elizabeth Moss should check her purse, cuz she just got robbed. #SAGawards
That’s Elisabeth with an “s.” #SAGawards
I’ve got a crisp $20 for the first person at the #SAGAwards to ask Hailee Steinfeld where George, Elaine and Kramer are sitting.
Check out the rest of my SAG tweets after the jump …
Permalink | | Categories: Event, Random thoughts, Recap
January 26, 2011
Free Gulf documentary at Alamo Drafthouse February 9
Texas Parks and Wildlife is hosting a special, free screening of “The State of the Gulf: America’s Sea” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar.
The one-hour documentary examines the Gulf of Mexico’s ecology and the natural and man-made threats it faces. Texas Parks and Wildlife executive director Carter Smith will be on hand to discuss the challenges the body of water faces.
For reservations, information and age restrictions, click here. The documentary will air Feb. 24-27 on all Texas PBS stations.For more information on the film, click here.
Check out this preview:
Permalink | | Categories: Entertainment, Event
January 19, 2011
AFF hosts Sunday panel with writers Hawley and Killen
From the AFF press release for the event, titled “Conversations in Film: Breaking Into & Writing for Television”:
Television is a fickle - but potentially very lucrative - industry and trends can change even during the course of a season. This discussion will cover writing and developing viable TV pilots and spec scripts that will get the attention of producers and executives, how to craft and deliver an effective pitch, pilot pick-ups, how to get on staff, and how to be a working writer outside of LA/NY.
Noah Hawley is an author, screenwriter and producer, whose screenplay credits include Lies & Alibis and Home Free, which he and his brother wrote and sold to Disney earlier this year. Hawley broke into television when he began writing and producing the hit show “Bones” for Fox. He also executive produced the ABC pilot he wrote called “The Unusuals.” Most recently, Hawley worked on “My Generation,” a series he wrote and created, which aired on ABC.
In 2008, Kyle Killen’s script for THE BEAVER landed on top of The Black List and was directed by Jodie Foster, who stars in the film alongside Mel Gibson. The already famous film will finally have its release in the spring of 2011. Killen was also the creator/writer/executive producer of the highly acclaimed albeit short-lived 20th Century Fox Television drama “Lone Star.”
Call Austin Film Festival at 512-478-4795 or visit the AFF website for more information.
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