AUSTIN, Texas — Get ready, TV fans! The ATX TV Festival is back for its 14th season, taking place in the live music capital of the U.S. from May 29th to June 1st, 2025. This year’s festival promises a star-studded lineup, featuring reunions, insightful panels, script readings, and a chance for aspiring writers to break into the industry.
As the premier television festival, the annual Austin celebration is a must-attend event for fans and industry professionals alike, offering a unique blend of screenings, Q&As, panel discussions, and special events. From reunions of beloved shows to insightful conversations with creators, ATX TV Festival provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of television. Screenings include never-aired pilots, canceled-too-soon series, current favorites, and world premieres.
What’s on the TV Guide?
“The Leftovers Reunion” is sure to be a highlight, bringing together the show’s co-creators, director, and cast for a nostalgic conversation. Fans can relive the series with the team behind it and hear never-before-told stories.
Industry heavyweights will also be making appearances. Bill Lawrence, the mastermind behind shows like “Scrubs” and “Ted Lasso,” will hold a wide-ranging discussion with collaborators, while Mike Flanagan (“The Haunting of Hill House”) will lead a live table read of an unproduced script and host a panel on horror storytelling.
A+E Studios brings us back to the dark side of reality TV
A 10th-anniversary retrospective for the critically acclaimed hit Lifetime original drama, “UnREAL”, is on the agenda. The show follows the producers, crew, and contestants behind the scenes of a fictional dating competition show, Everlasting. The show’s creators and stars will gather to reflect on the show’s impact and enduring popularity.
Co-creator Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, and cast members Shiri Appleby, Constance Zimmer, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman,and Craig Bierko will reunite to reflect on the show’s exploration of the dark side of reality TV, the complex antiheroes at its center, its most memorable character moments and one-liners, and how the show’s recent debut on Netflix has led to a resurgence with both original fans and new viewers.
Henry Winkler to host a live acting class…but there aren’t any Barry’s around
TV, film, and stage legend — and Emmy Award-winning actor — Henry Winkler (Barry, Royal Pains, Happy Days)will return to the Festival to host a live acting class, delving into the art of performance, building a character, and connecting with your audience. Winkler, who previously received the Festival’s first-ever Achievement in Television eXcellence Award in 2014, will also join for a wide-ranging Q&A about acting, writing, creativity, and more.
Looking to Discover New Talent? The festival is introducing a brand-new panel featuring renowned casting directors. They’ll be shining a light on talented actors who deserve recognition, but haven’t had their day in the sun.
Calling all aspiring writers!
The ATX TV Festival’s annual “Pitch Competition” is back and calling out to all of you whose talent has yet to be discovered. This is your chance to get your original scripted series in front of industry professionals.
Writers have until January 17, 2025 to submit their best 90-second video pitch and writing sample for an original scripted series, which will be evaluated by several rounds of industry judges for a chance to pitch live during Season 14’s festival. The competition offers finalists a year of support and guidance to help them take their careers to the next level.
Once the submission deadline passes, ATX TV will choose up to 35 semi-finalists, including selections from partner The Black List, to advance to Round 2 of The Pitch Competition. These semi-finalists will have their submissions reviewed by a special set of Round 2 judges, made up of writers, producers and executives, who will select 10 finalists. Those 10 finalists will go on to the Live Finale round, and are given four minutes to pitch their shows in front of a panel of judges and audience of ATX TV Festival attendees during Season 14.
● DECEMBER 1, 2024 – Early Bird Submission Deadline
● JANUARY 10, 2025 – Regular Submission Deadline
● JANUARY 17, 2025 – Late Submission Deadline
● MARCH 3, 2025 – Semi-Finalists Announced
● APRIL 14, 2025 – Finalists Announced
● APRIL 28, 2025 – Finalists must confirm attendance for Pitch Competition Live Finale
● MAY 29 – JUNE 1, 2025 – Pitch Competition Live Finale at ATX TV Festival, Season 14 (exact date/time to be announced at a later date)
Beyond the highlights mentioned above, the festival will also feature screenings, Q&As, industry discussions, and networking opportunities for fans and industry professionals. At the end of the day, this is simply a celebration of all things television, offering something for everyone.
Badges and passes are now available for purchase on ATX TV Festival’s website.
