American Film
Institute teams
with Maui Writers

By Tim Ryan
star-Bulletin

The American Film Institute will co-present the Screenwriting Track & Screenplay Competition at the 9th annual Maui Writers Conference Labor Day weekend at the Outrigger Wailea Resort on Maui.

The organization will bring two major screenwriters and several AFI officials to Maui, to participate on panels during the event.

"From its inception, AFI has focused on the art of storytelling, and visual storytelling remains the primary goal of all the institute's activities," said James Hindman, AFI's chief operating officer. "That's why aligning with the (conference) is such a natural fit for us.

"We have a great deal of respect for what the Maui Writers Conference has created, and we are all looking forward to working together to present an outstanding program for attendees.

The partnership will allow the conference to bring even more presenters in the entertainment industry, said conference director John Tullius.

This year's presenters include script consultant and author Linda Seger; interactive scriptwriter Carolyn Miller; former director of development at Fox 2000; author Chris Vogler; and CEO of Grade A Entertainment Andy Cohen.

AFI will also manage the AFI/MWC National Screenwriting Competition, where winners will take home more than $4,000 in prizes.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin columnist Charles Memminger, last year's top screenwriting winner, was hired by "Baywatch Hawaii" to write several episodes after his MWC win.

The entry fee for the contest is $50 per screenplay; the deadline for submission is June 15.

The registration fee for the 2001 Maui Writers Conference is $495 per person before May 1. After that date, registration is $595, and after June 15, the cost goes up to $695.

Agent and editor one-on-one consultations are available by lottery for registered attendees only, at $40 per session.

Tuition for the 2001 Maui Writers Retreat (August 24 to 29) is $975 and requires submission of written work to qualify. Registration closes on July 1, no exceptions.

You can save $100 if you submit a cover of Writer's Digest Magazine (or a photocopy of the cover) until May 1.

For details on the American Film Institute, the AFI Conservatory or Screenwriting Competition, contact Georja Skinner at (808)-268-4341 or Joe Petricca, Vice Dean, at (323)-856-7721. You can also visit the website at www.AFIonline.org.

For MWC information, go online at www.mauiwriters.com or call (808)-879-0061.

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