Maya Perez

1. #OnStory brings the conversations that happen at @austinfilmfest to audiences around the world for free.

2. "On Story is film school in a box, a lifetime's worth of filmmaking knowledge squeezed into half-hour packages." - @KennethTuran

3. FRIENDS (TV Show) co-creator @MartaFKauffman talks about how the phenomenon of Friends came to be, the universal appeal of Grace and Frankie, and working with the network versus Netflix.

4. You can watch Bianca Ansems’ short film Playing Ghost, a story about a mother and daughter dealing in their own ways with the recent death of the father.

5. #OnStory promotes diversity in front of and behind the camera by spotlighting the work of a variety of voices in film and television.

6. True Detective director Cary Fukunaga and Fargo creator Noah discuss the rise of the television anthology series and how they balance plot, character, and structure within the bounds of one season.

7. "Featuring conversations with some of the world's most renowned screenwriters and directors, On Story is essential viewing for anyone interested in filmmaking." - @GoIntoTheStory

8. On Story gives filmmakers a platform to share with audiences a new perspective on their movies, helping viewers to understand their films & TV series in a new way.

9. Parks and Recreation and Master of None writer @AlanMYang talks about making up for lost time, writing for the Harvard Lampoon, and putting stories from his personal life into the show.

10. You can watch Red Wednesday by Nazanin Sabet-Shirazi, a short film in which a 9-year-old Iranian-American girl attempts to revive her ailing mother with a Zorvastrian fire celebration.

11. “Crafting a story requires a writer to be spontaneous, vulnerable and deeply personal. On Story is where you can watch them be all those things in public.” - @andmichaelgreen

12. Producer/Emmy®-award winning actress @AmericaFerrera talks about breaking into the film business and her early roles in film and television, including Ugly Betty, Real Women Have Curves, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

13. Vince Gilligan, creator of the hit series Breaking Bad, reflects upon the show's hyper-serialized storytelling, along with his inspirations and influences.

14. @AFFOnStory invests in filmmakers, pairing short films with many of our episodes giving their filmmakers a wider audience.

15. Insecure creator/director/producer/star @IssaRae discusses the freedoms and challenges that come with doing it your own way and how to navigate the growing industry of developing original online content.

16. “On Story is an encyclopedia of all the hard-earned knowledge you wish were taught in school. Before now, you could only get this from experience -- let On Story save you some heartache." - @HIGHzurrer

17. @CallieKhouri reflects on writing the classic female-driven-buddy film Thelma & Louise and her experience working with Ridley Scott.

18. You can watch Avram Dodson's short film Pistachio Milk, a coming of age tale about a young suitor using only his wits and a bottle of pistachio milk to pursue his love interest.

19. “On Story is the next best thing to attending the screenwriters’ conference at Austin Film Festival.... This is an invaluable series for aspiring screenwriters everywhere." - Ramesh Santanam

20. Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof discusses his hand in some of the most celebrated and scrutinized works of science fiction.

21. @Uncannygirl (Guardians of the Galaxy) and @angelakang (The Walking Dead) discuss tackling comic book adaptations, the importance of character development, & balancing staying true to the spirit of the source material while breathing new life into preexisting stories.

22. Okay, not a reason, but... You’re struggling to make your own film, pay your bills, and don’t have “extra” money. We understand! Pls know your engagement means as much as your $$ donations. Even if you can only donate $5, your investment in On Story shows us we’re connecting.

23. “Storytelling is an art, and On Story is the glorious craft of that art, and everything in between. Simply invaluable.” - @TheTessMorris

24. You can watch Victor Nores' short film Euthanas, Inc., about an old lady whose family wishes to no longer be burdened by her presence, and her plans to grant them an unexpected change of scene.

25. "Getting to hear these artists talk about how they do what they do—their creative processes, behind-the-scenes decisions behind our favorite TV shows, analyzing and offering new insight to beloved movies—is such a gift." - Maya Perez (yeah, I'm quoting myself...)

26. The voices behind The Devil Wears Prada (@alinebmckenna), Bridesmaids (@paulfeig), and RACHEL GETTING MARRIED (Jenny Lumet) discuss how the most impressionable characters - both good & evil - are compelling *because* of their flaws, complexities, and personal truths.

27. @SHAFT6816, the youngest & first African-American filmmaker to win an Academy Award® for his work on Boyz N the Hood, discusses his process, influences, & inspirations, from the work of acclaimed playwright August Wilson to pioneering directors Spike Lee and Federico Fellini.

28. An answer to a question you might have: Doesn’t PBS pay for the show? No. With help from generous supporters like you, Austin Film Festival funds, produces, and owns the show. Our good friends at PBS distribute the show through their affiliates across the country.

29. You can watch Faraday Okoro’s short film Blitz, where father and son agree to a 'winner take all' blitz chess game in order to settle a bet.

30. From Private Benjamin to Something’s Gotta Give, writer/director Nancy Meyers has created some of the most memorable complicated women characters on the screen. She shares her career path & stories of her collaborations.