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For four days every spring, Austin turns into “TV Camp for Grown Ups” with the Austin TV Festival. Fans and industry professionals come together as one community. Together they view past, current, and soon-to-air programming; celebrate at cast reunions, such as this year’s Friday Night Lights event; and attend panel discussions on how things get made, fan focused fun, and the impact of TV on the culture.
How did this awesome annual event come about? It is the work of two amazing individuals: Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson. They met in the early 2000’s while working as assistants at the Fox lot in Los Angeles. Their interest in TV, a wish to return to Texas, and a Kickstarter campaign led to the first ATX TV Festival in 2012.
Caitlin McFarland, Co-President, Co-Founder, and Head of Programming & Partnership, maintains deep industry relationships with executives and creatives. She serves the community through events year-round, including virtual and in person gatherings, a membership program, and newsletters.
Emily Gipson admits to being in charge of backend necessities like finances and “a lot of spreadsheets” but keeps connected to her creativity while so engaged. She also oversees opportunities for professional career enhancements like the pitch competition in which creatives try to sell their ideas to show runners.
What is Changing
I was curious about the evolution of TV and asked about changes.
The first time I covered ATX TV was in 2018, and there were lots of previews of new shows – Whiskey Cavalier, Strange Angel, Sharp Objects. This year there seemed to be more of an emphasis on the mechanics of TV production than new shows and on nostalgia. Was this a change in focus you made or is the TV world changing?
Caitlin: Each year is an ebb and flow based on timing and the state of TV. The pilot season and summer launch of series have changed in the last 10 years, which has definitely shifted our content. That said, this year we did have the premiere of The Vampire Lestat, new episodes of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, The Other Bennet Sister, and first look at House of the Dragon. Plus, this year brought in premieres of indie TV pilots as a new launching ground.
Ultimately, we are always looking for the balance of TV Industry and Fandom conversations and content.
What did you find most challenging about producing this year’s fest?
Caitlin: Each year brings new challenges. This year, it was confirmations within schedules of talent and the aforementioned launch schedules of shows but also working out new venues downtown and locking in our party and screening venues – which I’m sure will increase in years to come. The business of live events.
Is there a moment that stands out in your memory this year?
Caitlin: Can’t be anything other than Friday Night Lights 20 Year Reunion/Homecoming — specifically the music of Crucifictorious.
What are your favorite TV shows?
Caitlin: I Love Lucy
Emily: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Next Season
What’s happening for fans between now and the next fest?
Caitlin: ATX TV Memberships – check out what we do all year long with our members. We will also be in LA at Televerse and the TV Academy in August.
And have some fun plans with our friends at Plex for a screening series…stay tuned!
What should attendees expect from future ATX TV Festivals?
Caitlin: Honestly, a lot of what this year was. TV Camp for Grown-ups is a community of fans and industry celebrating TV through lots of conversation, events, and good food and drink. Join us!
More ATX TV?
For more information on the Austin TV Festival and opportunities for yearlong participation, check their website or social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
