Conversations in Film: A Conversation with Rob Thomas
- Vendor: AFF
- Type: Conversations in Film
This event is now sold out!
Join Rob Thomas, the celebrated writer and creator of Veronica Mars, Party Down, and Cupid, for an in-depth talk on putting together a pilot and series - from concept to creation to getting picked up - using the critically-acclaimed series Party Down as a case study. The American Film Institute named Party Down one of the 10 best shows of 2009 and Veronica Mars one of the 10 best shows of 2004.
"...a brilliant half-hour comedy series that understands the limits and possibilities of working in the cable hinterlands, and builds the show around them. It’s far too raunchy and irreverent for a major network, yet its simple, low-budget, down-and-dirty aesthetic doesn’t square with the cinematic polish of an HBO, either. Creators John Enbom, Dan Etheridge, Rob Thomas (of Veronica Mars fame), and Paul Rudd have crafted something uniquely Starz, a frugal office comedy where the office changes every week, but the core elements of a great cast and tart, prankish, painfully funny writing remain evergreen."
- Scott Tobias, A.V. Club
For the first time, Thomas will present a public screening of the original, unaired pilot for Party Down. Six years in the making, the pilot was shot in Thomas’ house with most of the original cast, shown to networks, and eventually ordered by STARZ. This will be a unique opportunity for fans to see the origins of the popular television program. Thomas will also discuss changing trends in television, how to break in as a writer, what to expect in the staff writing room.
Rob Thomas graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1987 with a history degree. His first writing job was 1996 episode of Cartoon Network’s Space Ghost Coast to Coast. He next wrote the script that would eventually become the 1999 film Fortune Cookie. Based on the script, he was offered a job on the writing staff of Dawson’s Creek during the show's first season. Thomas’s previous work includes penning the 1999 film Drive Me Crazy. Thomas is the author of four novels and one short story collection for Simon & Schuster including the 1996 unanimous American Librarian Association Best Book for Young Adults Rats Saw God.
A
Conversation with Rob Thomas
Wednesday, April 18th, 7:30pm
Spirit Theater
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Ave
The Museum's underground parking garage can accommodate vehicles with a maximum height of 7ft. There are two designated spaces for handicapped accessible vans with a maximum height of 8 ft. Vehicles with a valid handicapped parking permit may receive free parking. The Parking Garage entrance is located on the south side of the Museum on 18th Street, just off North Congress Avenue. Parking garage is free after 6 pm. Garage hours subject to change on UT game days.
Tickets $12 general admission or $10 AFF members.
Please bring a valid form of ID to the event to claim your ticket.