by Kristin Keiper
Staff Writer
A week after wrapping up the Nashville Screenwriter’s Conference at the Union Station Hotel, Conference Coordinator Alicia Miles called the event “fantastic.”
“I spoke to several of the attendees, and they were just thrilled to be a part of it, and so happy with how interactive it was,” said Miles. “The returning panelists I contacted—and there were many of them – were so excited to come back here. Nashville gives such an incredible vibe.”
Gary Haber, President of Haber Corporation and a founder of the NSC, agreed, saying “holding this in Nashville makes it unique from any other conference in the country.
“Nashville has developed a reputation as a strong creative community and this conference is an exciting way to bring together that community with the creative forces of Hollywood," Haber said. "Those who attended got an in-depth look at the worlds of film and television with thoughtful reflection on current events and trends in the industry.”
Miles also commented on the inclusiveness and access at the conference. She urges people thinking about attending the conference next year to take advantage of everything the conference has to offer.
“It’s one of the most inclusive conferences I’ve seen in my 25 years in the entertainment industry," Miles said. "There is such camaraderie in the community of screenwriters. Even if you want to be a producer, director, or actor, you need to know what these writers are thinking, because the story is the source.”
First time panelists included Linda Woolverton, (Tony Award Nominee for her adaptation of Beauty & The Beast for the Broadway stage, and co-writer of animated feature The Lion King) Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot (writing team on Shrek, the first ever animated film to win an Oscar, and the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy) and all three enjoyed their time at the conference, according to Miles.
“I think the great thing about the NSC is that every year people say ‘this was so great, how could it be any better next year?’ And then it is!” Miles said.
The NSC was founded in 1999 by Les Bohem, (producer of Taken and Dante’s Peak) Karen Murphy, (producer of Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show) and Gary Haber. The conference, which Script Magazine calls “one of the best screenwriters conferences in America,” continues to connect attendees to executives who share their experience, expertise and advice.
“These professionals are really putting themselves out there for this audience. They’re reaching out to the people who want to do this. It’s such an amazing group of engaging, charming, snarky, witty people,” Miles concluded.