Alan Pannell

I’m a script coach, screenwriter, occasional movie extra, and veteran contest script reader for the Austin Film Festival. I've read for all genres, as well TV specs and pilots. Besides doing professional contract script coverage, I offer script coaching through my screenwriting studio, Screenplay Academy. Side projects include a new short film script.

I’ve done many movie-related jobs, including film projectionist, film booking, video store manager, and movie critic. I was previously an Instructor and Head of Reference at the University of Colorado-Boulder Law School where I specialized in teaching law with film and created the blog Law in the Reel World. After getting my master’s degree in Film & Popular Culture with a focus on film & TV screenwriting, I was certified as a Screenreader by Hollywood Gatekeepers.

Feel free to message with any questions about contest screenwriting. Screenplay Academy's spring season has begun and I have a lot of thoughts on the topic, along with helpful suggestions to share. The Academy offers phased coaching from story development to final contest prep.