ATX TV Festival presents Indie TV Pilot Competition
Details
ATX TV Festival is rolling out the red carpet for its first-ever Indie TV Pilot Competition, and you’re invited to watch the next wave of television unfold on the big screen.
This special showcase brings together the top selections from the festival’s inaugural indie pilot contest — projects made by passionate creators who are dreaming beyond traditional broadcast TV. Expect a curated lineup of fresh, original series ideas spanning genres from offbeat comedy to slow-burn drama, sci-fi oddities to heartfelt character pieces. These aren’t rough drafts; they’re polished indie pilots ready to be discovered.
The event plays out like a mini awards show for TV obsessives. You’ll watch the featured pilots back-to-back with a full audience, then stick around to see which creator walks away with the coveted “Best Indie TV Pilot” title, as chosen by a panel of industry judges. It’s part screening, part competition, and a rare peek into what could become the next big cult favorite you brag about discovering first.
- Experience a handpicked slate of indie TV pilots from rising writers, directors, and producers.
- Cheer on your favorites as they compete for the “Best Indie TV Pilot” award.
- Soak up the festival atmosphere with an audience full of TV fans, creators, and industry insiders.
- Single ticket holders are seated after festival badge and pass holders, with all seats first-come, first-served.
- Plan to arrive early to snag your spot and settle in before the pilots roll.
If you leave wanting more, ATX TV Festival has you covered with TV Passes (a perfect festival “punchcard”) and special discounts for locals, plus a full slate of programming running all weekend. This Indie TV Pilot Competition showcase is your chance to see the shows of tomorrow while they’re still scrappy, ambitious, and wonderfully indie.
Venue Details
Tucked into bustling Congress Avenue, the historic State Theatre in downtown Austin is a jewel box of Art Deco charm and creative energy. Opened in 1935 as the city’s first purpose-built movie house, it now goes by “Stateside at the Paramount” and pairs vintage character with a thoroughly modern lineup of performances.
- The theatre is part of the Paramount Theatre complex, sharing its block and history while offering a more intimate, 305-seat setting that puts every guest close to the action.
- Its design reflects the sleek lines and geometric flair of the Art Deco era, with a cozy auditorium that feels tailor-made for live storytelling, sharp stand-up, and atmospheric film screenings.
- Originally created for cinema, the space has evolved into a multi-use venue that hosts drama, comedy, music, dance, podcasts, spoken-word events, festivals, and special film programs.
- Over the decades, careful renovations and repairs have preserved its historic character while improving comfort, acoustics, and technical capabilities for both audiences and performers.
- The State Theatre is a key stage for Austin’s Moontower Comedy Festival and other marquee events, giving audiences a chance to see big-name acts and rising stars in a small, character-filled room.
- Its stadium-style seating and cushy chairs create excellent sightlines throughout the house, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in whatever is happening on stage.
- The theatre’s programming reflects Austin’s eclectic tastes, ranging from music and comedy to local award shows and community-centered performances that keep the venue deeply connected to the city’s arts scene.
- Because it operates under the Austin Theatre Alliance alongside the larger Paramount next door, the State benefits from shared resources and thoughtful curation, resulting in a busy calendar with a wide variety of events.
- Concessions lean into the classic theatre experience, with popcorn, candy, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that make it easy to relax and settle in before the show.
- Whether you know it as the State Theatre or Stateside at the Paramount, this landmark blends nostalgia and contemporary creativity, offering a warm, intimate place to experience Austin’s vibrant performing arts up close.