Nashville Conference turns nine

Screenwriters learn biz with help of panels

By DANIELLE KRATEN

The Nashville Screenwriters Conference is celebrating its ninth year with two premiere screenings.

Titled "The Year of Truth and Lies," the June 1-3 conference is an opportunity for to learn the ins and outs of the film and television industries via panels and workshops.

A screening of HBO's "Big Love" will be followed by a panel with cast members Ginnifer Goodwin and Mary Kay Place, as well as behind-the-scenes players Kary Antholis of HBO and the show's Peter Friedlander, Mark Olsen and Will Scheffer.

TNT's "Saving Grace," starring Holly Hunter, will also screen with executive producer Nancy Miller and TNT veep Michael Wright on hand to answer questions.

Variety executive editor of features, Steven Gaydos, will be a panelist for the "Packaging and Distribution POW-WOW," helping filmmakers and producers get domestic and foreign distribution.

Other panels include a discussion of the dynamics of writing with a partner, how to place music in films and TV, writing's role in documentary programming and a sped-up demonstration of the life of a pitch.