The Latest Featured News and Event Updates from SXSW

SXSW 101: What is the SXSW Film Title Sequence Competition?

jim — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Don't be fooled - there's more to 'titles' than meets the eye! The incredible art of the modern Title Sequence is no longer just a boring list of names that precede a movie or TV show: It's much more than that. A visually dazzling, inventive and memorable title sequence sucks you in and sets the tone, gripping you to your seat for the entertainment to come.

SXSW is proud to become the first Film Festival to honor the brilliant artistry of the title designer, with the first annual Excellence in Title Design Award. Lucky audience members will get to vote on their favorites following a dedicated screening during SXSW 2010. The competition is open internationally to all title sequences created as part of a film completed since 2009, and finalists will also be judged by a panel of industry experts, drawn from the worlds of title design, digital media and motion graphics.

Think you've got the title sequence to beat them all? Head here to submit your mini-masterpiece, and get more info here. You have until December 11, so get on the case!

Don't forget - Get your badge now to make sure you get a chance to see the best title designs of the year!

Crossing Border Festival Brings The Hague to Austin

mattsonzala — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:20:47 +0000

Crossing Border is a festival where literature, music, film and the visual arts combine to take center stage. From November 18 - 21, writers, poets, musicians, filmmakers and artists will take over The Hague's cultural center. Then in March, the good folks at Crossing Border will travel to Austin to present some of the best bands from their city.

This Wednesday marks the beginning of the 17th Annual edition of the Crossing Border Festival. Their opening night event will feature the six bands from The Hague including -- NiCad, Rebelle, John Dear Mowing Club, Woot -- who were hand selected by the staff at SXSW to perform on the newly created Crossing Border Stage in 2010.

"The Hague is thrilled to see six of our most talented bands play at SXSW." Michel Behre, Programmer from Crossing Border says, "The bands are so excited for this unique opportunity, and we are very excited to see these young bands continue the long tradition of rock music in The Hague."

Since Crossing Border's inception it has sought to find a unique combination of the spoken word with music, film and visual art. As well as courting the biggest names from the international worlds of literature and music, they also feature a wealth of undiscovered artists. One of Crossing Border's hopes is to highlight new developments in literature and music and their interconnection with other arts.

We look forward to welcoming this dynamic organization and their bands to SXSW 2010.

www.crossingborder.nl
John Dear Mowing Club photo courtesy of artist.

It's Time! SXSW Music Festival is in Full Swing

mattsonzala — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:04:33 +0000

SXSW Music is excited to announce our first round of bands who will be performing at SXSW 2010!

Giulia y los Tellarini; Barcelona, Spain
The Hong Kong Blood Opera; Hermosillo, Mexico
Archie Bronson Outfit; London, England
The Temper Trap; Melbourne, Australia
Japandroids; Vancouver, Canada
CHEW LiPS; London, England

Our booking staff is still reviewing the thousands of bands who have applied, so if you have applied and have not received your invitation as of yet, never fear, we've still got a few rounds of invitations to go. All acts will be notified of their status by Jan. 29th.

Check back with us right here daily to get the most up to the minute updates and announcements regarding SXSW Music Festival 2010.

While you're here, why not click over to our registration page and purchase your badge, reserve your hotel room and start planning for SXSW 2010!

Japandroids photo courtesy of the band

Rock the Vote

Katie — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:49:34 +0000

We are blown away by the high caliber of the hundreds of designs that were submitted for the SXSW 2010 T-shirt Design Competition hosted by our friends at 99designs. With 658 creative designs to choose from, we had our work cut out for us and it wasn't easy. But we've managed to narrow it down to five designs for you to vote on - select your favorite and the winning design will become a t-shirt and sold through SXSW Merch in March. Cast your vote by Friday, November 20 and let your choice be known! A special thanks to all of the talented designers who submitted their work, we've been very impressed by your creativity.

Click here to start voting!

Film Announces Five Visual Fundamentals Panels

rebecca — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:05:45 +0000

These panels, just a taste of the the 2010 SXSW Film Conference, offer attending filmmakers vital tools to make an impression. Each panel offers essential insights into the varied but crucial visual creative elements that make a film truly stand out. Take advantage of these exclusive opportunities and more - register now, reserve your hotel room and start planning for SXSW 2010!

First Impressions: The Art of Main Title Design
Moderator: Karin Fong, Imaginary Forces
A strong title sequence can yield some of a film’s most memorable images, allowing its themes to linger long after the lights go up. This presentation will explore the process of creating such sequences, using case studies from experiences with both studio and independent projects.

Floating Heads are Dead: Why Traditional Posters Suck
Moderator: Tiffany Pritchard, All City Media
Many studios rely on star power ('floating heads') to sell a film. However, iconic imagery can be more memorable, and work effectively throughout the overall marketing campaign. This is particularly important when a film has limited stills such as indies and documentaries.

Direct a Great Film by Storyboarding with Stick Figures
Moderator: Mark Bristol, Static Line Productions
No matter what your drawing abilities may be learn the tools to pre-visualize your project through storyboarding. This class will focus on teaching storyboarding and film composition.

Cinematography for Improvised Films: Lighting the Unknown
Moderator: Paul Harrill, Self-Reliant Films
Focusing on the unique challenges of shooting improvised cinema. How can a cinematographer approach working with little or no script, actors that need to be able to move freely without worrying about "hitting their light", and live locations that can't be controlled?

Blow Something Up! Live Action Special Effects
Moderator: Steve Wolf, Wolf Stuntworks
Learn how live effects can put your project over-the-top. Explosions, Pyro, Snow, Rain, Smoke, Fire, Bullet Hits and Stunts add visual sizzle to movies, TV, Commercials, music videos and live events. Experience how easily and affordably you can put these proven attention grabbers to work for you. Demo!

Stay tuned for more exciting SXSW Film Announcements, coming soon!

Photo of Karin Fong courtesy of Imaginary Forces

Refresh Your Brand at the Registrant Lounge

Peter — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:04:21 +0000

Reaching the Registrants at SXSW has never been easier. It is as simple as sponsoring the Registrant Lounge at SXSW. With customizable activation options, on-site signage and company listings in SXSW publications, this marketing opportunity is a tantalizing dish certain to raise your brand to new heights.

Located just across the street from the Austin Convention Center, the Registrant Lounge is always teeming with people. Enticed by complimentary refreshments, DJ entertainment, seating areas and massage chairs, it is a stopping off point for registrants before hitting the various evening functions at SXSW.

If you are interested in creating a unique space for your company by sponsoring the Registrant Lounge at SXSW 2010, please contact our adept Sales Department today.
Photo: Registrants Lounge courtesy of Daniel Lewis

Register by Today and Save!

jimmy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:58:35 +0000

With the SXSW early registration deadline of November 13 here, Register now and save $100 off the walk up rate and have a greater variety of downtown hotels to choose from.

The most influential members of the music and media industry will be in Austin from March 17-21, 2010 attending engaging panel discussions, seeing the best new music showcases and, of course, witnessing the Music Conference Keynote, the legendary Smokey Robinson.

Stay tuned for more programming announcements but don't wait too long. Register now and save!

November 13 Registration Deadline is Today! Save $$$!

jim — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:31:38 +0000

Don't forget, you have just today to register for a SXSW badge before prices go up! Register by this Friday, November 13 and you could save $230 on the Platinum Badge walk up rate! You can also save $125 on a Film Badge, and $100 on a Gold Badge. Do it now, and pick up a bargain!

Remember, a SXSW badge registration is the only way to make the most of the Film Conference and Festival, with a wealth of premiere screenings, panels, workshops, parties, and amazing networking opportunities.

Why are you still reading? Click here and save!

One More Day to Save on All SXSW Interactive Has to Offer

Christine Auten — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:24:51 +0000

The next early registration deadline for SXSW is only a day away. That means there's just one more day to sign up to experience all that the Interactive Festival has to offer for $100 off the walk up price.

That's the newest technologies on hand in the Trade Show, cutting edge products and services showcased at Microsoft BizSpark Accelerator, the latest video game innovations at ScreenBurn at SXSW, the best new websites competing in the 13th Annual Web Awards, the endless networking opportunities in the many lounges and evening events, and the brightest minds sharing their knowledge and experience through panel programming - That is five days of programming all for only $450! So what are you waiting for? Register today!

2009 Registration photo courtesy of Mary Sledd / www.marysledd.com.

Daniel Ek Gives You One More Reason to Go Platinum

Christine Auten — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:19:23 +0000

One of the greatest values of attending SXSW can be found in the eclectic mix of people attracted to all three events: the SXSW Music, Film and Interactive Festivals and Conferences. Filmmakers and producers mingle with web developers and motion graphic artists, movie stars join social media superstars, and musicians and labels unite with new media music moguls.

As diverse as these varied disciplines are, we are seeing a shift to convergence through new technologies that cannot be ignored. A Platinum registration offers the opportunity to experience this convergence first hand. Register for Platinum by the end of this week and save $230 off the walk up rate.

Upgrading to Platinum has its advantages. Music Festival attendees won't want to miss the Interactive Festival 2:00pm Tuesday Keynote conversation with Daniel Ek, CEO and co-founder of the innovative online music service Spotify.

Interactive attendees will find the Film Festival's new Title Sequence Design Competition irresistible and Film attendees will want to take advantage of the wealth of information offered in the many Interactive Festival sessions devoted to new media production and distribution.

And all three elements come together with ScreenBurn at SXSW, the video game element of the Interactive Festival, where film, music and the web collide.

There's a reason we say "Tomorrow Happens Here." Go Platinum today!

Photo of Daniel Ek courtesy of Spotify Press.