SXSW Film Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

When and where is the South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival held?
SXSW Film takes place in Austin, Texas each March.

Why Austin?

What is SXSW FILM?
The South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival is essentially two events in one. By day, it is an industry-oriented film conference with panels, workshops, mentor sessions and a Trade Show. It has been described as a five day crash course on guerilla filmmaking and marketing. Day and night the SXSW Film Festival screens about 150 - 200 of the best independent films produced during the previous year as well as works from established directors who have inspired the latest generation of filmmakers. Aspiring novices and seasoned professionals alike can immerse themselves in film and the business of film by registering for SXSW.

How old is SXSW FILM?
SXSW Film originated in 1994.

Where do the daytime events occur?
All SXSW Film Conference daytime events including the panels, workshops and the Trade Show take place at the Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street.

What kind of people attend SXSW Film?
The range of registrants at SXSW Film includes distribution company presidents and filmmaking waitresses. Representatives from major and independent distribution houses scout films and talent. Writers conduct interviews and madly watch films. Filmmakers check out films from around the world that are rarely seen in America. Actors, directors, agents, distributors and screenwriters get together and talk. People seeking new business, fascinated with new films and exploring new technologies find what they need at the trade show and panels.

I am strictly a film fan and don't work in the business. How can I see films?
A SXSW Film badge is affordable for film industry professionals and fans alike. Avid film buffs with a badge will have the highest mobility between theatres. Registration benefits include the Trade Show, access to all panels, a Big Bag of goodies, and a chance to hob nob with some of the most important people in film. Additional ways to see screenings of the films are to buy a Film Festival Pass (available locally in Austin in late-February) which is good for the entire week or to buy single admissions at the door the night of the screening.

ATTENDING SXSW FILM

Why should I register for SXSW?
Whether you are a newcomer to the film industry, a well-established veteran or an avid film fan, SXSW Film provides a great opportunity to network with people who can help you move your career to the next level and educate you on how the industry works.

Which benefits do I receive by registering?
A SXSW Film registration badge is the only way you can attend all the panels, the workshops, the mentor sessions, the hands on demos and the Trade Show. In addition to receiving the Registrants' Directory/Program Book and the Big Bag of goodies, SXSW Film registrants also get priority entrance to SXSW Film Festival venues. You also get access to the Online Registrants' Database, a version of the conference Registrants' Directory complete with e-mail addresses, to assist in your business contact needs throughout the year.

Where are the Film Festival screenings?
All theaters are within walking distance or a short cab ride from each other. One screen is in the Austin Convention Center (ACC). The Paramount Theater is downtown on Congress Ave., and the Alamo Ritz (which will have two screens) is just a couple of blocks away on 6th Street. There is also the Dobie Theater near the University of Texas, which may also require a cab. Also, don't forget there are also two screens showing SXSW films at the Alamo Drafthouse S. Lamar. For detailed directions, see the map in your program book.

The awards ceremony is Tuesday, so does the festival end?
The SXSW Film Conference, Trade Show, and Panels close on Tuesday, March 11. And, soon after, is the annual Film Awards Ceremony at the ACC Theater. But, no, film festival screenings still take place at each venue through March 15. This is also a great chance to see some of the award-winners you may have missed earlier.

What's the difference between the Alamo Ritz and the Alamo South Lamar?
Location, location, location. The Alamo Ritz is located on 6th Street in the heart of Austin’s club district, only a few blocks away from the Austin Convention Center. Meanwhile, the Alamo S. Lamar can be found at 1120 South Lamar Blvd, and we will have two screens there. The Alamo S. Lamar is a few minutes from downtown, easily accessible by both bus or cab.

Are there single-admission tickets to the Festival screenings?
Yes. These will go on sale about 15 minutes prior to screening time if there is still seating available. The single admission ticket price is $10 for all screenings.

What should I do to ensure that I get a seat at a Festival screening?
Badge-holders should arrive at least 30 minutes early. All empty theater seats will then be filled by pass-holders, and then later single-admission ticket holders, at this time. If you have a pass or a badge, and you want to ensure you get a seat, we strongly urge you to arrive at screening venues at least 45 minutes before screening time. If you need to purchase a single-admission ticket, we recommend you arrive an hour or more before screening time, especially at smaller venues like the Alamo or Dobie.

If I have a car, where should I park when I go see films?
It depends on the theater. There is plenty of free parking at the Alamo S. Lamar. You can park in the Dobie garage and have your ticket validated at the Dobie Theater. For the Alamo Downtown, Paramount, and Austin Convention Center theaters, there are several parking options. Since these venues are downtown, there are a number of paid garages and parking lots available to you. Be mindful of the strict towing and ticketing laws for certain parking spaces, including those curbside.

How do I get a cab in this town?
The easiest way is to get the concierge at your hotel to call you a cab. From the theaters, you can call American Yellow Checker cab at 512/452-9999. Fares are fairly inexpensive in Austin. A cab from the Convention Center to the Paramount Theater normally costs around $6. For a cab from the Convention Center to the Alamo S. Lamar, the fare will be closer to $8, without heavy traffic.

Where can I see some good music, for free?
On March 13, 14, and 15, SXSW hosts free shows at the Town Lake Stage. Check with Registration to find out the lineups for Town Lake. These shows often include popular artists playing in an outdoor festival setting.

PANELS, WORKSHOPS, MENTOR SESSIONS

What is a panel? / What is covered in panels?
Panel discussions at SXSW are designed as continuing education for the film business.

What is a Mentor Session?
Registrants may sign up for ten minute sessions with selected panelists, who represent a wide variety of professions within the film business. This is a great opportunity to meet one on one with established professionals and get straight, personalized advice.

SCREENING AT THE SXSW FILM FESTIVAL

How does my film get chosen to screen at the SXSW Film Festival?
SXSW Film accepts festival submissions until the beginning of December each year.

Why should my film screen at SXSW?
Screening at SXSW is a cost effective way for your film to reach a wide segment of the film industry. If your film is accepted for a screening and you effectively prepare and promote your film, you will have the chance to screen for a highly influential audience of industry experts and knowledgeable film lovers.

Any advice before I send in my film submission and related materials?
SXSW will receive close to three thousand submissions. Please include everything that is requested on the submission form including a VHS tape/DVD, 50 word synopsis, director's bio, cast and crew lists, and list of previous and planned screenings. Do not underestimate the importance of reading and following the instructions.

You didn't give me a screening, why should I come to your conference?
Opportunities for film professionals do not stop at screenings for the prepared professional. Informative panels reveal tips and tricks of the industry, while the Trade Show gives a chance to size up the offerings and bend a few ears. Creative self-promotion can create a buzz without your film even being screened.

MORE INFORMATION & CONTACTING SXSW FILM

How can I get more information on SXSW Film?
Peruse the SXSW Film web pages.

How can I contact SXSW Film?
E-mail us at film at sxsw.com. Or, call SXSW Film at 512/467-7979.

What is this SMS stuff at SXSW?
If you receive text messages on your phone, you’re able to take advantage of this new feature at SXSW. Visit: http://2008.sxsw.com/tools/sms/ to get information about registering your phone to received schedule updates and also participate in the SXSW Audience Awards.

Hey what’s up? You didn’t answer my question.
We're sorry! That information is available at the Info Desk in the Registration area at SXSW HQ starting March 7.

AUSTIN

What can you tell me about Austin?
Austin is a culturally-diverse community with a thriving film scene. Prominent film industry professionals from Austin include Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater, William Broyles, Lawrence Wright, and Sandra Bullock, For more information about Austin, check out Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

What kind of weather can I expect during SXSW FILM?
Although spring weather in Austin can be unpredictable, the weather is usually in the 70's during the day and in the 50's and 60's at night. Murphy's Law of Meteorological Events dictates that if you bring an umbrella, it probably won't rain.