Welcome to South by Southwest 2009

Originally released theatrically on February 19, 1999, writer/director Mike Judge's OFFICE SPACE was well received critically but did not initially click with the general public. It wasn't until the film hit video and cable TV that it finally found its audience, soon becoming one of the largest selling catalog titles in the then-burgeoning DVD market. It has since gone on to become one of the biggest selling titles in Fox Home Entertainment history and is a modern day comedy classic.

In celebration of the film's 10th anniversary, Fox Home Entertainment will be releasing the film on Blu-Ray DVD on Tuesday, February 3rd. That following Sunday, February 8th, South by Southwest Film Conference & Festival (SXSW) and Fantastic Fest will co-present the ultimate OFFICE SPACE screening at the legendary Paramount Theater in Austin, TX, where OFFICE SPACE was filmed. This one-time only screening event will take place at 8:00 PM and will include special appearances by writer/director Mike Judge and members of the cast and crew to be announced at a later date. Additionally, there will be exclusive giveaways courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment, and co-presenters SXSW and Fantastic Fest have promised special OFFICE SPACE activities before and after the screening. If you are a poorly functioning office fax machine, however, you may want to avoid the festivities entirely.

Tickets for this event will go on sale at noon on Thursday, January 15. Tickets are available for the first 48 hours to 2009 SXSW and Fantastic Fest badge holders (instructions will be emailed to current badge holders). Tickets will be available to the general public starting at noon on Saturday, January 17 at the Paramount Theater box office or online at gettix.net.

A very limited number of VIP tickets will be on sale which will include a pre-event cocktail reception, a limited edition event souvenir, flair, an actual red Swingline stapler, and an after-party at Chotchkie's featuring pizza shooters, shrimp poppers and extreme fajitas!

More details on this screening and updated information can also be found at www.sxsw.com or www.fantasticfest.com. So put on your Hawaiian shirt, guard your Swingline staplers, put a cover page on your TPS report and jump to conclusions for the OFFICE SPACE ten year anniversary party!

Special thanks to Fox Home Entertainment for sponsoring this event. The Office Space 10 Year Reunion is also sponsored in part by 101X, listen to 101X for your chance to win tickets.

Kid Policy: 18 and up; Children 6 and up will be allowed only with a parent or guardian. No children under the age of 6 will be allowed.

DON'T FORGET YOUR FLAIR: Sunday, February 8th at 8:00PM at the Paramount Theater in Austin.

We are excited to announce the addition of Steven Johnson to this year's lineup of participants. The author of books such as "Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities and Software" and "Everything Bad is Good For You", he will speak on the afternoon of Friday, March 13. Those who attended last year's event know what a compelling thinker he is: Johnson and Henry Jenkins of the MIT Media Lab provided Opening Remarks at the 2008 SXSW Interactive Festival (listen to audio of their intriguing presentation by clicking to the Podcast Page). Be there in 2009 to hear him talk about his newest release "The Invention Of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution and the Birth of America".

Many of our Registrants, Filmmakers, Panelists, Bands and fans come to Austin from abroad and we appreciate the distance you travel to attend SXSW each year.

As of January 12th 2009, travelers entering the US with passports from Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain advance online travel authorization by visiting the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website (this online authorization is free).

Travelers historically provided this same information via simple forms onboard their flight or at US immigration but it is now required in advance of your travel. Most applications (99.5%) are instantly approved. But the few who are denied must apply for visas (which takes time).

We want your travel to the States to go well and hope that this information helps. For more information about traveling to Austin, click here.

There's an updated list of showcasing acts set to perform over here.

We'll be bringing you more updates in the coming weeks so check back often for more news!

To kick-start the new year, airlines in the U.S. and around the world have slashed airfares making travel to SXSW ridiculously cheap from lots of places. Airfares under $300 are commonplace online and travel from Los Angeles to Austin can be had for as low as $218. Fare sales like this usually don’t last long so don’t hesitate to make your SXSW plans.

Register now and take advantage of the discount badge price (before January 16th), inexpensive hotels (outside downtown), and cheap airfares (while they last).

More than 35,000 people in the United States and around the globe read the the SXSW in-house magazine SXSWORLD. Doesn't your company, product or service want to reach this influential readership? If so, there is still time to introduce your brand to these creative decision-makers through advertising in one or more of the upcoming issues of this publication. Advertise in one of the two issues that come out in March plus the May issue at the 3x discount rate and receive the second March issue for only $400. This offer only valid when purchasing a companion ad in the SXSW Interactive / Film / Music Program/Directory. Click here for more information on advertising rates -- or just e-mail Katie King for details. Katie can also give you information on all other 2009 marketing options.

Getting your message into the hands of SXSW registrants has never been easier. Just put a super cool and functional insert into our Conference Big Bags. CD samplers, keychains, sunscreen and lip balms can be customized with your company's information and distributed to our attendees through the commemorative Big Bags. SXSW registrants are happy to receive these promotional items and increase your company's brand exposure with each use.

To make things even easier, we also have a turn-key solution available. Simply pick an item from our list of premium inserts, send us your artwork and we take care of the rest. Don't fuss with price comparisons and multiple shipping costs when we have already handled all of that for you. Contact sales@sxsw.com for more information, but hurry, as the ordering deadline for these inserts is January 21.

Click here for a description of each Premium Insert available.

Reprising a presentation that made a big buzz last March, author, impresario and musician Martin Atkins will speak at SXSW 2009 as part of our Wednesday series of conference events tailored to aspiring musicians and moguls-in-training. Martin is the author of "Tour Smart," a book outlining strategies and tactics for musicians to use that offers great insight from dozens of perspectives. His approach is direct, no-nonsense and blunt, and funny as hell, seeking to shake musicians out of their complacency to face the challenges of building an audience on the road. Do not miss this session on Wednesday March 18!

"I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing break. You're going to need it! The next few months are going to be packed full of information and excitement as we make our way to South by Southwest 2009 in March."

The class is ready and waiting, attentively watching the instructor write a date on the chalk board.

"January 16th, 2009. What does that date mean to you?"

From the front row, "We have just two weeks to save on registrations for SXSW 2009!"

"Very good! Somebody's done their homework. Register for the 2009 SXSW Interactive Festival on or before Friday, January 16th, for just $425!"

Another eager student speaks up, "We can also save on Gold and Platinum badges. Film and Music, too."

"That's right. How do you guys know so much?"

The class, in unison: "Monthly Email Newsletter!"

All you plucky filmmakers facing 2009 with chewed fingernails and the prospect of a coveted SXSW slot would do well to check out Scott Kirsner's series of DIY case studies for ITVS. If you're in any doubt about the efficacy of a SXSW campaign launchpad, note that the article features alumni Katy Chevigny's Election Day and Curt Ellis's King Corn. Both filmmakers saw their labors of love premier at the fest, giving both films a healthy shot in their respective arms. So take heart, and get strategizing!

Meanwhile, we hope you all have a joyous and prosperous New Year, and see you in March!