Save the Date:
SXSW FILM
March 13-21, 2009

Relive your SXSW Experience...

We’ve recorded more than 100 panels, keynotes and interviews, performances and more. Watch or listen to things you missed or want to see again.

2008 Film Coverage

Starting in 2004 with the sleeper hit, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, a different kind of studio comedy was born. Not only were the two leads refreshingly diverse but they were able to comment on social/racial issues while injecting laughs aplenty about stoners and road trips. It all goes up a notch with the highly-anticipated sequel, screening at this year's SXSW.

Race, Politics, and Drugs: a Harold and Kumar Panel, Part One

Race, Politics, and Drugs: a Harold and Kumar Panel, Part Two

SXSW Launches - The Greenlight Awards

The search to discover the Best Original Digital TV Series is in motion. SXSW along with ON Networks (www.onnetworks.com) is recognizing this new category by introducing The Greenlight AwardsTM. The Greenlight Awards will honor the Best Original Digital Production and the Best Original Series Idea with prizes of up to $10,000. Finalists will be reviewed by a panel of prominent industry and new media judges including actor Luke Wilson, indie writer/director Richard Linklater, HD pioneer Randall Dark, TV Week’s Daisy Whitney and founder of Smashface Productions Zadi Diaz. Winning content will be celebrated at an exclusive event held during SXSW. Submissions are free and must be received by February 15, 2008. Go to www.thegreenlightawards.com for more information.

FOUR DAY FILM SCHOOL @ SXSW

Whether you went to film school or not, SXSW has created a four-day explosion of information that should be essential and valuable to various members of the filmmaking scene. It’s called "Four-Day Film School," and it will occur as part of the annual SXSW Film Conference panel programs. On each of the four days of the SXSW Film Conference, badgeholders are invited to attend workshop sessions geared towards the specific details of getting a film from pre-production to post-production, and beyond. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time filmmaker or veteran, there are sessions included for every case. These are some of the topics that serve as the backbone for any film production, short or feature. Speakers to be announced in coming months, but here is the tentative schedule of the "Four-Day Film School" includes:

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008
What Has the Writers Strike Taught Us? Mini-Meeting
Producing Mentor Session
Do I Really Want to Make My Movie? Mini-Meeting
Distributor Mentor Session
"Directing Actors" Mini-Meeting
Casting Director Mentor Session

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2008
So You Want to Be an Entertainment Attorney Mini-Meetings
"Legal Issues Facing Filmmakers" Mini-Meeting
Festival Programmer Mentor Session
Epic Music for your Film on a Not So Epic Budget Mini-Meetings
Sales Agents Mentor Session

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008
"Editing for Docs and Narratives" Mini-Meeting
Press Mentor Session
"Publicity 101" Mini-Meeting
Sound in Film Mini-Meeting
Distributors Mentor Session

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008
"The Morning After" Mini-Meeting
Texas Filmmaker Production Fund Mini-Meeting
Publicity Mentor Session

SXSW Film Festival Blog

The News Reel - Friday, May 16, 2008

Coming Soon
David Mackenzie’s acclaimed Scottish feature and SXSW 2008 selection, Mister Foe, is coming to U.S. theaters on May 23

“Uhhhhhh… Cool.”
‘Beavis & Butt-Head’ Creator Mike Judge Says He Might Be Ready For The Duo’s Live-Action Debut

Anthony Pellicano finally gets his gritty Hollywood ending.
Investigator to the Stars Is Convicted in Wiretaps

The Soundtracks of Our Lives
The Arcade Fire’s Win Butler addresses internet rumors about their involvement in Richard Kelly’s latest film.

The Statesman sends message in a Cannes
Charles Ealey is in Cannes, but he’s sending back a stream of tidbits via The Austin Movie Blog.

SXSW launches Jason Reitman’s career
Well, he was here once.

Posted 05/16/08 in The News Reel +

The News Reel - Thursday, May 15, 2008

IFC Cannes Cam: Live from the Red Carpet
Great front seat to the fabulous Cannes red carpet. Live feed 24/7. Check out the pre-premiere shows hosted by IFC’s Matt Singer and special guest hosts including Austin’s own Tim League.

The Pleasure of Being Acquired
IFC Films Picks up SXSW premiere The Pleasure of Being Robbed, before it’s Cannes screening

WATCH THIS NOW: Hey Ladies!
SXSW favorites and comedy sensations, Flight of the Concords, post their latest video.

Get a Grip
Filmmaker Magazine talks to Miguel Arteta, Peter Sollett, Miranda July, Aaron Katz, Kelly Reichardt and Ronald Bronstein about the relationship between lighting and the creative process.

Keep on Jaman
Scott Kirsner weighs in on Jaman’s decision to start running ads in front of their films.

TREE!
Office closed today on account of hail

Posted 05/15/08 in The News Reel +

The News Reel - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Two more world premieres from SXSW 2007 acquired for distribution
Even though Matt Dentler has moved on from his post at sxsw, his blog posts remain indispensable. Here’s the latest pick up news about Audience of One and Frat Girl (formerly titled Pretty in the Face.)

Indies Versus Indy
It’s Hollywood vs. Indywood as the Cannes Film Festival gets underway in France.

Thumbs up for Twisters
David Mamet’s latest, Redbelt, has Roger Ebert rethinking film classification

What Would a Jedi Do?
A man dressed as Darth Vader was sentenced to a two-month jail sentence after assaulting members of the Jedi Church. Yes, a Jedi Church. I wish I was making this up….

Are you a man or a mule?
HBO’s “Recount” points a finger at Democrats.

Posted 05/14/08 in The News Reel +