SXSW Baby » Film

Sing Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” and add SXSW 2013 to your calendar

Ewan — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:33:38 +0000

And it all starts up again – have you considered attending SXSW 2013?

Interactive: March 8th – March 12th 2013.
Film: March 8th – March 16th 2013.
Music: March 13th – March 16th 2013.

Things to do Today at SXSW Saturday 17th

Eric — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:00:56 +0000

Here are more highlights from the SXSW schedule, as chosen by the SXSW Baby! team:

• Yellow Submarine (1968) Newly Restored (UK) (SXSchedule)
12:00pm Paramount

• Rachael Rays
Stubbs (Just stay there for the day, trust us)

SXSW Film: Best of the Fest

Eric — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:41:56 +0000

This years slate of films at SXSW was great, but we wanted to take time to point out our favorites and recommend that you see these films if it’s the last thing you ever do. Seriously, they’re that good.

CatCam
Italy Love it or Leave it
Indie Game: The Movie
Rock and Roll Exposed: The Photography of Bob Gruen
Beauty is Embarrassing
Iron Sky
Brooklyn Castle

We saw a lot of other films, all of them excellent, but these are the cream of the crop (that we saw).

We can’t wait for next years films, and more importantly, we can’t wait for these films to be seen outside the festival circuit. Some, like Brooklyn Castle have important messages, others like Beauty is Embarrassing offer insight into what defines us as human beings.

Thanks to all the folks at SXSW Film who worked so hard to bring us an incredible festival!

Things to do Today at SXSW Friday 16th

Eric — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:55 +0000

Here are more highlights from the SXSW schedule, as chosen by the SXSW Baby! team:

• The Do-Deca Pentathlone (SXSchedule)
9:45pm Stateside

• Bug Girl
3.00pm Trophys Bar

• Under the Radar
Flamingo Cantina

• Third Man Records
The Stage on Sixth

SXSW Baby Podcast, Thursday March 15th

Ewan — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:12:38 +0000

Music is in full swing, there’s duelling guitars all along 6th Street (and a cinema slap bang in the middle). You just have to love SXSW right now!

Jonathan Lisecki and Jenn Harris (Gayby),

Chat and music from Nive Nielsen.

Follow the SXSW Baby blog for more South by Southwest fun, and what we’re up to on the ground via Twitter and @SXSWbaby. Got news about SXSW for us? Get in touch via SXSW Baby’s contact form! Don’t forget to follow the podcast via the RSS feed!

SXSW Baby Podcast, Wednesday March 14th

Ewan — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:46:59 +0000

Interactive bows out, Music takes over, and Film keeps on screening. We’re just past the half way mark!

Simon Willison and Natalie Downe (Lanyrd)

Nir Paniry and Gabriel Cowan (Extracted)

Music from Gemma Ray.

Things to do Today at SXSW Wednesday 14th

Eric — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:40:21 +0000

Here are more highlights from the SXSW schedule, as chosen by the SXSW Baby! team:

• Rock ‘N’ Roll Exposed: The Photography of Bob Gruen (SXSchedule)
1:45pm Ritz 1

• Blondfire (SXSchedule)
1100 Warehouse 8:00-8:40 pm

• Scottish Music Showcase (SXSchedule)
Starting at 8:00pm at Easy Tiger Patio, 709 E. 6th St.

• SXSW Trade Show (Info)
11:00am – 6:00pm

• Parties
Canadian BBQ(SXSchedule)

SXSW Baby Podcast, Tuesday March 13th

Ewan — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:51:22 +0000

SXSW continues, and while Interactive reaches its last day, there’s still nearly a week of fun and games for everyone still here (and still to arrive) in Austin!

Mark Kendall, director of La Camioneta.

Artist Hugh MacLeod, www.gapingvoid.com.

Music from Anamanaguchi.

Things to do Today at SXSW Tuesday 13th

Eric — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:00:38 +0000

Here are more highlights from the SXSW schedule, as chosen by the SXSW Baby! team:

• Waiting for Lightning (SXSchedule)
7:45pm Canon

• SXSW Trade Show (Info)
11:00am – 6:00pm

• Panels
WallE or Terminator: Predicting the rise of AI(SXSchedule)

SXSW Baby Podcast, Monday March 12th

Ewan — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:20:43 +0000

The sun is out! So while you all burn, because we don’t have hats or remembered Factor 50 sunblock, lets capture another day at SXSW with our daily podcast.

Director Timo Vuorensola and Proucer Tero Kaukomma talk about their “Nazis from Space” feature, Iron Sky.

Steven Lowe talks about the impact on SXSW Interactive on a ‘regular’ delegate.

Music from The Balkan Beat Box, “War Again”.

Things to do Today at SXSW Monday 12th

Eric — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:24:21 +0000

Here are more highlights from the SXSW schedule, as chosen by the SXSW Baby! team:

• Beware of Mr. Baker (SXSchedule)
2:15p Alamo C

• SXSW Trade Show (Info)
11:00am – 6:00pm in the Convention Center

• Panels
Play Time Kids and Game based learning (SXSchedule)

Restoring History: 100 Years of Universal Films(SXSchedule)
11:00 am Paramount

SXSW Baby Podcast, Sunday March 11th

Ewan — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:23:34 +0000

The rain appears to be lessening, but that’s nothing comapred to the growth and buzz in the air around INteractive and Film – Music is in the background as well, ready to take over. But for now, let’s chat to:

John Yost, CEO of Super Better.

The cast and crew of King Kelly.

Music from Ruby Jane.

Things to do today at SXSW Saturday 10th

Eric — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:00:05 +0000

Here are more highlights from the SXSW schedule, as chosen by the SXSW Baby! team:

• SXSW Social Breakfast
8am at Magnolia Cafe

• ITALY LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT (SXSchedule)
11:30am The Alamo Ritz 2

• Panels
Anime More than Cartoons (SXSchedule)

• Parties
Copyblogger: Computer Blue at Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces Street

SXSW Film: CatCam (Doc Shorts)

Eric — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:31:46 +0000

We just had the opportunity to watch CatCam through an online preview.

it was cute, heartwarming, and oddly artistic and inspirational. We highly recommend you make time to see it at SXSW!

Things to do today at SXSW, Friday 9th

Eric — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:00:57 +0000

As we did yesterday, here are more highlights from the SXSW schedule, as chosen by the SXSW Baby! team:

• Indie Game: the Movie (SXSchedule)
6:30pm The Canon Screening Room

• Play Werewolf like a Pro (SXSchedule)
2-6pm at Palm Park near the convention Center

• Panels
Can growing a moustache change the world (SXSchedule

• Parties
Film Opening Party at Buffalo Billiards, 10pm

SXSWBaby’s “Must See” List of SXSW Films for 2012

Eric — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:12:30 +0000

Just like you, we here at the Baby! have been through the Film line up repeatedly, working out schedule conflicts and attempting to develop a real world version of Hermione Granger’s Time Turner in order to see and do everything we would love to at SXSW this year. Without giving up hope of last minute developments in time travel technology (someone please get right on that) here is our list of films we feel we must see at this years SXSW.

In alphabetical order:

The BabyMakers

Director: Jay Chandrasekhar | Screenwriters: Peter Gaulke & Gerry Swallow
Unable to impregnate his wife, Tommy and friends rob a sperm bank – to get Tommy’s long-ago donated sperm back. The crazy plan goes hilariously awry and shows how far a couple will go to create a new life.
Cast: Paul Schneider, Olivia Munn, Kevin Heffernan, Wood Harris, Nat Faxon
(World Premiere)

Beauty is Embarassing

Director: Neil Berkeley
A funny, irreverent and inspirational look into the life and times of one of America’s most important artists, Wayne White.
(World Premiere)

Bernie

Director: Richard Linklater | Screenwriters: Richard Linklater, Skip Hollandsworth
Based on real-life events, this dark comedy follows Bernie Tiede, his recently deceased friend Marjorie Nugent and District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson who is determined to get to the bottom of the crime.
Cast: Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughey, Brady Coleman, Richard Robichaux

CatCam (Doc Shorts)

Director: Seth Keal
When a German engineer creates a tiny camera for his newly adopted stray cat to wear, the photographs reveal more than ever expected.

The Central Park Effect

Director: Jeffrey Kimball
The film reveals the extraordinary array of wild birds who grace Manhattan’s celebrated patch of green, and the equally colorful, full-of-attitude New Yorkers who schedule their lives around the rhythms of migration.
(World Premiere)

Chasing Ice

Director: Jeff Orlowski
Photographer James Balog was once a skeptic about climate change, but he discovers undeniable evidence. Balog reveals hauntingly beautiful, time-lapse videos of vanishing glaciers, while delivering hope to our carbon-powered planet.

Degenerate Art: The Art and Culture of Glass Pipes

Director: M. Slinger
A true document of the art and culture of glass pipe-making. It is the first film to ever bring to light this invisible sub-culture in a comprehensive and well-informed format.
(World Premiere)

The Do-Deca Pentathlon

Directors & Screenwriters: Jay Duplass & Mark Duplass
Two brothers compete in their own private 25-event Olympics.
Cast: Mark Kelly, Steve Zissis, Jennifer Lafleur
(World Premiere)

Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters

Director: Ben Shapiro
Acclaimed photographer Gregory Crewdson’s 10-year quest to create a series of haunting, surreal, and stunningly elaborate portraits of small-town American life — filmed with unprecedented access as he makes perfect renderings of a disturbing, imperfect world.
(World Premiere)

Her Masters Voice

Director: Nina Conti
Watching someone talk to themselves has never been so interesting.
(World Premiere)

Indie Game: The Movie

Directors: Lisanne Pajot, James Swirsky
With the twenty-first century comes a new breed of artist: the indie game designer. These innovators design and program their distinctly personal games in the hope that they may find connection and success.

Iron Sky (Ed. Note: Yes, Nazis from Space!)

Director: Timo Vuorensola | Screenwriters: Michael Kalesniko & Timo Vuorensola
In 1945 the Nazis went to the moon; in 2018 they are coming back.
Cast: Julia Dietze, Götz Otto, Christopher Kirby, Peta Sergeant, Stephanie Paul, Tilo Prückner, Michael Cullen, Udo Kier
(North American Premiere)

ITALY LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT (Ed. Note: See our write-up of this film here.)

Directors: Gustav Hofer, Luca Ragazzi
Gustav and Luca, two Italians, have to decide: Should they stay in Italy, or leave it? .
(North American Premiere)

John Dies at the End

Director & Screenwriter: Don Coscarelli
On the street it’s called “soy sauce,” a drug that promises an out-of-body experience with each hit. Suddenly, a silent otherworldly invasion is underway. Can college dropouts John and Dave save humanity? No, they can’t.
Cast: Chase Williamson, Rob Mayes, Paul Giamatti, Clancy Brown, Glynn Turman

Killer Joe

Director: William Friedkin | Screenwriter: Tracy Letts
A garish, Southwestern tale – a violent black comedy about a desperate Texas debtor (Hirsch) who plots to kill his mother with help of his family (Haden Church, Gershon). They hire a crazy Dallas cop who moonlights as a contract killer (McConaughey) to do the job, but Killer Joe asks for their teenage daughter (Temple) as a retainer. The film is based on Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts’ (August: Osage County) award winning play.
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Gina Gershon, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church
(U.S. Premiere)

Beware of Mr. Baker

Director: Jay Bulger
Ginger Baker is the original rock ‘n roll madman junkie drummer superstar who everyone thought was dead but somehow survived 50+ years of drug abuse, disastrous experiments, and 4 marriages on 3 continents.
(World Premiere)

Nature Calls

Director & Screenwriter Todd Rohal
Polar-opposite brothers Randy (Oswalt) and Kirk (Knoxville) never saw eye-to-eye, but their rivalry is taken to a new level when Randy hijacks Kirk’s son’s sleepover, taking the boys on a Scout Trip to remember.
Cast: Patton Oswalt, Johnny Knoxville, Rob Riggle, Maura Tierney, Patrice O’Neal, Darrell Hammond
(World Premiere)

Paul Williams Still Alive

Director: Stephen Kessler
A documentary filmmaker tracks down actor/singer/songwriter Paul Williams in an attempt to find out what happened to his idol.
(US Premiere)

Re:Generation

Director: Amir Bar Lev
DJ’s Turn the Table on The History of Music. A catalyst of musical innovation, RE:GENERATION MUSIC PROJECT follows five electronic DJs/Producers as they collaborate with some of the of the most influential artists of all time from five different genres.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Exposed: The Photography of Bob Gruen

Director: Don Letts
Iggy Pop, Debbie Harry, Yoko Ono, Alice Cooper, Billie Joe Armstrong and others discuss the incredible life and work of the world’s foremost rock ‘n’ roll photographer, Bob Gruen.
(North American Premiere)

Safety Not Guaranteed

Director: Colin Trevorrow | Screenwriter: Derek Connolly
A trio of magazine employees investigate a classified ad seeking a partner for time travel.
Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson, Karan Soni

$ELLEBRITY

Director: Kevin Mazur
Renowned celebrity photographer, Kevin Mazur, gives us an all access pass to the life behind the velvet rope and in front of the camera. Candid, revealing and bold interviews with Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Elton John and more, take us inside the blurred lines of privacy, pliable journalism, celebrity, fame and what it feels like to be consumed.
(World Premiere)

Small Apartments

Director: Jonas Åkerlund | Screenwriter: Chris Millis
When Franklin Franklin accidentally kills his landlord, he must hide the body; but, the wisdom of his beloved brother and the quirks of his neighbors, force him on a journey where a fortune awaits him.
Cast: Matt Lucas, Billy Crystal, James Caan, Johnny Knoxville, Juno Temple
(World Premiere)

V/H/S

Directors: Ti West, Adam Wingard, Joe Swanberg, David Bruckner, Glenn McQuaid, Radio Silence | Screenwriters: Ti West, Simon Barrett, David Bruckner, Radio Silence, Glenn McQuaid
A group of misfits are hired to burglarize a house in the countryside and acquire a rare tape. The guys are confronted with a dead body and an endless supply of cryptic footage, each video stranger than the last…
Cast: Joe Swanberg, Calvin Reeder, Kate Lynn Shiel, Sophia Takal, Lane Hughes, Helen Rogers, Adam Wingard

Waiting for Lighting

Director: Jacob Rosenberg
From the producers of Step into Liquid, comes the story of visionary skateboarder Danny Way, who jumped China’s Great Wall and created a new movement in sport.
(World Premiere)

While this is our “must see” list, we’re certain other gems are there waiting to be discovered, so if you find yourself with a couple of hours to kill, take a gamble on a film you might not have considered otherwise. Go forth and experience all that is SXSW Film.

No badge? SXSW Film Passes Now On Sale

Eric — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:56:57 +0000

If you feel that a badge to SXSW is a bit pricey for you, or if you’ve got yourself a Music badge and wondering what all the fuss is about with Film, the SXSW Film Pass is a good option for only $80.

As announced in this weeks Austin Chronicle, Passes are on sale now at Waterloo Records, and Alamo Ritz, Lamar, and Village locations. And, unlike Music Wristbands, the price does not go up, and they’ll be available at those locations during SXSW, so they’re not for locals only.

Keep in mind though, that like Wristbands, Passes get in if there is room after Badges are let in, which usually is not an issue once Music starts.

SXSW Film Announce Additional Festival Titles

Eric — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:27:43 +0000

Those tricky folks over at SXSW Film had one up their sleeve. they’ve just announced even more films for this years festival.

From the Press Release:

An additional 15 features and 4 shorts have been announced, and descriptions follow below. With these additions, the 2012 SXSW Film Festival will host a total of 132 features, consisting of 74 World Premieres, 17 North American Premieres and 11 U.S. Premieres, with 58 films from first-time directors. 138 shorts will screen as part of 12 overall shorts programs. The nearly 275 films were selected from a record number of overall submissions, over 5,300, comprised of approximately 2,000 features and 3,300 shorts. This was a 7% increase over 2011 despite moving submission deadlines a month earlier than in previous years.

The additional films are:

NARRATIVE SPOTLIGHT

Blue Like Jazz
Director: Steve Taylor, Screenwriters: Donald Miller, Steve Taylor, Ben Pearson
A Texas college student flees the hypocrisy of his religious upbringing for life in the Pacific Northwest at ‘the most godless campus in America.’ Based on the New York Times bestseller by Donald Miller.
Cast: Marshall Allman, Claire Holt, Tania Raymonde, Justin Welborn, Eric Lange (World Premiere)

Nature Calls
Director/Screenwriter: Todd Rohal
Polar-opposite brothers Randy (Oswalt) and Kirk (Knoxville) never saw eye-to-eye, but their rivalry is taken to a new level when Randy hijacks Kirk’s son’s sleepover, taking the boys on a Scout Trip to remember. Cast: Patton Oswalt, Johnny Knoxville, Rob Riggle, Maura Tierney, Patrice O’Neal, Darrell Hammond (World Premiere)

EMERGING VISIONS

King Kelly
Director: Andrew Neel, Screenwriter: Mike Roberts
Made entirely from camera-phone footage, King Kelly is a sensational journey into hedonistic American youth culture and the YouTube generation.
Cast: Louisa Krause, Libby Woodbridge, Roderick Hill, Will Brill, Patrick Murney (World Premiere)

LOW & CLEAR
Directors: Kahlil Hudson, Tyler Hughen
Two formerly close friends reunite for a fly-fishing trip and struggle to understand how much they’ve each changed – and how these changes now threaten the friendship. (World Premiere)

24 BEATS PER SECOND

Lost and Sound (UK)
Director: Lindsey Dryden
Music may be an essential part of being human – but what if you lost the ability to hear it? A dancer, a pianist and a music critic attempt to re-discover music after deafness, with astonishing results.
(World Premiere)

Searching for Sugar Man (Sweden/UK)
Director: Malik Bendjelloul
The true story of the greatest ‘70s US rock icon who never was, how he was rediscovered and finally became the legend he deserved to be. A story of hope, inspiration and the power of music.

SX GLOBAL

GLOBAL HOME (Germany)
Director: Eva Stotz
Director Eva Stotz visited interesting people all over the world whom she found through online-host-networks and emerged for a limited time in their every-day-life.
(World Premiere)

The Will
Director: Christian Sønderby Jepsen (Denmark)
Henrik dreams of a new beginning. But when Henrik’s grandfather dies, leaving behind a fortune of millions, old skeletons come to light. (North American Premiere)

FESTIVAL FAVORITES

Chasing Ice
Director: Jeff Orlowski
Photographer James Balog was once a skeptic about climate change, but he discovers undeniable evidence. Balog reveals hauntingly beautiful, time-lapse videos of vanishing glaciers, while delivering hope to our carbon-powered planet.

Monsieur Lazhar
Director/Screenwriter: Philippe Falardeau, Based on the Stage Play by: Evelyne de la Chenelière
The story of an Algerian immigrant substitute teacher who brings emotional stability to a Montreal middle school class shaken by the tragic death of their well-liked teacher. Cast: Mohamed Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Emilien Néron, Danielle Proulx, Brigitte Poupart

Safety Not Guaranteed
Director: Colin Trevorrow, Screenwriter: Derek Connolly
A trio of magazine employees investigate a classified ad seeking a partner for time travel.
Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson, Karan Soni

Shut Up and Play the Hits (UK)
Directors: Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern
The final days of LCD Soundsystem.

Sleepwalk With Me
Director/Screenwriter: Mike Birbiglia, Screenwriter: Ira Glass, Joe Birbiglia, Seth Barrish
An aspiring comedian reluctant to confront his fears of love, honesty, and growing up; a budding standup comedian has both a hilarious and intense struggle with sleepwalking.
Cast: Mike Birbiglia, Lauren Ambrose, James Rebhorn, Carol Kane, Cristin Milioti

SPECIAL EVENTS

Coffin Joe’s “This Night I Will Possess Your Corpse” with live score by Gary Lucas (Brazil)
Director/Screenwriter: Jose Mojica Marins, Screenwriter: Aldenora De Sa Porto
Gary Lucas’ live original solo guitar soundtrack accompanying the legendary 1967 Brazilian cult horror film classic directed by and starring Jose Mojica Marins a/k/a Coffin Joe.
Cast: Jose Mojica Marins a/k/a Coffin Joe, Tina Wohlers, Nadia Freitas, Antonio Fracari, Jose Lobo

Yellow Submarine (1968) Newly Restored (UK)
Director: George Dunning
Once upon a time in an unearthly paradise called Pepperland, the Blue Meanies threaten to destroy all that is good. Enter John, Paul, George and Ringo to save the day! Armed with their humour, songs, and yellow submarine, the Fab Four tackle the rough seas in an effort to bring down evil.
Cast: The Beatles, Paul Angelis, John Clive

NARRATIVE SHORTS

Inquire Within
Director: Jay Rosenblatt
A hypnotic, apocalyptic film about false choices and faith.

MIDNIGHT SHORTS

going to the store
Director: David Lewandowski
A normal man walks to a place.

SX GLOBAL SHORTS

The Little Team (Spain)
Directors: Roger Gómez, Daniel Resines
Fourteen little kids go over an unsolved football mystery, and they end up teaching an unexpected life lesson to grown-ups.

The Perfect Fit (Scotland, UK)
Director: Tali Yankelevich
Ballet shoes may be worn by delicate girls, but they’re crafted by burly men…

Oh, and did I mention that there will be a Conversation with Seth McFarlane I didn’t? My bad.

A Conversation with Seth MacFarlane

As the creator of Family Guy and one of the co-creators of American Dad!, Seth MacFarlane has brought his boundary-pushing brand of humor to millions each week. Join Seth for a no-holds-barred discussion about his groundbreaking work in TV, his recent foray into the music world with his debut album and his transition to Hollywood with his upcoming directorial debut Ted, a live-action/CG-animated comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis.
(Sunday, March 11, 11:00am, Vimeo Theater, Austin Convention Center)

Yeah, that’s a lot of new stuff to look through. Good thing you hadn’t started planning already, huh?

Recommended SXSW Film: “Italy Love It or Leave It”

Eric — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:05:22 +0000

We here at the Baby! got a special treat for Valentine’s Day, we screened the documentary ITALY LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT, which is part of the SXGlobal features at SXSW 2012.

Luca and Gustav have to decide: should they stay in Italy, or leave it, like so many of their friends have done already. Looking for reasons not to do the same, the two Italians jump into their old Fiat 500 and go on a emotional trip through their country to find out: Italy, love it, or leave it?

Directed by Gustav Hofer and Luca Ragazzi, the film chronicles the travels of the two men as they travel throughout Italy examining the country and its issues from environmental, industrial, political, economic, and social perspectives. Along the way they discover beloved icons of Italian industry have either moved manufacturing to Romania or that the quality of life for the workers has diminished significantly. They also find rampant corruption and pollution of jaw-dropping proportions.

Along the way they also find gems of wisdom from creatives and politicians alike as to why one should stay and help to make things better rather than “running away”. It is a brave exercise, I don’t know that I would want to examine my own country so closely.

It’s a thoroughly enjoyable film, and it’s on our “must see” list. We think you should make time in your schedule to see it too.

SXXpress: The Friend That Will Hold a Spot in Line For You

Eric — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:03:40 +0000

As we mentioned previously, it is best to plan ahead and know the capacity of the Film venue where a screening is taking place, but if you want that little edge over most of the other people in line, you should know about SXXpress.

From the SXSW website:

SXXpress (South by Express) PASSES

The SXXpress Pass offers Film, Gold and Platinum Badgeholders the ability to pick up two tickets per day that allow them to go to the head of the line at specific screenings. A limited number of tickets are available the day of the screening only and must be used in combination with a registration badge.

The SXXpress pass does not guarantee you a seat, so you should still plan on arriving to the theater at least 30 minutes prior to a screening to be sure you get in. SXXpress passes will be distributed March 11-15 from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, on the upper level of the Austin Convention Center near the Film panels rooms.

Usually the “limited number” is about 10% of the seating capacity, so for the Alamo Ritz 2, with 90 seats, only 9 SXXpress passes will be given out. Since you can only get two of these per day, make sure you pick those screenings that will be over crowded, or that you will not have time to stand in line for an hour to get in to. Make sure you get to the screening before the 30 minute mark (we’d say 45 mins. at any Alamo location), or you may lose your seat. These SXXpress passes are a hot commodity and cannot be transferred, so make sure you are in line first thing in the morning to get yours, they go fast!

As a general FYI, there are four “waves” of seating at any screening:

Any Film, Gold, or Platinum badgeholder with a SXXpress pass.

Any Film, Gold, or Platinum badgeholder WITHOUT a SXXpress pass.

If there are any remaining seats, Film Pass holders will be seated.

If there any remaining seats, individual tickets will be sold for $10 each.

The Queue Card System
SXSW 2012 will continue to build on the success of the Queue Card system, first used at SXSW 2011. If you have a badge, and you want to ensure you get a seat at the State Theatre, Rollins Theater or any Alamo Theater, show up early (45 minutes -1 hour before screening time) to get a numbered Queue Card. This will ensure your admission as long as you stay in line at the venue. Basically this is a pacifier and great stress reducer. If you’ve arrived in time to receive a queue card, you’re in. This is another tool that SXSW is using to better understand available seating while folks are still in line. They use this info to update their Venue Status Boards.

Venue Status Boards

SXSW will updating large info boards at all downtown venues throughout the event with the line statuses for every screening at the festival. Here is what to look for:

GREEN means GO! Lots of seats available

YELLOW means HURRY! It’s filling up fast, so hustle.

RED means FULL! No need to try this one, it’s sold out.

Keep in mind these boards only show status for the next screening at each venue, they are useful, but remember, always have a backup plan.

SXSW Film Seating Strategy: Location, Location, Location

Eric — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:35:15 +0000

So now you have you SXSW Film lineup in hand, you’ve got your “must see” list working, and you’re anxiously waiting on the Film Grid to be published. All you need to finish your master plan to dominate SXSW Film is one small detail: Can you get a seat?

SXSW Film is spread over 10 Venues and 14 screens this year, and getting from one venue to the next will be made easier by using the Film Fest Flyer, but you have to consider that as some smaller venues will fill up fast, it may require that you to get in line early to secure a seat.

To help you out, below is a list of the seating capacity of each screen, along with notes from the Baby!’s experiences in the past.

Alamo Lamar – Great Venue that serves Food at your seat, due to this, the theater is loaded as soon as it is clean and ready, sometimes as much as 45 -60 minutes prior, rather than the typical 30 minutes prior to show time.
Lamar A – 225 seats
Lamar B – 118 seats
Lamar C – 118 seats

Alamo Ritz (186 seats) Same as the Alamo Lamar, however notes that Ritz 2 is only 90 seats. If you are going to a screening here, make sure to get there about an hour to an hour and a half ahead of time if you must see the film at this location.
Ritz 1 – 186 seats
Ritz 2 – 90 seats

SXsatellite Venues: Alamo Village (150 seats)

SXsatellite Venues: Alamo Slaughter Lane (150 seats)

Canon Screening Room @ the Long Center (210 seats)

Carver Museum (210 seats)

Paramount Theatre* (1200 seats, 700 if the balcony is not opened) Some premiere events may ask that the balcony not be opened, but this is rare. Last year we saw lines circling the block but everyone got in.

Stateside (298 seats)

Vimeo Theater at the Austin Convention Center (ACC) (600 seats)

Violet Crown Cinema Note very small seating capacities. Get there early.
Screen A – 50 seats
Screen B – 39 seats

At most venues last year we saw volunteers marking the end of each line. They also kept good control on headcounts of those in line, so as you walk up, they will have a good idea of your ability to get in. that being said, ALWAYS have a backup plan, another time to see that movie, another movie to see at that time.

Remember the Rule of the Five “P’s”: Proper Planning Prevents Piss-poor Performance.

Trade Show Booth 101: What Registrants Really Want

sharon — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:28 +0000

The SXSW Trade Show is a great place to network and learn about all the cool new companies with a message to share. With that in mind we have come up with what we’d like to see from the Trade Show companies.

Booth Design

Booths should be inviting and allow for space for visitors to enter the booth instead of just talking across the table from the aisle. This allows for better traffic flow and provides for better interaction.

Staff

Some visitors will want to chat about the product, others may just want a pamphlet. To avoid scaring away the masses, don’t play used car salesman (ie; don’t jump on each visitor with a canned spiel). Instead introduce yourself and offer to answer any questions they may have.

SWAG (What everyone *really* wants)

We’ve seen every sort of SWAG, some that stick around and others that just get discarded. For the best impact and long lasting brand recognition, we suggest the following pointers:

Stuff we can use DURING SXSW:

Sharpies – either the regular ones or the baby ones. These are almost a necessity during SXSW and are guarded jealously
Pens (but Sharpies are better)
Small notebooks – not everyone comes prepared for class
Blistex – This is really useful, and if you use the name brand item it is more likely to be held onto past SXSW (ie lasting brand recognition)
Sunglasses – cheap is okay, there are going to be lost, broken, forgotten shades, and they will be retained past SXSW
Gum
Bandannas

Stuff we can use AFTER SXSW:

Bottle openers – unique shapes will catch the eye.
USB drives – these are a great resource. We’ve even seen some companies provide content on them, which is very useful, but don’t make it so that the drive cannot be formatted for general use after the content has been viewed, otherwise it winds up in the landfill.
Phone cases
T-shirts – These are always a favorite, but try to have “SXSW 2012” somewhere on it, it’ll mean more and be less likely to wind up at Goodwill.
Reusable shopping bags

Stuff that doesn’t have staying power (stay away from this, if it is taken it will most likely not stay around long)

Lanyards – everyone already has one. Suggestion: pony up to sponsor official SXSW lanyards.
Mints – especially in non-recycleable containers
Mini flashlights – most people just use their iPhone so these wind up in the trash when the battery dies
Hand fans
Stickers, magnets, sweatbands, guitar picks, lighters etc. (unless your marketing plan is to advertise on guitar cases)

By the way, SXSW announced their list of Trade Show Exhibitors yesterday. Go check it out.

Prepare for Midnight, the Nazis are coming, the Nazis are coming

Ewan — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:36:34 +0000

SXSW Film have released the Midnight shorts and Midnight features. There’s a strong selection of genre favourites in here, but as usual, there’s one film that stands up to attention, clicks its heels together, and demands our attendance.

This year it’s ‘Iron Sky‘, a Finnish/German/English collaborative film from the makers of Star Wreck. Here’s the tagline, but be warned. Once read you will want to see this film:

In 1945 the Nazis went to the moon… in 2018 they are coming back.

Trailer action? No problem!

The rest of the midnighters are up on the SXSW site, and the complete panel line-up and schedules will be announced next week, on Wednesday Feb 15th.

SXSW Film Pulls the Band-Aid off: Full Film Lineup, Midnighters & Shorts Announced

Eric — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:32:42 +0000

SXSW Film just announced the rest of their 2012 lineup, namely the Midnighters and Shorts programming.

The Midnighters include:

The Aggression Scale (World Premiere)

Director: Steven C. Miller | Screenwriter: Ben Powell
4 hitmen + $500,000 of stolen cash + 1 family = WAR
Cast: Fabianne Therese, Ryan Hartwig, Dana Ashbrook, Derek Mears, Jacob Reynolds, Joseph McKelheer, Boyd Kestner, Lisa Rotondi, Ray Wise

CITADEL (World Premiere)

Director & Screenwriter: Ciarán Foy
An agoraphobic father teams up with a renegade priest to save his daughter from the clutches of a gang of twisted feral children.
Cast: Anuerin Barnard, James Cosmo, Wumni Mosaku, Jake Wilson, Amy Shiels

Girls Against Boys (World Premiere)
Director & Screenwriter: Austin Chick
A psychological thriller about two girls on a killing spree. With edgy and ironic humor and a darkly meditative tone, it is also a coming-of-age story about a girl learning how the world really works.
Cast: Danielle Panabaker, Nicole LaLiberte, Liam Aiken, Michael Stahl-David, Andrew Howard

Intruders (U.S. Premiere)

Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo | Screenwriters: Nicolás Casariego & Jaime Marques
The haunting story of two children living in different countries, each visited nightly by a faceless being who wants to take possession of them.
Cast: Clive Owen, Carice Van Houten, Daniel Brühl, Pilar López de Ayala

Iron Sky (North American Premiere)

Director: Timo Vuorensola | Screenwriters: Michael Kalesniko & Timo Vuorensola
In 1945 the Nazis went to the moon; in 2018 they are coming back.
Cast: Julia Dietze, Götz Otto, Christopher Kirby, Peta Sergeant, Stephanie Paul, Tilo Prückner, Michael Cullen, Udo Kier

John Dies At The End

Director & Screenwriter: Don Coscarelli
On the street it’s called “soy sauce,” a drug that promises an out-of-body experience with each hit. Suddenly, a silent otherworldly invasion is underway. Can college dropouts John and Dave save humanity? No, they can’t.
Cast: Chase Williamson, Rob Mayes, Paul Giamatti, Clancy Brown, Glynn Turman

Modus Anomali (World Premiere)

Director & Screenwriter: Joko Anwar
A man tries to save his family who go missing during a vacation in the forest.
Cast: Rio Dewanto, Hannah Al Rashid, Izziati Amara Isman, Aridh Tritama, Surya Saputra, Marsha Timothy, Sadha Triyudha, Jose Gamo

[REC] ³ GENESIS (World Premiere)

Director: Paco Plaza | Screenwriters: Luiso Berdejo & Paco Plaza
Koldo and Clara’s wedding is horrifically interrupted when some of the guests start showing signs of a strange illness. Before they know what’s happening, the bride and groom find themselves in the middle of a hellish ordeal, as an uncontrollable torrent of violence is unleashed on the wedding.
Cast: Leticia Dolera, Diego Martin

Super Secret Screening

Be the first to see this feature film coming to theaters near you.

The Tall Man (World Premiere)

Director & Screenwriter: Pascal Laugier
When her child goes missing, a mother looks to unravel the legend of the Tall Man, an entity who allegedly abducts children.
Cast: Jessica Biel, Jodelle Ferland, Stephen McHattie, William B.Davis

V/H/S

Directors: Ti West, Adam Wingard, Joe Swanberg, David Bruckner, Glenn McQuaid, Radio Silence | Screenwriters: Ti West, Simon Barrett, David Bruckner, Radio Silence, Glenn McQuaid
A group of misfits are hired to burglarize a house in the countryside and acquire a rare tape. The guys are confronted with a dead body and an endless supply of cryptic footage, each video stranger than the last…
Cast: Joe Swanberg, Calvin Reeder, Kate Lynn Shiel, Sophia Takal, Lane Hughes, Helen Rogers, Adam Wingard

In addition to these the complete shorts program is also listed here, but there are way too many to list here. we here at the Baby! will sort through the list and come up with our “must sees” for you in the coming weeks!

In the meantime, just reading the descriptions above it looks like Iron Sky, John Dies at the End, Super Secret Screening, The Tall Man, and V/H/S may all be on our list.

SXSW Film Announces Venues

Eric — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:49:39 +0000

SXSW Film has expanded yet again. They are:

1.Alamo Lamar
2.Alamo Ritz
3.Canon Theater
4.Carver Center
5.Paramount Theatre
6.Stateside
7.SXsatellite Venue: Alamo Slaughter
8.SXsatellite Venue: Alamo Village
9.Vimeo Theater @ ACC
10.Violet Crown Cinema

Of this list, the new kid on the block is the Violet Crown Cinema, a locally owned and operated cinema with four screens devoted to independent, documentary and international films. It is located on the second floor at the corner of San Antonio and 2nd Streets on the west end of the 2nd Street District, above Malaga Tapas and Bar and next to La Contessa.

The film Fest Flyer (previously the SXShuttle) will go to each of these location with the exception of the SXsatellite locations.

Their announcement, along with an interactive map, can be found here.