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News & Updates
September 16, 2018
Watch: 4 Ways to Put Practical Lights to Work in Your Films
Find out how to utilize practical lights to enhance the look of your shots.
Lighting is one of the most important cornerstones of filmmaking, but one of its aspects that might be relatively unknown to beginners is the use of practicals. No, I’m not talking about keys, fills, or any other type of off-camera lighting, but rather the lights that appear within the frame. In this video from Aputure, Ted Sim goes over some essential practical lighting techniques with cinematographer David C. Weldon Jr. in hopes of giving you not only a better understanding of what practicals are but also how they can be used to enhance your work. Check it out below:
When you first start out, your purpose for adding practicals to your shot might be pretty simple—maybe you want your set to look more realistic or maybe you legit needed some additional lighting to properly expose your subject. Either way, those are both great reasons to use practicals, however, Weldon’s insight might open your mind up to new, more advanced ways of working with practicals.
Source: NoFilmSchool
September 15, 2018
This Super Quick Trick Results in a Great Audio Transition
If you want to make your audio transitions effective as well as stylish, give this handy technique a try.
Audio swells—when’s the last time you watched a movie, TV show, or YouTube video that didn’t have one? They’re as ubiquitous as a Starbucks cup in DC but unlike the overpriced frothy brews served to the thirsty masses in our nation’s capital, getting your hands on one won’t swallow up your entire lunch break. In this tutorial, Zach Ramelan of PremiumBeat shows you how to use your existing music track to create your very own audio swells in just a few steps. Check it out below:
Right? Literally one of the easiest things you’ll ever do when editing audio. The first thing you’ll need is a piece of music that has all the pieces you’ll need: a nice, smooth fade-out from a crescendo (when the music gets very intense and loud). Once you have your music, head into your editor and cut the last bit of the track somewhere near the beginning or middle of the crescendo (depending on your song), and then throw that new clip onto another track. It should be something like 10 to 15 seconds.
Source: NoFilmSchool
September 15, 2018
Nicolas Cage Calls Ethan Hawke’s ‘First Reformed’ Performance ‘Extraordinary,’ Making This the Bromance of Our Dreams
Ethan Hawke recently won a Lifetime Achievement award at the Locarno Film Festival, but his fans aren’t confined to Switzerland. One of them is Nicolas Cage, who responded to praise from Hawke with kind words of his own: “Ethan is someone I have admired for a very long time, not only because he’s the compelling thespian that he is but also because he’s a multiple published novelist and a great filmmaker in his own right,” Cage tells Rolling Stone in a new interview. “For him to say that, I’m very touched.”
Cage continues, “especially at a time when actors can be very negative about each other in the press. That usually comes from insecurity. But because Ethan is a confident man and he has nothing to compete with, he’s someone I think we all look up to. He was very graceful about that, and I’m deeply moved by it.”
The Oscar winner then turns his attention to Hawke’s rightly acclaimed performance in “First Reformed.” “And, by the way, ‘First Reformed,’ well, it certainly has my vote for both Best Actor and Best Director. I thought what Paul [Schrader] and Ethan got up to in that movie was a collision of topical, relevant events in terms of the environment, fractured spirituality, and a tragic character that was very compelling to watch.”
“I’ve always been a fan, I’ve always thought he was extraordinary, but I’ve never seen Ethan go there in that way, and it was shocking and very powerful,” he adds. “I think they’re gonna have a great year.” One can only hope.
Source: IndieWire film
September 15, 2018
Anna Kendrick Tells Stephen Colbert About the Time She Called Obama an ‘A—hole’ to His Face — Watch
Anna Kendrick counts herself among President Barack Obama’s many fans, but that didn’t stop her from calling him an asshole the first time they met. The “Up in the Air” and “Pitch Perfect” star recalled the incident during an appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” explaining how it began innocently enough: “I got an email saying, ‘Hey, do you want to meet the president?’” Kendrick said. “Naturally, I said, ‘Of what?’ and they were like, ‘The country, you idiot.’”
During the group meeting, Obama used a discussion of the economy as a segue to bring up “Up in the Air.” Later, when they met one-on-one, he told her, “I hope I didn’t embarrass you earlier.” Her response: “Yeah, you’re such an asshole.” Kendrick was clearly mortified, but appears to have recovered gracefully.
“Thinking about my conversation with the Secret Service agent, I said, ‘Yes, and actually I was the first person here,’” she went on to explain, referring to an earlier moment when she met a fellow Mainer. “And I start to talk about his Secret Service agent and he goes, ‘Are people from Maine really punctual?’ And I was like, ‘You didn’t know that? You’re the president.’” Watch the full exchange below, with the relevant portion beginning at 2:48:
Source: IndieWire film
September 15, 2018
Watch: The Early Work of ‘Mandy’ DP Benjamin Loeb
Bloody gore, lensed by a talented cinematographer, never looked so good as it does in ‘Mandy.’
Some films defy description and others benefit from an exacting and studied scene-by-scene breakdown. And then there are films like Mandy, the gnarly, otherworldly feature from director Panos Cosmatos shot by Benjamin Loeb, that dare you to verbalize the film’s impact into words. Allow me to play the fool for a moment.
Less a film about revenge than one about cartharsis—its brutality representing a purging of one’s outer and inner demons—Mandy is a film which exists less on planet Earth than on the top shelf of a VHS rental store located in the darkest crevice of your brain (or in your local neighborhood mall’s Hot Topic).
Source: NoFilmSchool
September 14, 2018
Register Now for SXSW 2019 & Save: Early Deadline Extended Through September 17
This week marks the reveal of the first round of 2019 Keynotes and Featured Speakers. Register today to gain access to our exciting lineup of programming and great hotel options at the lowest rates of the season! Take advantage of the early registration deadline extension through Monday, September 17 at 11:59pm PT and save.
Join us for the 2019 SXSW Conference & Festivals from March 8-17 for an event packed full of showcases, screenings, conference sessions, exhibitions, tacos (so many tacos), workshops, networking events, mentor sessions, and so much more.
Read on for more information on programming, badge access, booking your hotel, and other participation opportunities.
Programming Overview
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. As an essential destination for global professionals, SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.
SXSW Conference (March 8-16)
The conference program provides an opportunity for global professionals at every level to participate, network, and advance their careers. With one unified conference that spans 25 tracks of programming, experience compelling Keynotes, Featured Speakers, panels, sessions, workshops, book readings, podcasts, and more.
SXSW Interactive Festival (March 8-12)
Playing host to a variety of evening networking events, the Interactive Festival also holds numerous esteemed competitions and award ceremonies honoring some of the tech industry’s most important innovators and cutting-edge companies. Have a game-changing tech startup? Learn more about SXSW application categories.
SXSW Film Festival (March 8-16)
Celebrating raw innovation and emerging talent, the Film Festival has become known for the high caliber and diversity of films presented alongside its smart, enthusiastic audiences during its nine-day event footprint. Ready to premiere your own film? Film submissions are open through October 18.
SXSW Music Festival (March 11-17)
Featuring a variety of new, developing, and established Showcasing Artists, the Music Festival brings together 2,000+ artists across all genres. Dive into a curated mix of performances across Austin with artists, industry professionals and fans from around the globe. Want to take the stage? Showcasing Artist applications are open through October 25.
SXSW Comedy Festival (March 8-16)
Running simultaneously with the Interactive, Film, and Music Festivals, the Comedy Festival presents uniquely diverse programming of comedic performers, showcases, and events. Catch rising stars, established greats, and surprise guests all SXSWeek® long.
Exhibitions (March 8-16)
Beyond the festival scope, SXSW hosts many different world-class exhibitions that connect creatives across all industries. Applications for all SXSW Exhibitions are now open – explore all the available exhibition opportunities to position your forward-thinking company in front of thousands of creative professionals this March.
Coming later in the season, a suite of event resources will be released to help registrants prepare for the adventure ahead including the online SXSW Schedule, official mobile app, and more event navigation tools. In the meantime, view the 2019 SXSWeek® Timeline for a general breakdown of our daily programming schedule.
Badge Access
All attendees will receive primary entry to programming associated with their badge type, in addition to enjoying secondary access to most other SXSW events. There are four SXSW Badge types: Platinum, Interactive, Film, and Music. Badges are tied to three access types:
- Primary: admitted first
- Secondary: admitted second, after primary line
- Convergence: one line where all badges have equal access
The Platinum Badge remains your best bet with primary access to all of SXSW. If you have an Interactive, Film, or Music Badge, you have primary access to the respective Conference tracks and events of your badge type, plus secondary access to other tracks and events outside your badge type, giving you the chance to experience more of what SXSW has to offer. All SXSW registrants also receive complimentary access to SXSW Gaming.
Explore 2019 registration rates and deadlines at sxsw.com/attend and use the Badge Comparison Chart to find out what each badge gets access to.
Click to View the Badge Comparison Chart
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Primary Access |
Secondary Access | |
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| Interactive Tracks, Keynotes & Featured Speakers |  |
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| Interactive Mentor Sessions & Workshops | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Interactive Festival Events | |
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| Interactive Festival Opening Party | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Film Tracks, Keynotes & Featured Speakers | |
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| Film Mentor Sessions, Round Tables, Workshops & Parties | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Film Festival Screenings & Events | |
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| Film Festival Exclusive Premieres | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Music Tracks, Keynotes & Featured Speakers | |
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| Music Mentor Sessions, Workshops & Parties | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Music Festival Showcases & Events | |
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| Music Festival Exclusive Showcases | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Convergence Tracks, Keynotes & Featured Speakers | |
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| Comedy Festival Showcases & Events | |
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| Trade Shows & Exhibitions | |
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| Networking Meet Ups | |
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| Film Festival SXXpress Passes | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Music Festival SXXpress Passes | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Closing BBQ & Softball Tournament | |
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No Secondary Access |
| Hotel Priority Booking & Assistance | |
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| Access to SXSW Social Online Registrant Networking | |
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| SXSW Festival Shuttles | |
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To help you get started, we’ve created the 2019 SXSW Badge Quiz. Based on the interests you select, the quiz will suggest the badge that will help you get the most out of your SXSW experience. Take our quiz to find out which badge best suits your needs.
Book Your Hotel
After you register, make hotel reservations through SXSW Housing & Travel. In 2018, the typical SXSW attendee using SXSW Housing’s contracted hotel rates saved between 35%-50% compared to online travel agencies and direct bookings.
Rooms during March go quickly, so be sure to check the Hotel Availability page and enter your dates to see all available hotels, room types, rates, and amenities. Read our Tips to Book Your Hotel including booking for an individual, large groups, and payment policies.
Join Us for SXSW 2019
Register to attend and book your hotel to begin your SXSW adventure! Get ready to help us write the next chapter of SXSW during March 8-17, 2019.
Currently enrolled students and accompanying faculty may apply for a special discounted rate – more details here. And groups of 10 or more can save big with Group Registration rates.
Learn how to participate in one of the many prestigious SXSW categories including Film Festival submissions, Music Festival Showcasing Artist applications, Interactive Innovation Awards, SXSW Pitch (formerly Accelerator) and more.
To stay in the SX know, sign up for SXSW Event Updates and read SXSW News for announcements, deadline reminders, programming features, and beyond throughout the 2019 season.
Follow us in all the usual social spots for daily updates – Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo by Judy Won
The post Register Now for SXSW 2019 & Save: Early Deadline Extended Through September 17 appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
September 14, 2018
Create Cross-Culture Designs for a Global Audience With Yiying Lu at SXSW 2018 [Video]
Yiying Lu is no stranger to SXSW, she was commissioned by Expedia to create a marking campaign during the 2014 event and designed the Interactive swag bag in 2012! In this talk, the award-winning creative director will share her 10 years of cross-cultural design practice for global brands and businesses such as Disney, Twitter, 500 Startups, Wasabi Warriors and China Australia Millennial Project.
Lu tells personal stories of how she created artworks for the Twitter Fail Whale, the Conan O’Brien Pale Whale, the official Dumpling Emoji, and the Shanghai Disney Recruitment Campaign. Additionally, she discusses her unique experience as IDEO’s first Artist In Residence in China.
“My passion is to highlight the fun out of function.” – Yiying Lu
After discussing how the Twitter Fail Whale made its way to different creations around the world from street art to cake and even tattoos; Lu talks about how many companies are integrating works of art with error messages. “People can relate more to it and in some ways, it also plants a seed of empathy into their product,” said Lu.
Lu then switched her attention to the creation of the Dumpling Emoji. After a text conversation with a friend about grabbing food in San Francisco, Lu realized that there was no dumpling emoji and immediately got to work! A group of volunteers and friends passionate about this project formed “emojination” and started a Kickstarter since the process to have a new emoji is actually a very rigorous endeavor. Two years later the emoji was on phones everywhere.
The concept of nurturing fresh talent is extremely important to Lu, so much so that she created the China Australia Millennial Project (CAMP). The program is about connecting dynamic, young leaders in bilateral innovation incubators and providing the tools to address real-world, global challenges. “They get the opportunity to present their ideas to investors and venture capitalists.”
Join Yiying Lu on a journey of exploring cross-cultural creativity through colorful logos, whimsical illustrations, symbolic typography designs in the full SXSW Featured Session, Create Cross-Culture Designs for a Global Audience from the Design Track.
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Register to join us next March 8-17 for SXSW 2019. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage and 2019 updates.
Yiying Lu – Photo by Shedrick Pelt
The post Create Cross-Culture Designs for a Global Audience With Yiying Lu at SXSW 2018 [Video] appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Interactive
September 14, 2018
Your Guide to SXSW 2019 Convergence Tracks: Food, VR/AR/MR & More
At the core of the SXSW Conference, Convergence Tracks blend technology and culture into innovative and cross-disciplinary programming that inspires new levels of creative collaboration.
Among many other topics, 2019 SXSW Convergence programming will explore the connection between tech, journalism, activism, and politics. Look forward to sessions about the eruption of new sectors like cannabis-focused enterprise, and the emergence of new technology like VR/AR/MR and its applications. Learn how previously separate industries have combined in unique ways to affect change and get inspired to disrupt and build something new of your own!
Convergence programming brings new industries and new ideas to the forefront of the event. Explore the full list of Convergence Tracks for SXSW 2019 below.
2019 Convergence Tracks
Cannabusiness
March 14-16 | Navigate the technological, cultural, and political ecosystem surrounding the future of cannabis-focused enterprise. As cannabis becomes more widely legalized, there is immense opportunity for entrepreneurs to seek funding and grow their businesses within a rapidly evolving industry.
Cities, Government, & Politics
March 8-11 | The Cities, Government & Politics Track focuses on innovative city development, privacy issues, and how politics plays a role in shaping policy on all levels of government.
CLE
March 14-16 | Designed for US-based attorneys, entrepreneurs, and beyond – the Continuing Legal Education Track will include up to 12 hours of accredited sessions available at no extra cost to SXSW registrants. Delve into sessions covering hot-button legal issues across the music, film and emerging technologies industries.
Experiential Storytelling
March 8-10 | Investigate how experimental strategies are redefining the ways in which audiences experience their world.
Food
March 11-13 | Chefs, entrepreneurs, activists, farmers, scientists, and enthusiasts come together in the Food Track to explore ways in which technology and innovation can be leveraged to change the way we grow, cook and consume food to create a more sustainable and healthier world.
Media & Journalism
March 8-14 | Explore how journalism, analysis, and content distribution are being impacted by technology and culture. This track will examine the fast-changing media landscape, as older institutions and newer organizations battle for consumer attention.
Social & Global Impact
March 8-13 | The Social & Global Impact Track highlights innovations and initiatives that are contributing to a better and more equitable world.
Sports
March 8-10 | Dive into topics such as diversity and equality in sports, the implications of legal gambling, and athlete entrepreneurship. The Sports Track explores the future of sport from a cultural, philosophical, and technological perspective.
VR/AR/MR
March 11-13 | Virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality are pioneering new ways to dramatically enhance how we experience the world around us. Learn about our current capabilities with these interfaces as well as where these systems are heading in the next few years.
Join Us in March 2019
Look out for programming announcements this fall! Register to attend and book your stay in Austin to join us for another exciting event from March 8–17, 2019.
If you’re unsure about which SXSW badge is right for you, take our badge quiz to find out. Whether you’re leaning towards a Film, Music, or Interactive badge, you can still explore as much Convergence programming as you’d like. All badge types receive primary access to Convergence Tracks, Keynotes & Featured Speakers.
Stay tuned to SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage and be sure to follow us on social – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Swim with a Shark: Rise and Grind to Maximize Your Day – Photo by Debra Reyes
The post Your Guide to SXSW 2019 Convergence Tracks: Food, VR/AR/MR & More appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
September 14, 2018
2019 Film Tracks Take a Look at Career Evolutions, Distribution, Production & More
There are three Film Tracks within the SXSW Conference programming: Entertainment Influencers, Film & TV Industry, and Making Film & Episodics. Recently we announced a Film Keynote and Featured Speakers for SXSW 2019. With hundreds of hours of television under her belt, Marti Noxon is one of the most prolific writer-producers in television today, and we are thrilled to have her keynote. Additionally, two-time Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer Jason Blum will be in conversation with indie guru John Pierson, discussing Blum’s journey and evolution as a filmmaker.
Get a taste as to what more can be expected for SXSW 2019 – take a look back at past speakers from these Film Tracks including Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins; the cast of the NBC hit drama This Is Us; Darren Arronofsky; Lena Waithe and Common; the Westworld cast with Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy,; and Lena Dunham, to name a few.
Film Conference Tracks
Entertainment Influencers
March 9-12 | The Entertainment Influencers Track features Inspirational talks from thought leaders, experts, and innovators, including conversations with high-profile speakers from around the entertainment, film, and TV industries. A common theme within these talks: how can independent artists lead creative lives?
Film & TV Industry
March 9-12 | The current and future states of film and television, through the independent lens. Sessions in the Film & TV Industry Track cover topics such as distribution, financing, representation, technological advancements and the ever-changing nature of film and television.
Making Film & Episodics
March 9-12 | Do you have questions about how to develop and craft your project? Topics in the Making Film & Episodics Track include casting, sound design, and post production just to name a few.
Join Us For SXSW 2019
The early bird gets the best SX savings! Register and book your hotel now and save.
The Film Badge gets you primary access to all SXSW Film events including Film Keynotes and Featured Sessions, world premieres, round tables, workshops, parties, and more. Over the course of nine days, the SXSW Film Festival hosts over 450 screenings! Film registrants also have primary access to Convergence events, including the Comedy Festival and nine unique conference tracks, as well as secondary access to most Interactive and Music events.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage.
See you in March!
CherryPicks: Why Does a Critic’s Gender Matter?
The post 2019 Film Tracks Take a Look at Career Evolutions, Distribution, Production & More appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
September 14, 2018
2019 Music Tracks: Music Industry & Culture, Touring & Live Experience and More
Each year, we take the summer months to refine our programming offerings – this year we have consolidated the music portion of the SXSW Conference into three Music Tracks: Making & Marketing Music, Music Industry & Culture, and Touring & Live Experience. While we still have plenty of great programming additions to come, we’re pleased to announce a Keynote Conversation between Shirley Manson and Lauren Mayberry. Shirley Manson is the lead vocalist of critically acclaimed alternative band Garbage and was recently awarded the NME Icon Award for her accomplished musical career and fearlessness in conversation about the industry. Lauren Mayberry is a singer-songwriter and fronts the popular electronic pop act CHVRCHES. Mayberry has also established herself as an important voice in music by speaking out on the role and treatment of female artists in the music industry.
Considering attending the Music Tracks for the first time in March? Check out past speaker highlights from 2018 including Global Head of Music for YouTube and Google Lyor Cohen, We Are Hear co-founders Linda Perry & Kerry Brown, and country music star Keith Urban.
2019 Music Tracks
Making & Marketing Music
March 12-16 | The Making & Marketing Music Track inspires attendees to discover what happens when creativity meets technology, and the endless opportunities for artists and professionals to grow their audiences and create the unexpected.
Music Industry & Culture
March 12-16 | As new technologies constantly disrupt industry practices, the Music Industry & Culture track explores music’s rich history to remind us that creativity and innovation are deeply embedded in its DNA.
Touring & Live Experience
March 12-16 | The Touring & Live Experience Track highlights the role venues and festivals, large and small, play in supporting the dynamic touring industry that so many artists increasingly rely on for their livelihoods.
Join Us in March 2019
Registration and housing is now open for the 2019 SXSW season. The best time to pick up your SXSW badge is now so that you can sort out travel and lodging and spend the rest of the year making plans on how to get the most out of your experience with us in March. We have so much more great programming to announce in the coming months – so stay tuned for updates!
Don’t forget! Showcasing Artist applications, film submissions, Interactive Innovation Awards, SXSW Pitch, SXSW Art Program, and Place By Design applications are now open – learn all the ways you can apply to participate here.
Browse more 2018 Keynotes, Featured Sessions, Red Carpets, and Q&A’s on our YouTube Channel.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage.
See you in March!
Shelita Burke – Photo by Jay Nicholas
The post 2019 Music Tracks: Music Industry & Culture, Touring & Live Experience and More appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Music