-
News & Updates
Uncategorized
November 19, 2017
Guillermo del Toro: ‘Antiques Roadshow’ Almost Kept Me from Pitching ‘The Shape of Water’ Star Sally Hawkins
Guillermo del Toro owes two famous friends and 14 tequila shots for his serendipitous introduction to Sally Hawkins, star of his Golden Lion–winning Oscar contender, “The Shape of Water.” On January 12, 2014, he received a call from from fellow Mexican directors Alfonso Cuarón and Alejandro González Iñárritu, who instructed him, “‘Dude, come over to the Golden Globes party’”; Cuarón had won the evening’s Best Director statuette for “Gravity.” At Vulture Festival this weekend, del Toro recalled his reply: “I’m not going. I’m watching ‘Antiques Roadshow.’”
But they were insistent, and sent a car to retrieve him from his home in Angoura Hills, California. “Because I’m fat, my body mass requires enormous amounts of alcohol,” del Toro explained to the audience at The Hollywood Roosevelt, seated next to his six-time collaborator, actor Doug Jones. “And I get sober super fast, and I don’t get hungover. So I recommend you all get fat.”
The aforementioned shots left him “a little buzzed.” “I go, ‘Okay guys, let’s catch up,’ and they say, ‘We changed our mind[s], we’re not going to drink,’” cueing del Toro’s exit. As he neared the door, however, he spotted Hawkins, a nominee that night for “Blue Jasmine,” whose agent he’d already contacted about another role. “‘Sally! Guillermo!’ and I hug her and I go, ‘I’m writing a movie for you, will you fall in love with a fish man?’ And she says, ‘Great!’”
Cuarón declared the resulting film — which came in under budget, at $19.5 million — “amazingly sublime,” and del Toro says it’s among the most personal of his 10 features. “Three movies in my life have come to me at really, really, really low points in my life, and they have saved my — I wouldn’t say sanity — but my life, really,” he said.
First, “The Devil’s Backbone” (2001) provided solace following “a catastrophic experience with ‘Mimic,’ at Miramax/Dimension, which is still the worst experience I’ve ever had.” Five years later, he said the idea for “Pan’s Labyrinth” arrived when he was “questioning many, many things,” including “what we do, what we leave behind, [and] who we are.” The film won three Oscars.
Read More: ‘The Shape of Water’ Review: Guillermo del Toro’s Lush Fairy Tale Is a Powerful Vision of Love
Del Toro, 53, was feeling “great darkness” when he though up “The Shape of Water” — a Cold War–era romance between a mute janitor (Hawkins) and a creature imprisoned inside the lab where she works (Jones), often referred to as “the asset” (credited as “Amphibian Man”). “A mentor in Mexico — one of the filmmakers I admire the most — he saw it and he said, ‘You’ve finally exhaled,’” revealed del Toro, who will take a directing hiatus through September 2018.
“This movie is a healing movie for me…For nine movies I rephrased the fears of my childhood, the dreams of my childhood, and this is the first time I speak as an adult, about something that worries me as an adult. I speak about trust, otherness, sex, love, where we’re going. These are not concerns that I had when I was nine or seven.”
“The Shape of Water” opens in New York on December 1 before expanding to additional cities.
Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
Source: IndieWire film
November 19, 2017
Harvey Weinstein Had a ‘Secret Hitlist’ of 91 Names to Prevent From Speaking Out About Him — Report
Harvey Weinstein’s career may be over, but the fallout from his scandal is just beginning. The disgraced former mogul’s story has become even stranger and more dispiriting with the Guardian‘s revelation of a what it calls “a secret hitlist of almost 100 prominent individuals targeted by Harvey Weinstein in an extraordinary attempt to discover what they knew about sexual misconduct claims against him and whether they were intending to go public.”
91 actors, publicists, producers, financiers and other members of the film industry populate said list, which was reportedly compiled so that Weinstein could formulate a plan to keep his accusers from making their claims public. It was not successful.
Rose McGowan is on the list, as are fellow accusers Laura Madden, Sophie Dix, and Annabella Sciorra; curiously, the Guardian points out, Brett Ratner’s name appears as well. The majority of people are from either New York or Los Angeles, though several Londoners are also listed.
85 names were initially compiled, with the final six (including Sciorra) having been added in August. More than 50 (including McGowan, Dix, and Madden) were colored red to show that they were high priorities, and “distributed to a team hired by the film producer to suppress claims that he had sexually harassed or assaulted numerous women.” Read the full report here.
Source: IndieWire film
November 17, 2017
SXSWorld Magazine Online: Explore In-Depth Coverage of SXSW
Introducing the new SXSWorld® magazine online! Take an in-depth look into the interactive, film, and music industries while also breaking down all things SXSW.
SXSWorld is your portal to photos, stories, programming highlights, and in-depth coverage of the SXSW Conference & Festivals. Five issues are digitally published each year, with three print issues made available to SXSW registrants.
Explore November Issue highlights below and get to know this essential SXSW resource in its brand new online format today!
Exclusive Interviews from 2018 Keynotes
Keynote speakers embody the DIY spirit, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial drive that SXSW uniquely cultivates. Learn more about two of the 2018 Keynotes, Esther Perel (Interactive Keynote) and whurley (Convergence Keynote), from their exclusive interviews in SXSWorld.
Psychotherapist and best-selling author Esther Perel discusses how romantic and working relationships aren’t so different in “Measuring Our Erotic Intelligence.” whurley, technology entrepreneur and quantum computing expert, examines quantum technology and the next digital revolution in “Is Computing Headed for Quantum Supremacy?” in this SXSWorld issue.
SXSW Alumni Stories
Take an in-depth look at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival screening of The Disaster Artist directed by and starring James Franco as well as an interactive timeline celebrating 25 years of SXSW Film. Then dive into the world of gene editing and CRISPRs with 2017 SXSW Interactive Keynote Jennifer Doudna, Ph.D, professor of molecular and cell biology and chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.
Browse through the latest November Issue for extensive write-ups on 2018 Speakers including Cleo Wade, Savan Kotecha, Theaster Gates, Janet Echelman, and more.
Stay up to date with SXSWorld magazine to curb your SXSW appetite until 2018 kicks off… only 112 days away and counting!
Read the SXSWorld November Issue
Interested in SXSWorld advertising or other marketing opportunities at SXSW? Contact a SXSW representative for more information.
Join us for unparalleled discovery, networking, and inspiration at the 2018 SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin, Texas from March 9-18. Sign up to receive the latest announcements, tips, networking invitations and more.
The post SXSWorld Magazine Online: Explore In-Depth Coverage of SXSW appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
November 17, 2017
The Daily Chord Weekly Recap – Friday, November 17
The week in music news brought a sensible survey of blockchain technology, continuing revelations and discussion of sexual harassment, and an introduction to United Masters, a well-funded music service company looking to disrupt things. The Daily Chord offers a quick overview of the day’s news and notable stories. Subscribe to the email blast and enhance your inbox.
Monday, November 13
-
iHeart Media’s quarterly losses top $248 million, raising ‘substantial doubt’ about its future
Post from Billboard -
Spotify expands merch to beauty products, sells out tickets for Who We Be
Post from TechCrunch -
Fred Cole, leader of garage-rock band Dead Moon, dies at 69
Obituary from NY Times -
Maybe the people would be the times
Story from Noisey -
‘Whisperpop’: Why stars are choosing breathy intensity over vocal paint-stripping
Post from The Guardian -
Spatial audio is the most exciting thing to happen to pop music since stereo
Post from Ars Technica
Tuesday, November 14
-
YouTube to promote US concert tickets on artist videos
Post from Music Ally -
Noise grows over potential $3BN sale of EMI Music Publishing
Post from Music Business Worldwide -
How hip-hop is fighting for prison reform
Post from Pitchfork -
Spotify’s Rap Caviar turned the playlist into a movement, now Viva Latino is next
Post from The Verge -
Goldenvoice end partnership with FYF Fest founder Sean Carlson
Item from Billboard -
30 under 30 music: From Cardi B to Playboi Carti, the class of 2018
List from Forbes
Wednesday, November 15
-
With $70M from Alphabet, United Masters replaces record labels
Post from Tech Crunch -
Deezer launches desktop app that supports lossless audio
Post from The Verge -
The singer sent death threats from the deaf community
Profile from BBC News -
When music you wrote becomes a hate speech soundtrack
Post from Wired -
The pros and cons of having a blog debut your new single
Guest post from Hypebot -
Prince’s vault suffered from water damage, mold, degradation’ at Paisley Park, court documents say
Post from Variety
Thursday, November 16
-
Lil Peep, rapper who blended hip-hop and emo, is dead at 21
Obituary from NY Times -
Four women detail alleged sexual misconduct by FYF Fest founder Sean Carlson
Story from Spin -
The Gaslamp Killer sues over rape claims
Post from The Guardian -
The FCC says local media is thriving. That’s not so clear.
Story from Wired -
Exclusive: Kickstarter launches Drip, a new service that lets fans subscribe to their favorite creators
Post from The Verge -
Venezuela’s uprooted musicians: Bands struggle to survive
Story from Rolling Stone
Friday, November 17
-
Will blockchain change the music industry?
Post from Canadian Musician -
These days, Danny Brown has a lot to be thankful for
Profile from Metro Times -
From Fleet Foxes to Grizzly Bear, has the ‘Pitchfolk’ scene finally burned out?
Post from The Guardian -
Universal ‘accelerates efforts to promote diversity and inclusion’ with new initiative
Post from Music Business Worldwide -
Liz Phair announces new memoir ‘Horror Stories’
Item from Pitchfork -
Alternative returns to NYC radio after six years
Post from Billboard
The post The Daily Chord Weekly Recap – Friday, November 17 appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Music
November 17, 2017
Getting Around SXSW 2018: Transportation Services
SXSW Housing & Travel is excited to improve your SXSW experience with our updated transportation resources. We work with a variety of transportation services to provide a comprehensive selection of options. These resources help you design your commute to SXSW events within your individual budget and needs. Use the tips below to help you navigate our updated resources.
Explore Our Getting Around Page
Our Getting Around page offers transportation solutions during SXSW. Find out the best options to travel from your hotel, the airport, and around SXSW events. From rideshare services to SXSW Festival Shuttles, our Getting Around page is designed to help get you where you need to go.
Bookmark the Transportation Directory Before Arrival
Our Transportation Directory offers a comprehensive list of transportation services we recommend. It includes contact information and web links to help you quickly reach the services you need during SXSW.
Account for Traffic
Austin is a major city so expect delays during rush hour traffic on weekdays. Be sure to schedule extra time for transportation when traveling during the morning and evening hours.
Leave Your Car at Home
Traffic is heavy and parking is limited in downtown Austin during SXSW. Most attendees find traveling by car is more trouble than it’s worth. Leave your car at home and use the Getting Around page to help you plan your SXSW commute. Keep in mind that Austin blocks are only a 1-minute walk. Once you’re downtown most SXSW events are just a few minutes apart.
Check Out the Hotel Map
The SXSW Hotel Map shows all SXSW hotel locations. Use your favorite map app’s public transit option to locate hotels that offer service to downtown on CapMetro, Austin’s regional transportation provider.
Expanded on Demand Services
Powerhouse rideshare companies are back in Austin. With so many rideshare services in operation, Austin is bustling with on-demand options. Access them from our Transportation Directory.
Questions?
Contact housing@sxsw.com
Photo by Diego Donamaria
The post Getting Around SXSW 2018: Transportation Services appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Interactive
November 17, 2017
What is B2B video storytelling?
We all know how powerful video is as a content medium for storytelling, education and entertainment. Few will argue that it’s the next best thing to being there in person and the medium of choice for connecting with audiences online, sharing new ideas, or simply making someone laugh. While we often associate online video with our personal lives and B2C brand marketing, it’s quickly becoming the secret weapon of full-funnel B2B marketing.
A research report published by Demand Metric in October 2017 showed the average B2B company is now producing more than 30 videos per year (up over 30% from 2016) and that more than 90% of them create at least some of that content in-house. The surging use of video in B2B is being fueled by its proven effectiveness at various stages of the buying journey. In fact, more than 70% of B2B marketers in that same report indicates that video converts better than other content types.
Video Goes Full-Funnel in B2B
While brand and social media videos remain important in B2B, more and more content is being created to support product marketing, content marketing, demand generation, digital marketing, SEO and sales enablement. Think product explainers, customer stories, engaging content campaigns, video advertisements, instructional how-to videos and more. Refer to the 12 Types of Videos for the B2B Customer Lifecycle (or VSI’s 16 Video Storytelling Types – part 1 and part 2) to understand the expanding role of video in B2B marketing. What’s interesting about this evolution is that it lowers the bar on production quality while raising the bar on the need to have a strong message, high-value content and a great story. Video content creation is quickly becoming democratized but most B2B marketers are still figuring out how to use it in a way that effectively leverages the innate qualities of video and its ability to tell a richer, more emotionally charged story that can drive action.
Using Humor at the Top of the Funnel
One of the most important trends in top-of-funnel B2B marketing is the shift from “speeds and feeds” to storytelling and customer engagement. Brands in every industry are now grappling with how to connect with audiences in a more emotional and personal way, and storytelling via video can be the best way to do this. In B2B, we often see that humor can work well to create a more engaging narrative and to build a more human connection with potential buyers. While many B2B companies still have a cultural barrier to overcome when it comes to using humor, those doing it right have seen some amazing results. Take Lenovo’s B2B marketing team as a great example. In additional to the typical product-centric videos and campaigns they launched for their rugged laptops, they produced an unexpected video series called “Users Happen” that pokes fun at individuals within larger enterprises that often have ‘challenges’ with keeping their devices in one piece:
The series was a big hit within their core target audience and not only garnered a massive number of views, it helped their demand team accelerate lead generation and pipeline development. And with the final video in the series, the IT Anthem (a parody rap video), they took it one step further and sent out a personalized version that incorporated each viewer’s own name and company name directly into the video. By personalizing the experience and using video in a creative way, they increased their click-through and engagement rates by more than 300%. Lenovo saw similar results with a personalized “Happy Holidays” video as well.
Educating Prospects Through the Buyer’s Journey
Once audiences are engaged with a B2B brand, content marketing and nurture streams take over to help educate potential buyers and move them closer to a sales conversation. Most B2B companies are now investing in thought leadership content to help educate buyers and to make them better equipped to make a buying decision. How-to videos, thought leadership interviews, whiteboard videos and Chalk Talks have become simple, inexpensive ways to fuel audience education in a way that more’s more engaging, more informative and more personal than traditional text-based content. One great example of how my own team has embraced this idea is with our video marketing Chalk Talks series. Every week, someone gets in front of a camera with a chalkboard behind them to discuss a very specific topic, best practice or set of tips.
Each video is roughly 7 minutes in length and we share them on our blog, social media, resource center and customer community. The mix of visual cues and a human narrative have made these videos a staple of our content marketing program and the feedback we get from our audience has been overwhelmingly positive. For a bit more inspiration, check out our Chalk Talks video hub to see what kind of content we’ve created.
Facts Tell but Stories Sell
You all know the old adage that facts tell but stories sell. So why don’t more B2B organizations equip their sales teams with killer stories to help build trust, empathy and an urgency to buy amongst their prospects? Video-based customer stories can play a key role late in the buying cycle, helping potential customers see real stories from real people that have seen both personal and business success. Customer stories can be inexpensive to film but can be a great tool for sales teams. Here are two customer stories that our own team recently created that are helping our sales teams progress opportunities. The first is a higher quality production where our producer went onsite and built a grander narrative around their challenges:
The second, which I personally think is pretty amazing, is one that we created by simply asking our customer to get multiple users on camera answering a few simple questions. They captured all of these videos using a free Chrome plugin, shared with us via Box, and we did some basic editing to stitch it together. Simple, but extremely effective and carries the feel of being 100% authentic:
Fast Forward
Video is already here for B2B marketers, but most still struggle with how to use it effectively, how to scale their production without breaking their budgets, and how to adapt their approach to content to truly embrace video and strategic storytelling. But the answers to these are all out there, it just requires that one keen practitioner or executive to disrupt the status quo of “how things are done” and to look ahead at where video can take them.
Want to know more?
Awesome! I know you’re busy, so if you simply complete this brief form below, you’ll receive FREE the video recording, including the audio podcast of my upcoming interview on the Visual Storytelling Today show on 11/30/17.
You don’t want to miss this!
Already have questions you want me
to address during the show?
Sweet! Tweet your questions using: #myVSI
Source: Visual Storytelling
November 17, 2017
Digital Photography: Los Angeles, California with Ludwig Favre
Digital Photography: Los Angeles, California with Ludwig Favre
I am about to hit the West Coast for a few days next week, as someone living in the North with the cold. It will be a treat to change my warm coat for a pair of sandals. Let’s take a look at the digital photography series by Paris-based photographer Ludwig Favre about Los Angeles, California. The multiple beaches to explore alongside that light gradient blue sky and let’s not forget about the sunsets as well. Let’s admire this beautiful collection!
Ludwig Favre is a professional photographer based in Paris, France. We love Lugwig’s work on ABDZ, you should definitely follow his work on Instagram.
More Links
- Learn more about Ludwig Favre at ludwigfavre.com
- Follow Ludwig’s work on Behance
- Follow Ludwig on Instagram
Digital Photography
AoiroStudio
Nov 17, 2017
Source: Abduzeedo Photography
November 16, 2017
Creative Ways to Use the StoryCorps App
If you’re a frequent listener, you know what to expect from a StoryCorps interview — two people, usually family members or close friends, come together for a conversation, which is recorded and preserved for future generations. But what if the person you want to record, or the story that you want to share, for your StoryCorps interview sits outside of this format?
At the heart of StoryCorps is our mission: “Listen. Honor. Share.” The StoryCorps App, launched in 2015, allows users to spread this mission and stretch the limits of what a traditional StoryCorps interview might allow. The accessibility of the app gives way to boundless creative freedom and the opportunity to experiment with, and innovate, the culture of listening. Participants are able to preserve their recording on the StoryCorps Archive, where it will live amongst a rapidly growing collection of diverse voices from across the country.
Looking for inspiration? We’ve compiled a list of ways for you to record and share your story — no matter how unconventional it is — with the StoryCorps universe.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING LISTEN
StoryCorps’ The Great Thanksgiving Listen is a national movement that encourages young people — and people of all ages — to contribute to the oral history of our country by recording an interview with an elder during Thanksgiving using the StoryCorps App. Add some spice to your family’s meal this year and participate by interviewing a family member. Or, if you would rather participate with your chosen family, record during a Friendsgiving get-together.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The classic wedding video is a long-standing tradition, but the StoryCorps App can help launch your event into the 21st century — and you don’t have to pay for a videographer. On the big day, record salutations for the newlyweds (and embarrassing stories, of course). Create a digital keepsake of a bar or bat mitzvah, graduation party, or quinceañera by asking guests to download the app and record congratulatory messages.
Take inspiration from fellow StoryCorps participants who have used the app to commemorate family reunions, holidays, and birthday parties. Get to know someone besides your favorite cousin (it’s okay, we all have one) by asking guests to write their names on a piece of paper. Place all of the papers in a bowl, and each person can pick out somebody’s name to interview.
RECIPES AND FAMILY TRADITIONS
For so many families, beloved recipes are passed down through generations and countless memories are shared over meals. Next time you visit your Grandmother for her famous matzoh ball soup, or Dad makes your favorite lasagna, take out your phone and record the cooking process. The recording can serve as not only an heirloom, but a cure for homesickness if you ever feel like being transported back to the family kitchen.
END OF LIFE AND REMEMBRANCE
You may be familiar with StoryCorps’ Legacy Project, which partners with hospitals and hospices to provide people with serious illnesses the opportunity record and preserve their stories. If you have a loved one nearing end of life, record a conversation between the two of you with the app and preserve their voice for generations to come.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND AWARENESS
The StoryCorps App offers numerous ways to raise awareness. You can record and share stories to garner attention for smaller-scale, local projects. If your community was affected by a natural disaster or any other type of tragedy, collect interviews from victims. Personal stories can be a powerful tool to mobilize others to help or offer relief donations.
HOW WILL YOU SHARE YOUR STORY?
Browse the StoryCorps Archive for more ideas, and take a look at our user guides for tips and resources on how to enhance your recording. Or, if you’re already feeling inspired, download the StoryCorps App and record your story today!
Source: SNPR Story Corps
November 16, 2017
25 Years of SXSW Film Festival – Destin Daniel Cretton
To commemorate the 25th edition of the SXSW Film Festival, we continue our weekly alumni spotlight on careers launched, artists discovered, powerful performances, and more with filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton.
Destin Daniel Cretton’s feature, Short Term 12 is based on the award-winning short of the same name. The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in 2013 and received critical acclaim for its raw and emotional subject matter and standout performances, particularly from then newcomer Brie Larson. Short Term 12 went on to win the Jury Award and Audience Award for Narrative Feature Competition. Earlier this year, Cretton re-teamed with Larson for the adaptation of The Glass Castle, based on the memoir by Jeannette Walls.
We are happy to share his #SXSWFilm25 story with you.
“I am forever grateful to SXSW for seeing the heart of our little movie and believing that audiences would connect with it. I remember watching our first screening at the Alamo Drafthouse on a Sunday morning, just after the daylight savings switch-over. Everyone was hung-over from the night before, and I had convinced myself they’d all hate the movie. But sitting in that theater alongside Brie Larson, John G Jr., Keith Stanfield, Rami Malek and the rest of our team was one of the most moving experiences of my life. I’ve never felt so connected to an audience before. Without this festival, I honestly don’t know if Short Term 12 would have seen the light of day. We owe you all so much for believing in us.”
Stay tuned to SXSW News each week for more 25th edition stories.
Join Us For SXSW 2018
Grab your Film Badge today for primary access to all SXSW Film events including world premieres, roundtables, workshops, and parties. Register to attend by Friday, November 17 and save. Book your hotel through SXSW Housing & Travel for the best available rates. Stay tuned for the 2018 SXSW Film Festival lineup which will be announced in January.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage, announcements, and updates.
See you in March!
Rick Kern/Getty Images for SXSW
The post 25 Years of SXSW Film Festival – Destin Daniel Cretton appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
November 16, 2017
Enter Your Technology-Related Product to the 2018 SXSW Release It Pitch Competition
Is your company planning to launch a new technology-related product or service – even update an existing one – in early 2018? Then you will want to be a part of SXSW Release It!
SXSW Release It is a special pitch competition during Startup & Tech Sectors on the opening day of the SXSW Conference, Friday, March 9, 2018. Ten cutting-edge companies launching a new product or service during this SXSW season will present to a panel of industry experts, venture capitalists, and high-profile media. A winner will be chosen based on which product or service is most likely to succeed in the marketplace.
Any type of technology-related product or service is welcome to apply – we love variety! Learn more about the eligibility requirements and read the FAQ before you begin the application process.
Boost buzz for your company at the beginning of the SXSW Conference – apply to the 2018 SXSW Release It before the deadline on Friday, January 19, 2018. Stay tuned to SXSW News for application tips and competition updates.
2017 SXSW Release It – Photo by Jim Antich
The post Enter Your Technology-Related Product to the 2018 SXSW Release It Pitch Competition appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Interactive