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July 14, 2017

Watch: Why Do We Keep Finding Ourselves Hooked on ‘Game of Thrones’?


Throughout its six seasons, the fantasy epic has managed to keep us emotionally engaged for a few important reasons.


[Note: GoT season six spoilers ahead.]



Game of Thrones will be kicking off its seventh season this Sunday on HBO, cementing its place as one of the greatest television series of all time. The show has certainly been revolutionary in a number of ways, but when you examine its success, it’s one of the most traditional writing fundamentals that really contributes: Those writers sure know how to craft a scene.



As Robert McKee defines in his classic screenwriting book Story, “A scene is a story in miniature…no matter locations or length, a scene is unified around desire, action, conflict, and change.” In the case of Game of Thrones , a single scene can come to define the plotline for an entire season. Lessons from the Screenplay’s video essay first highlights last season’s reunion of Jon Snow and Sansa Stark as an example.



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Source: NoFilmSchool

July 14, 2017

Tips for SXSW Film PanelPicker Entry Success – Deadline Friday, July 21

PanelPicker deadline is approaching quickly! Only a few days left until the July 21 deadline. Below you will find valuable information about how to apply for PanelPicker, film PanelPicker tips, and an overview of film tracks for the SXSW Conference.

SXSW values community input and involvement, so the two-step online process PanelPicker was developed to encourage the SXSW community to enter proposals and have a significant voice in daytime Conference programming. The SXSW community is then able to browse proposals, leave comments, and vote to help shape the March event.

Application Process

During the open application process from Monday, June 26 through Friday, July 21 at 11:59pm PT, we encourage the community to upload proposals related to interactive, film and, music industries in a variety of session formats including panels, solo presentations, workshops, and more. Read the 2018 PanelPicker FAQ for important information about SXSW, the PanelPicker submission process, and valuable tips.

All ideas received will be posted online for the community for voting from Monday, August 7 – Friday, August 25. It’s as easy as “enter, review, comment, and vote” to help shape SXSW programming.

Film PanelPicker Tips

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – It’s fine to talk about future trends and not current ones. Film and TV is an ever-changing industry and we want to hear your thoughts no matter how obscure.

Diversity matters – All panels (3-4 person sessions) must include diversity in gender, race, location and employment of speakers, and diversity in thought and opinion. Everyone should bring something different to the table.

Subject levels – Not everyone who attends SXSW may be up to speed on all film-related topics. If your proposal delves into the specifics of a particular subject and uses advanced knowledge and terminology, please note that in the proposal. We can better guide our attendees if this session is right for them.

Proofread, proofread, proofread – Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are extremely important. PanelPicker allows you to securely edit your proposal up until you click “Enter Proposal” on the final page.

Film Tracks

Entertainment Influencers

Inspiration from thought leaders, experts, and innovators that will last beyond your time at SXSW, including conversations with high-profile speakers from the entertainment, film, and TV industries.

Film & TV Industry

Learn about the inner workings of the film and TV industry. Sessions will focus on the business side of things, with topics like distribution, financing, and the ever changing nature of the industry

Making Film & Episodics

Learn everything you need to know about developing and crafting your project, from screenwriting and working with your subject to post-production and beyond.

Be sure to also take a look at our film-related Convergence tracks such as VR/AR and Experiential Storytelling.

Enter Your Session Idea

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 1 when registration, housing, and press accreditation opens for the 2018 SXSW season. We hope to see you in March!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage, announcements, application tips, and updates.

Screening of The Relationtrip – Photo by Carol Watson

The post Tips for SXSW Film PanelPicker Entry Success – Deadline Friday, July 21 appeared first on SXSW.

Source: SxSW Film

July 14, 2017

Watch: The Most Disturbing PG Moments in Movie History


Before there was a PG-13 rating, you might have thought twice before taking your kid to the movies.


For the first 90 years of American cinema, the MPAA had only two ratings: PG and R. This meant that unwitting parents often brought their children to salacious and violently graphic movies. In 1984, the parental outrage came to a fever pitch over two “inappropriate” blockbusters: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Gremlins. Steven Spielberg, perhaps feeling guilty that Jaws was rated PG, finally proposed the idea of an intermediate rating. The PG-13 rating was first attached John Milius’ Red Dawn, released later that year.



A new video from Screen Crush compiles the most traumatic PG-rated moments, including blood, guts, explosions, and horrifying monsters from Time Bandits, Poltergeist, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Planet of the Apes, and more.





Today, the MPAA classifies a PG-13 film as containing the following (as opposed to a PG film):

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Source: NoFilmSchool

July 14, 2017

The Daily Chord Weekly Recap – Friday, July 14

Spotify is the focus of two big stories this week. They announced a deal with Sony, which paves the way for an IPO and they responded to the controversy surrounding ‘fake artists’ on their playlists. In other links, we learned about the musical friends of Donald Trump Jr. and we did not chart on the top 50 moneymakers in music list. Join the moguls and the rabble-rousers and subscribe to the Daily Chord email blast for a music news morning update each weekday.

Monday, July 10

Tuesday, July 11

Wednesday, July 12

Thursday, July 13

Friday, July 14

The post The Daily Chord Weekly Recap – Friday, July 14 appeared first on SXSW.

Source: SxSW Music

July 14, 2017

Six virtual reality experiences are up for Emmy awards in 2017

Nominations for the 2017 Emmy awards are out, and a variety of different virtual reality projects have made the cut, ranging from a Simpsons couch gag to the original animation Dear Angelica.

The post Six virtual reality experiences are up for Emmy awards in 2017 appeared first on Digital Trends.

Source: Digital Trends VR

July 14, 2017

Watch: Learn the Trick Used By Landscape Photographers to Get Deep Focus

Everything you need to know about hyperfocal distance.<p>With the advent of DSLRs, shallow focus became all the rage in photographic visuals. However, …
Source: CW’s Flipboard Feed

July 14, 2017

Nine Inch Nails uses rare, unreleased copy of ‘Polybius’ in video

Nine Inch Nails’ new single, Less Than, has a particularly trippy theme and visuals taken right out of a custom PC build of PSVR exclusive Polybius only serve to enhance that.

The post Nine Inch Nails uses rare, unreleased copy of 'Polybius' in video appeared first on Digital Trends.

Source: Digital Trends VR

July 14, 2017

See What’s New for the SXSW Community Service Awards

This year we’ve revamped and consolidated our grants programs into our individual and organization focused community service awards — and we will celebrate both at a combined ceremony in March! Five individuals and five organizations will be recognized for their community service. Each honoree or organization will receive complimentary badges to SXSW, a $5,000 grant, and a chance to spread the word about their work to the SXSW community. Learn more about the SXSW 2018 Community Service Awards below.

SXSW Community Service Awards for Individuals

Five individuals will receive a $5,000 grant to an eligible 501(c)(3) or eligible charity of their choice as well as a complimentary registration to SXSW 2018. The Community Service Award is intended to honor the breadth of community service work of five individuals rather than organizations or groups. We are looking for individuals whose creative community service work bridges the digital divide, impacts the community positively and includes some degree of grassroots or hands-on organizing.

Apply Now

SXSW Community Service Awards for Organizations

Five organizations will also receive a $5,000 grant to continue or begin their work and will be honored at the SXSW Community Service Awards. To qualify, an organization must be a charitable organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) or be otherwise qualified to receive charitable contributions. The selection committee chooses organization grantees based on their connection to one of the following aspects of SXSW: Interactive, Film, Music, Edu, or Gaming.

Apply Now

All applications are free of charge and must be received no later than 11:59pm PT on July 28, 2017.

Who Should Apply?

The SXSW Community Service Awards are for everyone! Whether your interest lies in filmmaking, music, technology, education or gaming, the Community Service Awards recognize good work being done within communities. There’s also a grant for a local Austin charitable organization that does not easily fit into one of those festival categories. SXSW feels that promoting good is one of many ways of helping foster creative innovation.

The post See What’s New for the SXSW Community Service Awards appeared first on SXSW.

Source: SxSW Film

July 13, 2017

New Music! SXSW Artist Releases – Friday, July 14

2017 SXSW Showcasing Artist, Sheer Mag – Photo by Alejandro Mendoza

The SXSW Music Festival team is spending these hot summer days going through your Showcase Applications, and we’re enjoying what we’re hearing so far. If you’re interested in being a part of the event, apply to be a Showcasing Artist or enter a PanelPicker session idea.

This week welcomes a nice mix of new artist releases from past SXSW showcasing artists heavy on dreamy rock and electro-pop tones. Ishmael Butler, Left-field hip-hop artist Shabazz Palaces, releases 2 lps to keep fans busy getting their heads around his psychedelic beats. Michelle Zauner’s solo project Japanese Breakfast release Soft Sounds From Another Planet today, a conveniently named album that also functions as a great description for her take on eclectic indie-pop, although she does tend to get a bit noisier than she gives herself credit for. Electronic pop act RAC release the cheeky collaboration-filled electo-pop album EGO as well.

Each week we will pick one of the album releases and make a playlist for those that are enjoying the album but want to discover more similar artists. This week, we’re selecting a indie and garage rock playlist inspired by Sheer Mag, their new album Need To Feel Your Love releases today. Go ahead and give it a listen because these playlists will only be active for one week before we pick a new artist to focus on. Follow us on Spotify to keep up with our playlists each week, and be sure to follow the playlist.

Release of the Week Playlist

Past Showcasing Artist July 14th Releases

Lucy Rose – Something’s Changing
Waxahatchee – Out In The Storm
Japanese Breakfast – Soft Sounds From Another Planet
Neil Young – Hitchhiker
RAC – EGO
Shabazz Palaces – Quazarz: Born On A Gangster Star & Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines
Sheer Mag – Need To Feel Your Love

Sheer Mag at SXSW 2017 – Photo by Alejandro Mendoza

The post New Music! SXSW Artist Releases – Friday, July 14 appeared first on SXSW.

Source: SxSW Music

July 13, 2017

Tips for SXSW PanelPicker Entry Success – Deadline Friday, July 21

With so many PanelPicker proposals, how can you ensure that your amazing idea stands out? As the Friday, July 21 deadline approaches, take a dive into our helpful PanelPicker resources below, from tips for success to an overview of SXSW Conference tracks, as you construct the perfect proposal.

Tips for PanelPicker Success

Follow the instructions and read the FAQ. Reading the PanelPicker FAQ will give you important information about SXSW and some valuable tips for creating a great proposal. For a walk-through of the PanelPicker form and entry process, watch the How to Enter Your Proposal video. Once you’ve watched the video and read the FAQ, you are ready to get started!

Create a future-focused, original proposal that shows what you’re passionate about. Often SXSW previews what you’ll be talking about next year and beyond in tech, culture, music, and film. Give us your perspective on what lies ahead and why.

Depth and specificity. SXSW attendees want advanced, in-depth information, so be sure to delve into the particulars of a topic. The more specific a proposal is, the better. Drill down to what really matters.

Solo sessions and strong moderators. While panels works well as a session format across the Conference, the SXSW community tends to prefer solo presentations for Interactive and tech-focused tracks. Be sure you have a strong moderator if you are going to propose a panel.

Your title should reflect your description. Your title is going to be fighting for attention with hundreds of other titles in PanelPicker, so it’s important for your title to be direct and explanatory. The community should be able to understand what the proposal will cover without reading your description. Remember: think simple, accurate, and succinct. Pro-tip: Avoid using ALL CAPS in your title and proposal.

Diversity matters – all panels (3-4 person sessions) must include diversity in gender, race, location and employment of speakers, and diversity in thought and opinion.

Include a video with your proposal. Your speaking abilities matter and we’d like to see them. Does the video need to be a fancy production? No, the video does not have to be professionally produced and can simply be recorded on your webcam or phone.

Proofread, proofread, proofread. Did we mention to proofread? Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are extremely important. PanelPicker allows you to securely edit your proposal up until you click “Enter Proposal” on the final page.

Meet the deadline. The 2018 PanelPicker entry deadline is 11:59pm PT on Friday, July 21.

SXSW Conference Tracks

The SXSW Conference provides an opportunity for global professionals at every level to participate, learn, and network. Explore what’s next in the worlds of entertainment, culture, and technology within 24 tracks of programming plus our SXSW Eco curated Cities Summit. Learn more from our track overviews for Interactive, Film, Music, and Convergence including additional proposal tips.

While PanelPicker contributes to the majority of the 2018 SXSW Conference programming, it also helps us identify industry trends based on each season’s entries. Explore 2017 Programming Trends and follow SXSW News for the latest updates in trends that emerge from the 2018 PanelPicker.

Enter Your PanelPicker Idea

Visit PanelPicker.sxsw.com, login or create a new profile to begin. All ideas received will be posted online for Community Voting from Monday, August 7 – Friday, August 25. Review the resources and tips to get started – PanelPicker entry deadline is Friday, July 21 at 11:59pm PT. Good luck!

Enter Your Idea

Mark your calendars – registration and housing opens on Tuesday, August 1 for the 2018 SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin, Texas from March 9-18.

2017 SXSW Conference panel, Jazz in the Digital Age – Photo by Danny Matson

The post Tips for SXSW PanelPicker Entry Success – Deadline Friday, July 21 appeared first on SXSW.

Source: SxSW Film