Unofficial Guide to South By Southwest 2013

In the age of digital distribution and new marketplaces, we’ll discuss what filmmakers can learn from retail best practices. From building sales relationships, considering shelf space positioning, planning release windows, and activating consumer data, we'll explore why the crossover between the retail world and indie film is more relevant than ever to filmmakers, distributors, and marketers.
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You have just wrapped your small budget film, and you are ready to show it to the world but where do you start? What exactly do you need to know about the international film industry to distribute and make deals for your film? With laws and regulations changing by country, how will you know what is acceptable for your film in another country? And how do you go about making deals for international distribution?
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Filmmakers are increasingly using digital marketing tools to make their films "sticky". Social media, contests and sweepstakes drive traffic to the filmmakers' sites. Solicitation of user-generated content keep fans interested. Email marketing and blogger advocacy keeps fans coming back. And...tracking the fan activity can help filmmakers entice investors and distributors and/or market their films more efficiently. Clearly, a tremendous upside for a small budget. However, all of this upside comes with potentially high risk for those who don't know how to navigate this highly-regulated area of the law.
In this very practical workshop, filmmakers will learn how to develop legally compliant sweeps and contests, solicit user-generated content with legal immunity, run an e-mail campaign without running afoul of the federal CAN SPAM Act, comply with social media sites' promotional guidelines, and utilize brand advocates without violating the FTC's Endorsement Guidelines.
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With so many choices, choosing your film's main locale can be a dizzying process. After much consideration and review, the magic happens, and everything starts to fall into place. Workshop speakers and participants will describe pros and cons of their experiences when choosing where to shoot a green lit film. What do you consider when determining where to shoot your film? What type of "look" are you seeking to support your Director's vision? Is the script "period" or contemporary? How large a cast size and local cast pool? Is there local crew and infrastructure in place? Scout and research areas worth considering. We will explore chasing the next best State incentive.
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Featuring exhibitor tables and demos from the most innovative startups in the business, the Launchpad is the place to discover the companies that will change the face of entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from startups pioneering new means of funding, production, distribution, content sharing and more at this intimate curated exhibition.
Don’t miss the Startup Alley Reception happening in the Lauchpad from 4-6pm. Complimentary beverages provided.
www.schedule.sxsw.com/2013/events/event_OE02083
Participating companies:
FLM.TV Indie OnDemand (www.flm.tv)
FLM.TV is an Indie Film VOD OnDemand site offering self film distribution for Independent Filmmakers, Distributors and Film Festivals. Its free. We provide marketing sales and distribution on Social TV platform.
Hive Lighting (www.hivelighting.com)
Hive Lighting manufactures energy-efficient Plasma light fixtures for Film, TV and Digital production. They are brighter, emit better quality light, run cooler, last 30X longer, and are 2X to 8X more energy efficient than current state-of-the-industry fixtures.
ideaBOOST (www.ideaboost.ca)
ideaBOOST is an innovative creative and business development lab. Our mission is to help Canadian companies and teams launch sustainable digital-entertainment properties for connected global audiences.
Lightcraft Technology (www.lightcrafttech.com)
Lightcraft Technology is a leading developer of real time, on set camera tracking and visual effects technology, enabling productions to preview and finish shots combining greenscreen and CGI instantly.
Linklib (www.linklib.org)
Linklib lets filmmakers and movie fans embed links into videos and send them to phones and tablets. With Linklib you don't have to Google your way through movies anymore.
Ochre (www.theochre.com)
Ochre provides interactive video software, allowing content makers to publish videos where the viewers participates in choosing the action - seamlessly and in real time.
ProductionCliq (www.rocksaucestudios.com)
ProductionCliq boasts features for everyone on the film set, from the costume designer, to the editor, to the audio technician.. Whether it’s a crew of two or 200, every single crew member can benefit from a subscription.
Reelhouse (www.reelhouse.org)
Reelhouse is an open video sharing community that offers film and video creators a rich toolset to self-distribute their content directly to their viewers via any internet connected device.
Scrnland (www.scrnland.com)
Scrnland is the premier platform for independent film and series finance and distribution. We merge a robust crowdfunding service with a distribution system for DRM-Free Digital Downloads of media.
Squerb.com (www.squerb.com)
Squerb.com is what we call a social counting tool. It allows anyone to quickly and powerfully express and count articulate opinions about anything, using a fun, powerful visual input tool.
Subtitlet (www.subtitlet.com)
Subtitlet gives site owners a fun way to verify their users are human while giving filmmakers a way to crowdsource quality subtitle and translation files through our video CAPCHA mechanism.
upLynk (www.uplynk.com)
upLynk streams live and on-demand video for premium content owners across all devices. We're the video streaming technology powering the WATCH Disney, ABC Player, and ABC Family apps.
Video Blocks (www.videoblocks.com)
VideoBlocks.com is a subscription-based website that provides members with unlimited downloads of stock video, motion backgrounds, production music, sound effects, special effects, After Effects templates and much more.
VidioVibe (www.vidiovibe.com)
If American Idol and YouTube, hooked up, and had a baby, they would name it VidioVibe. Here the best get more than props — they get cash.
WinkIt (www.winkitnow.com)
Watch it, Want it, WinkIt: where movie scenes become shopping dreams! Connecting consumers to products from movies & television; see an item in a film and buy it at winkitnow.com
Check out the entire Startup Alley lineup here:
www.sxsw.com/film/startup-alley
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The culmination of Film Startup Alley, top entertainment entrepreneurs and techies will mix and mingle with investors over drinks at this casual, uniquely SXSW un-networking event. Featuring exhibitor tables and demos by game-changing startups, this Reception is the place to discover the companies that will change the face of entertainment. Complimentary refreshments.
To check out the companies that will be exhibiting, click below:
http://schedule.sxsw.com/2013/events/event_OE01981
Check out the entire Startup Alley lineup here:
http://sxsw.com/film/startup-alley
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The role of the filmmaker has, historically, focused on precision: crafting and controlling the viewer's experience down to the frame. And for good reason — one of the prime pleasures of cinema is surrendering to the vision of the filmmaker.
In contrast, the role of the user experience designer in interactive media — websites, games, apps, etc. — is to facilitate experiences rather than solely dictate them, creating flexible frameworks which allow different people to have a range of experiences in different contexts.
This workshop investigates what filmmakers can learn from the craft of user experience design in order to expand the creative potential of their filmmaking, make creative uses of new technologies in cinematic storytelling, and reach audiences in new ways.
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Colors, textures and effects play a pivotal role in the way we experience film. The darker the color; the more somber the tone, the brighter the picture; the happier a scene may feel, a heightened color will draw the eye - there is an essential storytelling element in the colors, textures used within a film.
Color can be used to maintain the look of your film, set the tone and set it apart. It is an integral part of the process of adding and creating character and a unique style for your film. Join this hands-on workshop as speakers (listed when confirmed) give examples and ideas on how the post-production color process can enhance the visual experience of your story.
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Good lighting can be key in provoking a specific mood, emotion, atmosphere and overall experience for the audience as filmmaker's tell their story. Whether you're shooting for the web, commercials or a feature project, shed light on what equipment can help set the tone, best practices and tips and tricks to refine the way you use lighting.
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Movie trailers remain one of the most potent ways to create interest and market a new film, yet with the evolving needs of today's filmmaker, there are a myriad of iterations a film trailer can go through to target different audiences by the time a film is completed.
From attracting initial investors for funding, to marketing for film festivals, to creating buzz and building community to showcasing a compelling final product, the uses for a film trailer are endless.
Bring in a sample trailer and join leading experts as they explain the different stages of a film trailer's life, how to stand out and how to capture your intended audience at each stage.
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Working in the film industry means you are a part of the stream of writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, etc. trying to ensure their current or next project is seen and heard. At what point should you seriously consider representation? And what does representation mean? Hear from agents who have experience working with filmmakers, actors, etc. and managing their careers and get a better understanding of what "representation" means as well as how to go about ensuring you find the right people for you and your projects.
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Good sound design can add layers to a film - at once enhancing or even detracting from the visual story being told. Gain insight into the post-production sound design process for film. From the bare bones of why sound design should be on the top of your list when making your film, to the people that are in the arsenal of making sure the process goes smoothly. Learn what sound design means for you and your budget, tips and tricks of the trade and how it can help bring your film to the next level.
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Music and song selection can heighten a film's everyday story into something majestic and awe-inspiring. The soundtrack of a film can filter into your subconscious to the point that when you hear a specific song again - you are taken back to the movie moment where you first heard it. Where do you begin when starting the process of music and song selection for your film? How do you know what will move an audience and what might bore them? Join Music Supervisor Randall Poster - who has worked with the likes of Martin Scoresese, Wes Anderson and Sam Mendes - as he discusses his process and tips/tricks for music selection in film.
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This session is presented by SXSW Film and is open to all badge types.
Music and song selection can heighten a film's everyday story into something majestic and awe-inspiring. The soundtrack of a film can filter into your subconscious to the point that when you hear a specific song again - you are taken back to the movie moment where you first heard it. Where do you begin when starting the process of music and song selection for your film? How do you know what will move an audience and what might bore them? Join Music Supervisor Randall Poster - who has worked with the likes of Martin Scoresese, Wes Anderson and Sam Mendes - as he discusses his process and tips/tricks for music selection in film.
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Being well-branded and communicating that brand efficiently to the specific buyers of that brand is critically important so that you can relax and concentrate on the craft that inspired you in the first place.
Join Los Angeles casting director Bonnie Gillespie (Los Angeles, CA) and a regional casting director for a dynamic actors’ workshop about the importance of branding yourself. Bring your questions and get ready to learn how to tier jump. Tackle the three biggest career mistakes in this hot mini-seminar brought to you by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation.
Questions that will be answered:
1. How can I discover my primary type?
2. How can I get on the radar of those who regularly cast my type?
3. How can I meaningfully connect with the buyers when "networking" feels so icky?
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Twenty-five years ago, music fans read song lyrics on the back of an album cover, or in the liner notes, while they listened to a new album The tiny size of CD booklets discouraged reading along. In today's digital environment, a plethora of services and apps are distributing lyrics online and via mobile apps. This brings up a host of new issues; how they are used, what these new lyrics services/apps mean to artists and songwriters, how they can be made more compelling, how lyrics connect with social media, and what the licensing/copyright issues are.
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How are artists relying on their cliques to get noticed amongst the the clutter in hip hop culture?Look at past and present influential crews from the perspectives of those who cultivate, manage, brand, and expose these artists and uncover how this new system works in today's music business.  
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The internet has had a profound effect on all aspects of the music industry and education is no different. Explore different business models in online learning and evaluate the key components to creating a high value online learning experience. From social learning to instructor led classes and one on one video mentoring the field is diverse and green with opportunity. Find out first hand from this group of experts about their compelling models and what makes them tick.
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The majority of music used on television, in brand commercials and on digital websites comes from music libraries and not artist catalogs. Writing for a music library allows composers and artists to build their composition skills, expand their musical vocabulary and generate income on an on-going basis...and it can be done in your spare time while you pursue your core artist career. More and more well know artists are now writing and recording for libraries in between album releases and tours. Explore the ins and outs of music library work and share some of the new advances in the category.
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When one takes a close look at the fields of economics and consumer psychology, it becomes clear that nerdy social scientists have plenty to say that is relevant to the music industry. It's entirely possible for musicians and music industry professionals to make the structure of the industry and the features of consumer psychology work for them rather than against them, but in order to do so they need to learn a little bit about how both economists and consumers think.
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The most exciting development in the concert business is the proliferation of music festivals in America. Popular in Europe for years, multi-day events are expanding notably in the US. Get into the nuts and bolts of running a festival with discussions ranging from budgeting and ticketing to booking and marketing.
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Australia and New Zealand are extremely close geographically, yet their music creations are frequently very different. What is the impact of the comparative geographical isolation from the rest of the world? Examine the global success of bands such as AC/DC, INXS, Gotye and others as well as cult favorites such as the Hoodoo Gurus, The Chills and The Church.
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The singles label is a cost-efficient way to get involved in the business of music, and an exciting entrepreneurial venture for everyone from hobbyists to brand marketers to major label imprints. Most agreements are non-exclusive, giving artists freedom over their future career choices. Find out the pros of singles labels from the ownership and artist perspectives.
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Asian music companies were the fastest to adapt to the changes in the music business brought about by digital technologies. Broadband speeds are faster and services are more affordable than in most countries and this has had an impact on how music is marketed and consumed.Asian governments are looking at popular music as a soft power tool to extend their countries' political and economic influence. They are committing millions of dollars to develop their popular music industries with a goal of commercial success in North America. Explore the opportunities and challenges in the music scene from this dynamic region.
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Over the last few years we've talked incessantly about how musicians can build sustainable careers by catering to diehard superfans. While this may work for cult fans, is the over-emphasis on superfans causing musicians to miss out on a larger, albeit more passive, fan following? In tech spaces, we understand that different strategies are needed when talking to mainstream customers versus to early adopters/tech evangelists. The same idea applies to musician fanbases as well, but we know very little about what it means to be a "casual music fan." Hear original research that constructs a profile of the casual music fan and what this means for musicians and their teams.
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Gone is the philosophy of "cast a wide net". A highly effective model where like-minded entrepreneurs are forming tight professional communities is burgeoning. By sharing resources, networks and knowledge, hyperconnectors are creating small teams and leveraging the collective power to foster commerce in an increasingly fractured business environment.
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Each year festivals around Europe erect city templates with population densities greater than Shanghai's. It is a unique interplay between music, art, architecture, games, and togetherness. The festivals are a metropolitan platform for knowledge sharing, exploring potential and creating innovation. Their playful process is a catalyst for real world applications, and though festivals might be temporary, their wake is persistent. It is very simple: What you'll find in your community tomorrow, you will experience at these festivals today.
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There are countless cautionary tales of those who don’t last long enough to achieve success and those who do achieve it, but aren’t careful with the money that they earn. There are also equally important success stories of those who use the money they earn to support what they’re already doing or parlay it towards other projects. Find out how to earn a living doing what you love, and maintain your life beyond it from folks at various stages in their music careers.
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