SXSW Volunteer Call: Film-Related Opportunities

I've volunteered for SXSW Conferences and Festivals since 2000, including eight years as a crew chief for different crews. The most challenging position I've held has been with Special Venues, as our crew was responsible for line management and crowd control at major events including movie premieres (pictured above). We coordinated not only with the tireless SXSW Film staff and volunteers including theater managers and VIP wranglers, but also press and hired security. More than 1,700 volunteers contribute time each year to support SXSW.

They are the faces of SXSW, working in the Austin Convention Center or the film and music venues, and often the first ones to greet out-of-town registrants. Hours are applied towards earning perks, whether it's a film pass or one of the badge levels. If you are interested in volunteering for SXSW this year, then you won't want to miss the upcoming volunteer calls.

The SXSW 2010 Volunteer Calls will be held at the Austin Hilton Downtown, 500 E. 4th Street, on the folllowing days and times:

• Sunday, January 24th, 2 pm to 5 pm
• Monday, January 25th, 6 pm to 9 pm

Be sure to read their information completely in order to understand the application process, volunteer expectations and structure. You should also fill out your application online before attending one of the calls.

Plenty of volunteer opportunities are available, but if you are looking for film-related options there are several to choose from as a Conference volunteer. Here's a quick rundown with descriptions:

• Film Mentors -- Maintains mentor session schedule; ensures that panelists are available at designated times. Operates March 12-16.
• Film Panels -- Maintains film panelist green room and panel rooms; maintains film panel schedule; assists panelists. Operates March 12-16.
• Film Fest Projection -- Handles projection of digital video formats. Experience preferred, but not required. Operates March 12-21.
• Film Roadies and Runners -- Loads Film Tech center equipment in and out; builds screening facilities when necessary; transports films to appropriate venues for screenings. Must be age 25+, with good driving record and valid insurance. Pre-event availability, heavy lifting required. Operates March 12-20, and March 27.
• Film Tech Center -- Tracks receipt and shipment of all films. Operates February 23-March 27.
• Film Venue Staff -- Admits attendees into film venues; introduces films and filmmakers if necessary; ensures that films start on time; clears the theater after screenings. Operates March 12-20.
• Filmmaker and Interactive Lounges -- Manages areas reserved for official SXSW filmmakers and Interactive Fest attendees.

Many of these crews fill up quickly, so be sure to get your application completed online and arrive early. Choose wisely, and consider multiple options. Photographers are also needed, but there are additional requirements which you can view on the full SXSW Conference Crews page.

[Photo Credit: Paramount Theatre Marquee by William Dunn, courtesy of SXSW Film]