SXSW 2012 Guides: Tips from the Experts

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SXSW 2011 at the Paramount

In our annual SXSW Survival Guide, Slackerwood contributors share our advice for having a great film-fest experience. But we don't know everything, so we consulted some filmmakers and other members of the Austin (and Texas) film community for their advice. Here's what they had to share.

Clay Liford, filmmaker; cinematographer, SXSW 2012 selection Gayby
Don't just go see the bigger studio films playing at the fest. Most of them are coming out in the regular rotation a few weeks later anyhow. Go see the little film you never heard of before (if it sounds interesting, of course). Many of these smaller films won't get a traditional release and this may be your only chance to see a gem you'd never have the opportunity to see otherwise. I assume you could extrapolate this advise to Music as well.

Angela K. Pires, filmmaker; editor, SXSW 2012 selection Trash Dance
You are not going to see all the films you planned to see, and that's OK. Be flexible and enjoy what you couldn't predict, like having a margarita with the director of an obscure film that you never intended to see.

Elizabeth Skerrett, Violet Crown Cinema Manager
Do your research, and then forget your research. SXSW is a massive festival with so many things to offer and it is really important to know what you are getting into so you can make the most of it, but don't be tied down to a plan. Sometimes, the best discoveries are made when plans fall through. Also, wear comfy shoes. Nobody cares how cute they are.

Bee vs. Moth, Austin musicians; providing live score to SXSW 2012 selection The Oyster Princess
Be nice, have fun, and remember the goal is to discover and support new film and music. Also, before you decide you want to move to Austin, visit again in August.

Ben Steinbauer, filmmaker, SXSW 2012 selection Brute Force
Drink lots of water and never surrender!

SXSW 2011 Lines

Ya'Ke Smith, filmmaker, SXSW 2012 selection Wolf
Network as much as you can. Being a fly on the wall at a festival is not a good thing. Meet everyone, exchange cards (get their card) and follow up with people after the festival. Most importantly, have fun and watch as many movies as you can.

David Redmon, filmmaker, SXSW 2012 selection Girl Model
Because SXSW is so big, we make a point to slow it down and have discussions with someone we just met, an old friend, or fellow audience members. I think SXSW is an all-consuming festival (that's a compliment) so it's important to take a few minutes and really connect with fellow attendees.

Danielle McCarthy, producer, SXSW 2012 selection Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me
Have fun but make sure to take care of yourself -- get plenty of rest, drink water, just not the free Lone Star beer! SXSW is a marathon, so you need to prepare and keep yourself in top form if you’re going to make it through. That being said -- DO go to every party you can and network your ass off! But drink water while you do it!

Chris Branca, editor, Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me
For those attending the film festival -- see as many films as you can! You would be surprised how many you can get into, even when you feel you are running late

Jonathan Lisecki, filmmaker, Gayby
I'd just say, if you go to the Paramount sit in the balcony ... but Anna Margaret Hollyman says, "Avoid the well drinks, stick to beer. And queso makes everything better."

Carolee Mitchell, Austin filmmaker, upcoming documentary Rewind This! A VHS Love Story
If you want to see as many films as possible, focus on smaller films, rather than the ones that already have distribution and release dates. In the time you spend waiting in line, you could discover new gems that may not get release for a long time, if at all. You can catch the others in the theater soon after the fest.

Andrew Garrison, filmmaker, Trash Dance
Make time to visit Barton Springs.

Jarod Neece, SXSW Senior Programmer and Operations Manager
Pace yourself. SXSW is a marathon, not a sprint. With so many events going on and with so much free booze, it's easy to get overwhelmed and wasted at every occasion.

[Photo credits: "SXSW Film Festival 2011" and "Yet another line"  by Jette Kernion. Found on Flickr, used under Creative Commons license. ]