SXSWorld
Issue link: https://sxsw.uberflip.com/i/129112
Everyone Participates and Learns During SXSW Film Workshops by Matt Singer B GETTY IMAGES C R A I G WAT T E R S etween the panels, parties and screenings (and more screenings and then even more screenings), your South by Southwest schedule is probably already more crowded than 6th Street on a SXSW Friday night. But as hard as it is going to be, you need to make room for some of SXSW's Workshops, which bridge the gap between all of those other events. These sessions take you deeper into the conversations started at panels and put the techniques and equipment used by the new generation of independent filmmakers right at your fingertips. "Panels are usually discussion based," says SXSW Film Conference Administrator Erin Mumy. "That's a topic people want to get information on, or a person with stories they want to hear. The workshops have a smaller speaker count—a max of three—and a smaller space, so they're essentially intimate versions of panels." Intimate and more in-depth, workshops offer more hands-on topics as well. Created and developed in part Stephen Garrett from topics submitted by SXSW attendees through the festival's PanelPicker, the workshops take panels to the next asking questions. You will be part of the process." level, with practical tutoring from For filmmakers looking to polish their projects' industry experts and content creators marketing materials, she says, the opportunity to on a wide range of topics. On Monday, get feedback from some of the current leaders in the editor and colorist Parke Gregg will industry "is in and of itself probably worth the price teach attendees how to use color to of your badge." enhance the depth, tone and emotions Of course, SXSW Film badge holders have many of stories on screen; on Tuesday, sound other chances to become part of the creative process. mixer and editors Chris Keyland and New for 2013, the Come & Capture Film Factory Justin Hennard will join Phil Benson is a place to break down the increasingly blurry lines from Skywalker Sound to teach the between entertainment and technology, and gives art of sound design. Other workshop festival-goers a unique perspective on cutting edge topics range from image acquisition to digital filmmaking, as well as a unique opportunity lighting to collaborative filmmaking to get their hands on the latest devices. Through using mobile technology. The goal, Tuesday in Section B of the Capital Ballroom at Mumy says, is to give people the tools the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, filmand knowledge one day, and the inspimakers can immerse themselves in a full schedule of ration to put what they have learned to panels, workshops and demos. use in their own work the next. Phil Benson On Monday, you can learn about collaborative The organizer of one SXSW 2013 storytelling in the morning, then go deep into the workshop agrees. "I expect attendees world of DSLRs with an afternoon workshop led by to take away the knowledge of how to put their best foot forward to photographers and cinematographers The Bui Brothers. The brothers, effectively sell their movie, attract financiers and ultimately box office who headed up last year's extremely popular music video workshop, are revenue," says Evelyn Brady-Watters, executive director of The Golden returning to SXSW with a focus on filmmaking on the go and finding Trailer Awards and organizer of Monday's "Life of a Trailer" workshop. the right DSLR for every shooting situation. And after they are finished, Brady-Watters promises that her workshop will offer "direct access" to you can head to the demo pavilion to try out the gear for yourself. award-winning trailer editors Mark Woollen (The Girl With the Dragon You can find the full lineup of workshops and the schedule of the Tattoo, The Social Network) and Stephen Garrett (The Raid: Redemption, Come & Capture Film Factory at SXSW.com or on the SXSW Go! Chasing Ice), who will explain how to "make effective trailers to suit mobile app—but remember: in-depth and intimate are fancy words for different audiences, from initial investors for funding to marketing for small. Each workshop seats 150 people maximum. Make time in your festivals to creating buzz, to building a following." busy schedule to catch a few workshops, and get there early enough to Attendees are encouraged to bring their own trailers to the workmake sure you get in. ■ shop for review and critique. "Everyone participates, learns and will be See schedule.sxsw.com for information on these workshops, as well as other involved," Brady-Watters adds. "It's not awkward to be interacting and SXSW Film Conference events. 42 SXSWORLD / MARCH FILM-IA 2013