SXSWorld
Issue link: https://sxsw.uberflip.com/i/130442
DON BENDER When we submitted Wastelander Panda to the SXSW Panelpicker, I never dreamed we'd actually be chosen to present a panel. It was almost surreal to be featured in the Digital Domain program alongside legends of the Internet film community, who had helped to inspire our own project. The best thing about SXSW was everyone's willingness to share their knowledge. It felt like we were all contributing to a bigger community. Kirsty Stark (Producer, Epic Films) EARL MCGEHEE / GETTY IMAGES I N T E R AC T I V E A N D F I L M M O N D AY, M A R C H 1 1 T H Kim Dotcom, founder of Megaupload, spoke to registrants via Skype. --- H U T T O N S U PA N C I C / G E T T Y I M A G E S When we arrived in Austin, we were pale, exhausted and had the winter blues, because it was still snowing in Germany. After four days of sun, networking and great music at the GERMAN HAUS this was all forgotten. The overwhelming response which included lots of kisses and hugs from complete strangers from all over the world, made us wish our little music `embassy´ were open all year. Katja Hermes (Initiative Musik; Berlin, Germany) --My fond memories of Shaquille O'Neal at SXSW started with a bench press, and I don't mean that we met at the gym. Backstage at the Long Center, he picked me up and lunged me above his head and almost into orbit. At this point, I was already a prop in the Shaq show so I responded, "HELL YES! Let's go!" DUSTIN FINKELSTEIN / GETTY IMAGES For the next hour, no matter how much we had prepped, I, along with the packed theater, were enchanted by his humor, grace and wisdom. The self-proclaimed giant of all geeks demonstrated that no matter how much noise or chaos erupts around us, there is always time to learn about the importance of technology, relationships and chasing opportunities. Shaq's appearance at SXSW was the game-winning shot. We can talk later about when he kissed me on the cheek. Brian Solis (Interviewer: "Shaq Goes Social: The Big Interview") Shaquille O'Neal with Brian Solis MICHAEL BUCKNER / GETTY IMAGES He wasn't done though. Before we could highfive one another in our prep to hit the stage, he looked over to me (read down at me) and with a sinister smile, he asked, "Do you want a piggy back ride on to the stage?" OUYA founder Julie Uhrman took part in a keynote interview with Josh Topolsky. Writer/director Rob Zombie, actors Sheri Moon Zombie 2 2 Jeff Daniel S W O R L(l-r)/ before the 1 3 and S X Phillips D M AY 2 0 U.S. premiere of Lords of Salem. Actors Tony Danza and Brie Larson with actor/director Joseph GordonLevitt (l-r) at the screening of Don Jon's Addiction.