SXSWORLD

Monday, March 12 SXSW IS A WONDERFUL INTERSECTION OF FILM FANATICS AND INSPIRING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS and I can honestly say its the site of every important moment in my career thus far. I get so much inspiration from the people, the places, and most importantly the fi lms. –Lena Dunham (Director/ Writer/Actor: Girls) KNOWING THAT OUR NEW MESSAGING PLATFORM WASN'T GOING TO BE READY TO LAUNCH AT SXSW, we thought long and hard about whether or not to attend. Eventually we decided to "announce" the platform during Interactive. DeadSocial was selected to represent the U.K. at SXSW's demo day, and we also pitched at the TechCocktail Party. This started a snowball for us that hasn't stopped. Since arriving back in London we have been fi nalists in two major startup competitions. We attribute much of our initial success to the time, friendships and experiences experienced in Austin for SXSW and to the UK Trade & Investment Digital Mission that supported us and a number of other U.K. startups. –James Norris (Founder: DeadSocial) SXSW WAS A RUN-ON SENTENCE OF GOOD, a whirlwind of meeting, talking and watching with operative words such as: open, genuine and curious. I have also never been included in such a stellar collection of short fi lms, each distinct and thoroughly inves- tigated. Nobody was too cool for themselves and people were actually up for talking shoppy without a skeptical Time writer Lev Grossman (R) sat down with Ray Kurzweil for Monday's "Expanding Our Intelligence Without Limit" keynote interview. Willem Dafoe of The Hunter. The "Funny or Die and Caviar Content present The Super Serious Show" at Esther's Follies featured: (L-R) Jerrod Carmichael, Kyle Kinane, Reggie Watts, Kumail Nanjiani, T.J. Miller, Aparna Nancherla, Eugene Mirman, Gabe Liedman, Jonah Ray, Jenny Slate, Billy Eichner and John Hodgman. Kevin Smith and SXSW Film Festival Producer Janet Pierson. Beginners director Mike Mills. Evan Smith of the Texas Tribune discussed "The Future of The New York Times" with its Executive Editor, Jill Abramson. Former Vice-President Al Gore (L) with Sean Parker. Director/actor Lena Dunham and executive producers Judd Apatow and Jenni Konner at the world premiere of the HBO series Girls. (L-R) CITADEL's Wunmi Mosaku, Aneurin Barnard and director Ciaran Foy. SXSW ORLD / M AY 2012 21 HEATHER KENNEDY / WIREIMAGERITA QUINN CASSIE WRIGHT / WIREIMAGE SEAN MATHIS / WIREIMAGE RITA QUINN / WIREIMAGE SEAN MATHIS / WIREIMAGE JASPER STONE HEATHER KENNEDY / WIREIMAGE MICHAEL BUCKNER / WIREIMAGE

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