SXSW News

It has come to our attention that a company called Expo Guide is sending out misleading mailings. SXSW is in no way affiliated with Expo Guide, nor with Fair Guide, who engages in similar practices. Please read all incoming mailings asking for your data update in exhibitor listings/directories/fair or expo guides etc. very carefully, the small print in particular! Without realizing, you may be entering into an contract in which you agree to annual fees or other charges in exchange for a listing in the guide.

StopECG has published basic advice here:
www.stopecg.org/expo-guide.htm

We would like to welcome first time exhibitors in the Music Trade Show, Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers. Representing one of the first companies to sign up for the upcoming '09 show, Mark Shore of Robertson Taylor is very eager to interact with the registrants, play some softball and have a great time at SXSW. Oh, and we are in total agreement regarding the treatment of french fries...

1. Tell us a bit about Robertson Taylor Insurance.

Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers are a leader in the Entertainment Insurance industry. We insure many of the major touring bands in the world today.

2. What made you guys decide to exhibit at SXSW 09?

We thought that since we work with many clients in the music industry SXSW would be a great why to reach industry insiders who may need our expertise.

3. You are extremely excited about the SX Softball Tournament. Where does all this enthusiasm come from? A long history of softball playing perhaps?

I do play softball often as I am in a few leagues. I also umpire games for Los Angeles Municipal Sports. The SXSW Softball Tournament gives me (The weekend athlete) a chance to be on the field and compete for the title of champion. At 45 years old I only have a few games left in my body. LOL!!

4. Is there anyone in your office that gets picked on for their taste in music? If so, why?

I do some times. I like a lot of RAP and Hip Hop with some Sinatra mixed in.

5. I recently learned that there are many schools of thought regarding which condiments belong on a hamburger. Do you have an opinion on the subject?

Burgers need mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes and extra pickles are a must. By the way fries need a mustard and ketchup mix for dipping.

And we just live in it. Celebrating the creative and dynamic industries that come together at SXSW, SXSWorld Magazine covers what's happening in the Interactive, Film and Music worlds.

Filled with compelling stories, profiles and news, SXSWorld is also an ideal advertising vehicle by getting your brand out before, during and after the festival to the thousands of key influences who attend SXSW. The next issue is set to drop in early February - reserve your space today by contacting Katie King.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12TH is the FINAL deadline to submit a film for the 2009 SXSW Film Festival. Don't miss out on the life changing opportunity to be a part of the SXSW experience, the preeminent destination for creative discovery! Filmmakers are invited to submit their new projects ASAP. SXSW considers several different categories of filmmaking: Narrative, Documentary, Experimental, Music Video and Shorts. REMINDER - Submissions can only be entered via the official SXSW Website. Complete submission rules and regulations are available on the website. ONCE AGAIN, in case we forgot to mention it, the final deadline is Friday, December 12, 2008! Submit and stay tuned - the festival will announce its complete film lineup in early February 2009.
SUBMIT HERE by Friday, December 12th.

At the 2009 SXSW Film Festival, Maxell is returning to present the Emerging Visions Award winner with a generous cash prize of $2,500! Maxell will also provide an additional $2,500 to the filmmaker's charity organization of choice. Maxell is excited to sponsor this award again and looks forward to interacting with the filmmaker community directly. Last year, the winner of this award, Jeremiah Zagar for "In A Dream," was also featured in a Maxell print ad which ran in Filmmaker Magazine. Maxell is proud to show their on-going support for films and filmmakers through their participation at SXSW 2009. Join Maxell and hundreds of filmmakers at the SXSW 2009 Film Awards Tuesday, March 17th.

"So....? Did you enter?"

The student looks confused, "Enter what?"

"The game idea you told us about in our last session. Did you enter it into the 2009 ScreenBurn at SXSW Game Design Competition?"

"Oh that! Nah, I think I missed the deadline. I probably wouldn't win anything, anyway."

"Are you really going to give up that easily? You still have time. The entry deadline isn't until the end of this week. We all thought it was a great idea, didn't we?"

The class chatters enthusiastically. "YES! It was great!"

"See! This is too easy not to try. You've already done most of the work. You're idea is well organized and fully fleshed-out. Now all you have to do is write a description in 200 words or less, then go to the website and fill out the simple online application form. On Friday, January 16th 10 semi-finalists will be announced in each category. You know you're idea is strong enough to get at least that far, don't you?"

"Well, yeah, I do."

"And all semi-finalists who send in a final slideshow presentation that graphically illustrates their idea will be give a FREE 2009 SXSW Interactive registration. That's all the great Interactive festival panels, keynotes, book readings, parties, networking and fun, plus access to all ScreenBurn at SXSW activities, for FREE if your idea is chosen as semi-finalist. I think that's worth entering, don't you?"

"You know what? It is! I'd be crazy not to give it shot."

"That's what I like to hear."

MusiCares has been involved with SXSW for many years now. They are a wonderful organization that we are proud to work with. If you are unfamiliar with their work, please read the interview with Shireen Janti and then be sure to visit them in the Music Trade Show!

1. What is MusiCares all about?

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated
with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

2. The MusiCares Foundation has been represented at SXSW for many years now. What is your favorite memory from a past event?

We have had the privilege of attending SXSW for several years now. I must say that every year has been special with it's success and rewards. Last year was particularly wonderful, as a music manager happened to walk by our booth, inquired about our services and realized that we could help one of his band members who was struggling with substance abuse addiction. We were able to help his band member that very same day and place him in treatment. He got the help, education and support he needed to get his life back on track and live a sober life. This story is one of the miracles that makes MusiCares what it is.

3. Besides the exhibition, what are you most looking forward to while in Austin, TX for SXSW?

Attending our SHR (Safe Harbor Room) and listening to the wonderful, diverse music along with the fantastic food venues!

4. Who is your hands down, favorite music artist of all time?

That is a tough one, I love so many of them, I could not choose.

5. Sweet or savory? Which type of food do you often crave?

Both! Smile

With the addition of ScreenBurn at SXSW, video games have become an even bigger part of all that is cool about Austin in March. Learn more about this medium by attending the numerous panels on this topic at the 2009 event. This week, we have added several more video game sessions to the mix including "Guitar Hero Mobile: From Console to Mobile" and "iPhone: The New Gaming Platform". See the most current lineup of SXSW Interactive programming by clicking on the Panel Page. Also be sure to check out all the new Core Conversations that have been confirmed in the last few days. Ready, set, SXSW, go!

Photo courtesy of Cassie Wright.

To the Green Room that is. This "backstage" lounge of the Interactive Festival is where the hundreds of festival speakers go to prep their panel, enjoy complimentary beverages or just get away from it all. Sponsorship of the Green Room provides direct exposure to the industry leaders and taste-makers at SXSW. To learn how your company can take advantage of this unique opportunity or other premier marketing opportunities, please contact Katie King.

SXSW is pleased to present a showcase with Suicide Squeeze Records. Suicide Squeeze continues to aggrandize with an exceptional roster of bands ranging from the anthemic-pop of Minus the Bear, lush harmonics of Human Highway to that of post-punk joltsters These Arms Are Snakes and epic masters Russian Circles all while focusing on the labels ability to function not as a run of the mill business but as a tight knit family instead.

The SXSW 2009 Suicide Squeeze showcase will feature These Arms Are Snakes, Past Lives, Human Highway, Cotton Jones, and The Coathangers. For more information on these artists and Suicide Squeeze, please visit www.suicidesqueeze.net