Bed Your Way Into Show Business

No, we don't mean the casting couch or other modes of sleeping your way into the movies. What's going on is that there's no more room at the local inns for all the out-of-town filmmakers who want to attend SXSW Film. So the festival is reaching out for volunteers willing to accommodate visiting filmmakers for a few days between March 9 and March 18.

In light of this "unprecedented housing crunch," SXSW is seeking members of the local film community and other Austin locals who are willing to open their doors to these filmmakers. SXSW Film badges are promised in exchange for your hospitality.

If you think you might be interested in hosting a filmmaker, you're asked to contact [email protected] as soon as possible. Include the following bits of info: where you live and how far you are from downtown; the number of people you can host and what kind of accommodation you can offer (beds, couches, air mattresses, etc.); dates during the fest that you’ll have space available; the transportation options that exist in your area and whether you’re willing to help on that front; the types of film you’re interested in and would be excited to support (docs? narrative? genre? music? international? young filmmakers? female filmmakers? etc).

Should your prefer to rent out your space instead of hosting, SXSW Film suggests list on www.airbnb.com, www.vrbo.com, www.straustin.com, or www.Craigslist, and please email [email protected] with the rental link immediately after posting so filmmakers can be directed to your listing. The only thing I'd add is that you should consider placing notices in the Chronicle's classified section before turning to these other advertising hubs. In the words of the old song: "Make new friends, but keep the old."