Feast Your Eyes on This

Panelist Karin Fong (by courtesy of Imaginary Forces)

SXSW Film first tipped its hand last month by unveiling a brand-spanking-new award for excellence in Title Design. Eyeing the latest batch of 2010 panels to be announced, I think it's safe to say it: SXSW Film has a serious jones for the visual arts.

New panels – all related to what SXSW calls "visual fundamentals" – and descriptions below. For more info, including how to purchase your 2010 conference badge, go here.

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First Impressions: The Art of Main Title Design
Moderator: Karin Fong, Imaginary Forces
A strong title sequence can yield some of a film’s most memorable images, allowing its themes to linger long after the lights go up. This presentation will explore the process of creating such sequences, using case studies from experiences with both studio and independent projects.

Floating Heads are Dead: Why Traditional Posters Suck
Moderator: Tiffany Pritchard, All City Media
Many studios rely on star power ('floating heads') to sell a film. However, iconic imagery can be more memorable, and work effectively throughout the overall marketing campaign. This is particularly important when a film has limited stills such as indies and documentaries.

Direct a Great Film by Storyboarding with Stick Figures
Moderator: Mark Bristol, Static Line Productions
No matter what your drawing abilities may be learn the tools to pre-visualize your project through storyboarding. This class will focus on teaching storyboarding and film composition.

Cinematography for Improvised Films: Lighting the Unknown
Moderator: Paul Harrill, Self-Reliant Films
Focusing on the unique challenges of shooting improvised cinema. How can a cinematographer approach working with little or no script, actors that need to be able to move freely without worrying about "hitting their light", and live locations that can't be controlled?

Blow Something Up! Live Action Special Effects
Moderator: Steve Wolf, Wolf Stuntworks
Learn how live effects can put your project over-the-top. Explosions, Pyro, Snow, Rain, Smoke, Fire, Bullet Hits and Stunts add visual sizzle to movies, TV, Commercials, music videos and live events. Experience how easily and affordably you can put these proven attention grabbers to work for you. Demo!