Panelist Karin Fong Credit: 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!

This article appears in November 13 • 2009.

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A graduate of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas, Kimberley has written about film, books, and pop culture for The Austin Chronicle since 2000. She was named Editor of the Chronicle in 2016; she previously served as the paper’s Managing Editor, Screens Editor, Books Editor, and proofreader. Her work has been awarded by the Association of Alternative Newsmedia for excellence in arts criticism, team reporting, and special section (Best of Austin). The Austin Alliance for Women...