This year Stage 32 is taking SXSW in Austin, TX by storm! SXSW has always, and continues to be, a leader in emerging developments in film, tech and music. As the shift for filmmakers continues to evolve into the tech space, Stage 32 is at the forefront of this revolution with our platform that helps connect filmmakers and film creatives all over the world.

We have 2 exciting opportunities as you plan your trips to visit SXSW this year!

SXSW Mentoring Session - Sunday, March 15

Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto will be mentoring at SXSW

Back for another year, our Founder & CEO Richard "RB" Botto has been chosen as a Mentor at SXSW. On Sunday, March 15 from 5pm-6pm, RB will be taking 10 minute meetings with attendees to mentor and lend advice to help filmmakers and tech entrepreneurs on their journeys.

Sunday, March 15
5pm-6pm
Courtyard Marriot, Brazos I
300 E 4th St, Austin, TX

To sign up, click here!

The Pond5 & Stage 32 Filmmakers Lounge and Party at SXSW - Monday, March 16

Stage 32 is thrilled to announce a partnership with Pond5! Pond5 is an open marketplace for buyers and sellers of royalty-free clips in all categories including video, audio, public domain and more! Pond5 aligns perfectly with Stage 32's vision and mission of providing tools and resources for independent filmmakers.

**Additionally, we are excited to bring you two incredible filmmaking panels at the Stage 32/Pond5 Filmmakers Lounge! You will not want to miss these expert panelists discussing all things independent filmmaking!

Monday, March 16**
Opens at 4pm
Maggie Mae's Gibson Room and Les Paul Lounge
323 E. 6th St., Austin, TX ####

4pm - Pond5 & Stage 32 Filmmakers Lounge Opens

The coolest Filmmakers Lounge at SXSW. Join us in the lounge, grab a cocktail and get ready for our indie filmmaking panels. Network with fellow filmmakers, producers, managers, agents and content creators, all while having a couple of drinks on us! (while supplies last)

5pm - 6pm - 1st panel "Making a Film on a Budget"

We will be talking about free and inexpensive resources available for filmmakers to make a film. Find out from executives and representatives from the current generation of tech companies occupying the filmmaking space such as Stage 32, Pond5 and the Public Domain Project on what you can do to make your film on the cheap, and discuss the evolution of indie filmmaking.

Then the floor is yours for an extensive Q&A session!

Panelists:

• Richard "RB" Botto, Founder & CEO - Stage32.com
• Jared Van Fleet, Business Development - Pond5 Public Domain Project
• Robert Pascale, Director of Motion Content - Stock footage Industry and it's Evolution
• Chris Ohlson, Producer (KUMIKO: THE TREASURE HUNTER, 2015 Piaget Producers Award at the Independent Spirit Awards)

Moderator:

• Shannon Stegall, Director of Education and Marketing, Stage 32

6:30pm - 7:30pm 2nd panel - "Putting Together the Perfect Pitch"

We will talk about why it's important for a filmmaker to have the perfect pitch. We will go over perfecting the the 30 second pitch, the extensive pitch, and the visual pitch, which includes a filmmaker's sizzle reel or trailer. We will talk about why it is important to have a dynamic sizzle reel or trailer and how to best hone your pitch and promote your work in an effort capture the attention of an executive.

Then the floor is yours for an extensive Q&A session!

Panelists:

• Richard "RB" Botto, Founder & CEO - Stage32.com
• ​Avtandil Chachibaia - How to create a sizzle reel using stock footage assets
• Tina Witoshkin - Former 20th Century Fox Creative Executive, Pond5 Communications & Social Media: The importance of communicating your unique vision when pitching to Studio Executives
• Nate Matteson, Literary Manager & Producer, The Gotham Group

Moderator:

• Shannon Stegall, Director of Education and Marketing, Stage 32

8:00pm - ??? Pond5 & Stage 32 Filmmaker's Party

Enough work, now let's play! Get your groove-on! Music by the amazingly talented More Dani and La La Lush on tour in Austin!

RSVP REQUIRED - click here!

#NextGenFilm

We look forward to seeing you there!!

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