March 9th 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM CST

Early morning start to SXSW. It took me 20 minutes to walk to the airport from my house. I had the best seat companion on the first flight. Lilly and her owner were a delight. We shared stories and bonded. After a pleasant ride with my shuttle driver, Tobe, who gave me the inside scoop on all the best places to eat, the lovely hotel clerk, Roshelle, moved me to the front of the waiting list and let me check in early. A wonderful start for any event. It paid to arrive at an odd time. There was no waiting for my Platinum VIP pass.

Speakers:
Charlott Koh – EVP, Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Lionsgate
Bryn Mooser – Founder and CEO, XTR
Addie Morfoot – Journalist
Prentice Penny – Writer/Director/Producer – A Penny for Your Thoughts

Description:
How do filmmakers decide what stories deserve to be told and in what medium (narrative vs documentary)? In the last few years, the industry has seen a spike in true stories inspiring the films and series that we see on screen. In this panel, the audience will hear from industry leaders on how to determine the best medium to make the most impactful, creative, and respectful adaptation of delicate subject matter.

Speakers:
Tahnee Gehm – Lead, BrightEye Studio
Partik Suketu Shah – Filmmaker/Creative Technologist, tikiLabs
Adriana Vecchioli – Filmmaker/XR Designer, Velvet Unicorn

Description:
Are we, artists, condemned to edit AI-generated drafts? Can we learn how to wield AI, XR, & emerging technology to supercharge our craft? The AI/XR revolution is causing intense anxiety for creators. We’ll explore how to harness these tools to fuel your creativity and thrive. We are indie artists and filmmakers, who have adapted their creative process by fusing traditional film know-how with cutting-edge tech. Discover the transformative power of these tools, from AI-driven VFX to accessible immersive storytelling. Our mission: empower artists to lead the charge in the new revolution.

It is so tough being a gregarious introvert. Walking around town, I had no less than six different strangers come up to me to tell me know much they liked by look or to tell me intimate details of their life. I appreciate that I have a prescence that puts people at ease, but it takes a dramatic toll on my emotional psyche. I have been up since 4 AM and going non-stop, being a social animal. Time now to avoid the massive lines and crowds. I will take the back streets, the long way around, and look for the little hidden things that will begin to re-energize my creative battery.

Up bright and early to check out the new tech at SXSW.

Speakers:
Mayim Bialik – Actor/Writer/Producer/Neuroscientist, Sad Clown Productions
Jonathan Cohen – Co-Founder, Lotic AI / Co-Creator and Executive Producer of Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown

Description:
Science is just now starting to back up what the hippies and mystics have known for centuries. This live recording of the successful podcast MAYIM BIALIK’S BREAKDOWN will break down the relationship between spiritual experiences and our overall well-being, i.e. the intersection between spirituality and science as it relates to mental and physical health.

Speakers:
Ray Kurzweil – Author/Inventor/Futuris
Nick Thompson – CEO, The Atlantic

Description:
Twenty-five years ago, Ray Kurzweil predicted computers would reach human-level intelligence by 2029, unlocking solutions to the world’s grandest challenges. Today we are on track to reach this milestone. During the 2030s, AI will become superintelligent, vastly outstripping our capabilities and enabling dramatic medical breakthroughs to overcome aging. This is not an alien invasion. AI is evolving from within us and will reflect our humanity. By 2045, we will connect our brains directly to the cloud, enhancing our intelligence a millionfold and expanding our consciousness in ways we can barely imagine. This is the Singularity.

Speaker:
Joost van Dreunen – Video Games Professor, Aldora.io

Description:
In this featured session, Joost will provide a data-driven overview of the current state of interactive entertainment. Discover where the $300 billion industry is heading – from shifting business models to emerging tech and consumer behavior. Gain strategic intel, including perspectives on why non-gaming firms are pushing into the sector, the impact of Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Meta and Apple’s pushes into mixed reality platforms, and more. Whether you’re an investor, developer, brand, or just a gaming enthusiast, this session will give you a deeper understanding of this fascinating industry.

All the party animals are prepping to come out, so that is my cue to find an amazing burger and slink back to my den to re-energize. As I attend SXSW, I note that there are over 100,000 attendees from every walk of life here to tell their stories. There is no one right way to do this. You might as well do it your way and forget about the critics.