DISPATCH FROM SXSW: Big Talk and Even Bigger Crowds During Opening Days in Austin

Touching on a key topic that came up again Sunday during a session with Todd Wagner and the team from Landmark Theaters, Magnolia Pictures, and HD Net, Bart sharply criticized the company’s move to collapse distribution windows by implementing a day and date release strategy. “I hate the idea,” Bart said, “I think it will have a terrible impact on the theatrical business…at a time when this niche business is just starting.”

During Saturday’s session, Sloss cited a recent JP Morgan study that said, although distribution would cut box office by as much as 50%, it will increase enough revenue from DVD sales to offset any box office drop.

Despite the view that theatrical distribution may be a tougher path for indie films, theater owners who screen independent, foreign language, classic and documentary films in traditional venues expressed optimism.

“What sells movie tickets is word of mouth,” reminded Tim League, from the popular Alamo Drafthouse mini-chain of movie theater/bar/restaurants, emphasizing that distributors are still better off undertaking a theatrical release before releasing a movie on DVD.

(indieWIRE will have more on the day and date debate in the next dispatch from Austin.)

Honoring Texans

Friday night in Austin, while the SXSW Film Festival kicked off with the North American premiere of Robert Altman‘s “A Prairie Home Companion,” over at the Austin Studios, Richard Linklater‘s Austin Film Society held its annual Texas Film Hall of Fame fundraiser, honoring Texans for their work in film.

Maggie Renzi and John Sayles at Friday’s Texas Film Hall of Fame event at Austin Studios. Photo by Brian Brooks/indieWIRE

The event started off on a bit of a somber note, just days after regular annual host Ann Richards, Texas’ outspoken former governor, announced that she is suffering from cancer. Treatment forced Richards to back out of hosting the event, leaving honorees to offer tributes in her absence.

“May all our love and prayers go out to Ann Richards as she faces her newest challenge,” said Cybill Shepherd, on stage Friday night while accepting the prize honoring “The Last Picture Show.” Richards sent word that the setback is simply, “another chapter in a fun-filled life…”

Director John Sayles, who is in town to celebrate SXSW’s salute to “Lone Star,” introduced honoree Kris Kristofferson on Friday night. The actor in turn praised Sayles, thanking him, “not just for reviving my dead acting career…but for having the courage to do the work he does.” Concluding he added, “I have always been round to be a Texan.”

The big star of the night was Matthew McConaughey, a popular figure here in Texas who was introduced by longtime friend S.R. Bindler, director of the doc, “Hands on a Hardbody.” In a lengthy, but highly amusing acceptance speech, McConaughey had high praise for Linklater, who gave him is big break in “Dazed and Confused.” He said, “There was nothing more collaborative that that film, working with those people.” The role came as the actor was finding his way into the business, after a period of trying many fads and hobbies. Smiling broadly on stage as he accepted his award, McConaughey reiterated his personal mantra, “just keep living,” or as he puts it, “J.K. Living,” calling it his “creed, compass, prayer, t-shirt, even a bumper sticker…” Concluding, he echoed advice once given to him by his father, telling the crowd, “To all of us, may we not half-ass it. Just keep living.”