We're delighted to announce that Matthew Vaughn's Kick-Ass will open SXSW Film 2010!

The movie tells the story of average teen Dave (Aaron Johnson), a comic-book fanboy who decides to take his obsession as inspiration to become a real-life superhero.

His life is forever changed as he inspires a subculture of copy cats, is hunted by assorted violent and unpleasant characters, and meets up with a pair of crazed vigilantes, including Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage), and another fledgling superhero, Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). But thanks to the scheming of a local mob boss Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong), that new alliance will be put to the test.

Mashing up bone-cracking action, dark comedy and razor sharp dialogue, Kick-Ass is a raucous thrill ride you won't want to miss!

Check out the trailer below, or if you're of the NSFW persuasion, click here for the no-holds-barred red band version.

In addition to Kick-Ass, we're proud to announce a sampling of five awesome features in the 2010 program.

• Cold Weather
SXSW Alum Aaron Katz directs this feature about a former forensic science major and avid reader of detective fiction, who, after making a mess of his life in Chicago, returns to his hometown of Portland, Oregon. There, he, his sister Gail, and new friend Carlos become embroiled in something unexpected.
• Elektra Luxx
Following the successful world premiere of Women In Trouble at SXSW 2009, writer/director Sebastian Gutierrez returns with the world premiere of its hotly anticipated sequel. The film follows a hectic day in the life of former adult film superstar Elektra Luxx as she tries to survive in the straight world. The film stars Carla Gugino in the title role, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Malin Akerman.
• Hubble 3D
SXSW will present the first public screening of Tony Myers' Hubble 3D at the Bob Bullock IMAX® Theater. Through the power of IMAX® 3D, the film will enable movie-goers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history.
• Lemmy
A feature-length documentary delving into the personal and public lives of heavy metal icon and Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Nearly three years in the making, and featuring appearances by such friends/peers as Metallica, Dave Grohl, Billy Bob Thornton and pro wrestler Triple H, the world premiere follows Lemmy from his Hollywood bedroom to the hockey arenas of Scandinavia and Russia. The film is Co-Directed & Co-Produced by Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski
• SATURDAY NIGHT
Directed by actor James Franco, this doc looks at what it takes to create an episode of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Follow behind the scenes as the actors, writers and producers go through one frenetic week of trials and tribulations as each volley to get sketches on air.

Don't miss your chance to see these amazing movies! Stay tuned for more announcements, and sign up to our feeds and newsletters to get the most up-to-date info. And don't forget to register for your badge - prices go up January 15!

Photo of Aaron Johnson in "Kick-Ass" courtesy of Marv Films; Carla Gugino and Marley Shelton in "Elektra Luxx" courtesy of Sebastian Gutierrez; Lemmy by Wes Orshoski

We are very excited about the addition of Future15 sessions to the programming mix for the SXSW Interactive 2010. These 15-minute presentations will give attendees bite-sized information on a variety of relevant technology issues. What issues, you ask? Read below for a preliminary list of confirmed Future15 sessions for this March. More Future15 information to follow soon!

Convergence
Convergence: Already Here, and Gosh It's a Mess! (Gabriel White, Punchcut)
Convergence 2010: Ten Cool Things That Could Happen This Year (Dan Shust, Resource Interactive)
Convergence 2015 – A Look Ahead (David Berkowitz, 360i)
From Hulu To Yahoo Widgets: Will the Internet Transform The TV? (Richard Bullwinke, Rovi Corporation)
Imminent Fusion of Intelligent Mobile Devices & Entertainment Content (Rebecca Allen, Nokia Research Center)
Transmedia Storytelling - Creating Stories That Work Over All Platforms (James Milward, thesecretlocation.com)

Government and Technology
Blamestorm: Who Is Holding Us Back? (Brian Reich, little e media)
How Nerds Can Foster Democracy in Local Government (Will Hampton, City of Round Rock)
I Can See Russia From My iPhone (Kyle McLellan, Institute for Politics, Democracy, and the Internet)
Microformats and Government (Silona Bonewald, League of Technical Voters)
Should the Government Tweet? (Bev Godwin, USA.gov)
Yes, Mr. Lessig, We Can Change Politics (Julie Barko Germany, Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet)

Social Business
Customer Service Goes Social (Melanie Baker, PostRank)
Workplace Collaboration Goes Social (Nilofer Merchant, Rubicon)
Marketing Goes Social (Captain Nathan Broshear, US Air Force)
Media Relations Goes Social (David Meerman Scott, davidmeermanscott.com)
Hiring and Recruitment Goes Social (Jeff Berger, KODA)

Video Blogging and Web Video
Becoming a Real-Time Video Blogger in 2010 (Wayne Sutton, Twine Interactive)
How To Measure Digital Video Effectiveness (Matt Cutler, Visible Measures)
Hyperlocal Focus: Growing a Vibrant Community Media Ecosystem (Bill Simmon, VCAM)
Just the Host: A Web Video Diva Dishes! (Amanda Congdon, Oxmour Entertainment Inc / Sometimesdaily LLC)
Web Video: Can We Now Say Something Sucks? (Liz Shannon Miller, NewTeeVee)
Video Search Optimization Strategies to Grow Your Business (Bill Leake, Apogee Search)

Wireless Innovation
iPhone Application Development: Myths and Facts (P.J. Tanzillo, Bearded Pony, LLC)
Mobile -- the Great Channel Equalizer (David Gill, The Nielsen Company)
The Real Mobile Scoop -- Agency, Manufacturer, and Carrier (David Hewitt, Sapient)
The Rise of Mobile Platforms (Daniel Appelquist, Vodafone)

Photo of 2009 SXSW Interactive panel room courtesy of Mary Sledd / www.marysledd.com.

For the first time ever, the Austin Music Awards, traditionally held on the first night of SXSW Music, will now be held on the Saturday night, March 20, 2010, the second to last night of SXSW Music. The Austin Music Awards are one of the cities premier events each year and a staple in the SXSW schedule.

"The move to Saturday night will give an entirely new feel to the Austin Music Awards," so says Margaret Moser, director of the Austin Music Awards for the Austin Chronicle. "That night positions it not just as a flagship component of SXSW, but the premiere event for Austin's entire music community."

After checking out bands from all over the world on the first three nights of SXSW, people can settle in at the Austin Music Hall for a sampling of the Best in Austin Music Past, Present and Future.

Have YOU purchased your SXSW Music Fest Registration yet? If not, you should do it soon. or perhaps maybe ask your favorite Santa for one for Christmas!

Pete Townshend playing Austin Music Awards courtesy of John Carrico.

Beat the crowd and buy your air travel now to get the best airfares and most convenient itineraries for your travel to Austin for SXSW 2010. And when you fly Southwest Airlines -- the Official Air Carrier of SXSW 2010 -- your Bags Fly Free. That's right, Southwest Airlines will fly your first two pieces of checked luggage to Austin with no baggage fees. And with nonstop service to Austin from more cities across the USA than any other airline, why fly with anyone else? Make your Southwest Airlines reservations online now or by calling 800-435-9792 (800-I-FLY-SWA).

International travelers – go here for more information about travelling to Austin and our preferred international air travel vendors who are recommended for the best service, fares, and itineraries.

If you’re in the Music, Film, or Interactive Media industries and buy your SXSW badge now you can take the itemized deduction with your 2009 business expenses and your hotel and travel can be deducted in 2010 (always consult with your tax advisor about tax-related matters). It’s like getting a discounted registration to attend the world’s premier music, film, and interactive convention, trade show and festival and enjoying a few days in Austin—Mecca for the world’s creative class.

Just complete the online registration and housing request. Email the SXSW Registrar if you need more info.

Problem: You have an amazing new website you wanted to enter into the 13th Annual SXSW Web Awards competition, but you unfortunately missed the December 18 entry deadline.

Solution: You can still enter now! Due to last-minute demand and the number of extension requests, we are allowing submissions through the end of the year.

You now have until midnight on December 31 to enter your new, innovative, leading-edge online work into the 13th Annual Web Awards.

12th Annual Web Awards photo courtesy of Brent LaVelle.

It was a long time in coming, but the wait has truly paid off. That’s right, fellow industry enthusiasts: The 2010 ScreenBurn at SXSW panel programming has been tentatively set, with even more special topics and industry insights to be scheduled!

"But what if I have never been to ScreenBurn? What are these 'panels' you speak of?" you may ask. ScreenBurn at SXSW brings together industry leaders and some of the most forward-thinking visionaries in the gaming industry for several days of dialogue and discussion about critical elements pertaining to the video game world. In other words, it would be a shame not to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to harness the collective knowledge and experience and finally distribute it to the public by way of interesting topics exploring new trends and building imperative industry relationships.

The next registration deadline is set for January 15. In order to attend these powerhouse sessions starring video game celebrities such as Matthew Armstrong of Gearbox Software, Andrea Phillips of Deus Ex Machinatio, and many others, you have to be a registrant.

With intriguing panels like "Playing With 140 Characters: Designing Games for Twitter" and "That Game Feels Nice: Tomorrow's Touch Interfaces," you’re sure to get your mind stimulated with the programming set for ScreenBurn at SXSW. Register today!

Photo of ScreenBurn at SXSW panel session Electronic Art's Case Study of Dead Space courtesy of Ryan Chahanovich.

The deadline to submit your website for consideration in the SXSW Interactive 2010 Web Awards is today, Friday, Dec. 18, 11:59pm (CST)! The ceremony will take place on March 14, 2010 at the Hilton Austin Downtown.

To enter, click here.

For an outline of the Web Awards categories, click here.

For our Web Awards FAQ, click here.

For answers to any more questions or concerns you might have, e-mail webawards@sxsw.com.

Good luck!

2009 Web Awards Photo Courtesy of Brent LaVelle

Reward your best employees with the ultimate opportunity to mix business with pleasure—a registration for SXSW 2010. After a few days of conference, trade show, and festival events they’ll return invigorated and filled with great ideas. And they’ll enjoy the inspiring energy of Austin– one of the world’s great destinations for the creative class. It’s easy to register your right-hand-man-or-woman -- just complete online registrations and housing requests for the staff you want to send. (If you plan to surprise them be sure to use your email address for the confirmation.) Contact the SXSW Registrar to get a SXSW “Gift Certificate” for presentation. Whatever your business—music, film, or interactive media—a SXSW badge is the best bonus.

SXSW Film is delighted to announce another batch of stellar speakers for 2010, joining Gilbert Shelton, Gustavo Santaolalla and our previously announced Visual Fundamentals panels in the burgeoning SXSW Film Conference lineup.

Check out the list below, and head to the talks page for more info. Remember, you need to register for a badge to attend the conference and enjoy these amazing speakers, so head here now to sign up!

Panel Presentations

Anatomy of a Release: From Conception through Exhibition
Todd Sklar, Range Life Entertainment

Cash Flow Workflow: Funding Docs From Start to Finish
David Modigliani, Live Action Projects

Fans, Friends & Followers: Creating Your Own Cult (of the non-apocalyptic variety)
Scott Kirsner, CinemaTech

Festival Strategies for Independent Film
Jane Schoettle, Toronto International Film Festival

Five Fatal F*ckups: The Biggest Legal Mistakes Every Indie Producer Makes
Steve Monas, Business Affairs, Inc.

Reel To Reality: How Good Film Does Good
Aaron Bramley, Lights. Camera. Help.

Remix Goes Mainstream: Making Mashups Pay
Pat Aufderheide, The Center for Social Media

SAG, DGA & WGA: Getting to Know the Guilds
Kay Schaber Wolf, WGAW

Short Film Secrets: Festivals, Distribution, & Getting More Work
Chris Holland, Film Festival Secrets

The Main Event: Finding an Audience for Your Film
Laure Parsons, Zeitgeist Films

Writing a Successful Screenplay: Consider the Source
Steve Harrigan, Writer / Author

3D Steroscopic Production Tools, Production and Post
Keefe Boerner, UT RTF

Workshops

Cinematic Titles: A Case Study
Dave Tecson, EdgeWorx

Editing Fiction, Non-Fiction and Everything In-Between
Michael Taylor, Editor

How to Cast your Indie or New Media Production using the latest in Online Tools
William Marshall, Screen Actors Guild

Mean Green Sustainability Machine
Larry Engel, American University

Finding the Money: NEH and ITVS
Michael Shirley, NEH

The Power of Super 8 Film
Rhonda Vigeant, Pro8mm

How to avoid "Fixing it in the Mix"
James LeBrecht, Berkeley Sound Artists

Photo by Cef Heruela