Your Conference Recording Plan, by Session Format
Each Conference Session operates a little differently, which means slight differences in what and how you can record. Find your particular session format on the list for instructions on how to record the session and what we will allow.
Refer to the SXSW Speaker or SXSW EDU Programming Guidelines at the beginning of this form for more details.
If your session is one of these formats, you CAN be approved for recording. If you're approved, here’s what you’re allowed to do, and how to do it:
- Arrive 30 minutes early, so you can enter the room immediately after the previous session ends
- Place up to (3) cameras on tripod in designated spaces
- Connect a separate Audio Recorder to the audio board
- Record the whole session
- If you have a smartphone, you or one of your team can take handheld photos & video from your seat
- You can also stream to Facebook, Twitch, etc, using a handheld smartphone only
- Any of your camera ops can be a photographer, and shoot from the front row with flash, for the first five minutes only. Then they’ll need to return to a seat, where they can continue snapping photos without flash. If you’ve been approved for a camera position, the photog can return there.
And here’s what you CAN’T do:
- Move throughout the audience while shooting
- Plug any power or audio into your camera or other gear (besides the audio recorder)
- Place your camera anywhere but the marked positions
- Use your own mics on speakers
- Shoot still photography from the front row after first five minutes
You MAY BE approved for recording. If you’re applying to record a Keynote or Featured Speaker session, there is a chance that SXSW is planning to record the session with an in-house crew. In the case that your session is being recorded by SXSW, we will NOT approve applications or assign camera positions. Instead, we will coordinate to share the recorded session footage with you in a timely manner. You can check out our YouTube channel to see examples of our Keynote and Featured Speaker records.
If SXSW crews are not recording the session, the same rules as for Presentations & Panels apply.
You CAN be approved for recording. These sessions follow the same rules and procedure as listed for Panels above, with two important differences:
- Approved recording crews will need to set up their cameras before the start of the block, and remain in place throughout the session.
- Camera positions will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If there are no positions remaining, we recommend you coordinate with the other speakers on the block to share the footage.
You CAN be approved for record. Due to space restrictions, we will only approve one (1) handheld or tripod-mounted camera. The camera cannot impede the ingress/egress of the signing line.
You CANNOT be approved for record. Out of respect to our attendees & mentors, Meet Ups, Round Tables, and Mentor Sessions are not eligible for recording, and no recording applications for these sessions will be approved.
You CAN be approved for record. If you're approved, here's what you can do:
- We will approve up to 3 cameras
- Tripod or Handheld shooting are both allowed, but camera operators cannot block ingress/egress
- No cable runs will be provided—this includes audio and power cabling. An audio feed will not be provided for these sessions.
- No additional mic'ing, or interviews in the space.
- All other guidelines for Panels still apply.
