the projects* forecast for the strongest influences at 2015's SXSW

1. SXSW 2015
AN INFLUENCE FORECAST BY

2. INSPIRATION
Now in
INTRODUCTION
Now in its 22nd year, SXSW has become one of the most influential cultural festivals in the
world. In this special Influence Report, we’ve hand-picked some of the most intriguing, witty and
credible activities – plus there’s a special preview of what we’ll be doing at this year’s event.

3. INSPIRATION
EXPERIENCES

4. A & E NETWORK: THE BATES MOTEL
The full Bates experience comes to Austin, complete with props and décor from the show,
together with a chance to stay overnight. We’re interested to see: How true-to life the décor
and styling is – getting that eerie Bates flavour is no mean feat.

5. RAY-BAN: THE ORDER OF NEVER HIDE
Continuing their campaign to encourage people to Never Hide from their beliefs, Ray-Ban will be
returning to SXSW with their non-secret secret society The Order, as well as a Boiler Room
showcase presented by Kaytranada. We’re intrigued by: The #Campaign4Change

6. BEATPORT: BEATPORT HOUSE
We’re excited to learn that: Beatport will be a hub for Electronic Music Culture at SXSW. Once
the outsider at SXSW, dance music has been growing in credibility and presence at the event,
and has a raft of activity happening, including a report on millennial behaviours.

7. MASHABLE HOUSE: BREAK THE INTERNET
Once again bringing those weird and wonderful memes to life, Mashable House certainly looks
like the super-fun and zeitgeisty ticket at SXSW 2015. We’ll be: Attending the Mash Bash party,
and looking forward to seeing what they’ve done with Kim Kardashian’s booty.

8. SXSTYLE
Another growing movement within SXSW: Fashion. Exploring the ties between fashion, art,
culture and technology, SXStyle has some serious partnerships and some speakers from the tech
world in its 1st year. We’ll be checking out: Joe Zee, recently appointed to Yahoo! Style.

9. COMEDY CENTRAL: KEGS & EGGS
You had us at hello. We always have a hankering for breakfast egg tacos, and we love
experiences who have simple, direct names, so we’ll definitely be stopping by to: Watch their
“Drunk History” dunk tank.

10. INSPIRATION
FILM

11. 808
The Story of Roland TR808 drum machine and how it changed music. The documentary pays
homage to the machine through such enthusiasts as Rick Rubin, Questlove, and Mike D and Ad-
Rock of the Beastie Boys. A must see.

12. BRAND: A SECOND COMING
We’re continually intrigued by Mr.Brand, and as the opening film of SXSW 2015, he’ll have a
hyper-cultural crowd checking out his latest: A deep dive into fame, influence and where we are
as a 21st century society.

13. KURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK
We normally wouldn’t pay much attention to yet another blast of Nirvanastalgia. however given
Frances Bean Cobain’s involvement and full authorisation, this documentary will hopefully reveal
some beauty in what’s often portrayed as a wholly tragic life.

14. CHRISTINE VACHON
A killer keynote from the founder of Killer Films. As the producer of Boys Don't Cry, Far From
Heaven, Hedwig And The Angry Inch and Happiness (amongst others), Vachon should provide
some golden insights on indie movie-making and its influence.

15. INSPIRATION
INTERACTIVE

16. MEERKAT
This is one of the most buzzed about apps in the past few weeks that’s set to really launch
at SXSW – obviously it could blow up or bust, but we think it’ll definitely be one to watch for how
it can impact live events.

17. BIZ STONE
Twitter co-founder Biz Stone in conversation about connected society, the science and nature of
collaborative networks, creativity, and how great ideas are born into existence.

18. HOW INNOVATION HAPPENS
Walter Isaacson in conversation with Megan Smith, Chief Technology Officer of the United
States, and Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google, for an examination of the
complementary forces that must coalesce for breakthrough advances to take hold.

19. THE CHANGING FACE OF INFLUENCE
Traditional talent and traditional trends are changing - fast. From swarming crowds of thousands
showing up for book signings, to international conferences with social media stars headlining, is
the digital world is no longer trapped online??

20. INSPIRATION
WHAT NOT TO DO

21. McDONALDS: PITCH SESSIONS & SHOWCASE
Asking musicians and entrepreneurs to give you their ideas or play for free doesn’t seem like the
best way to endear yourself to the SXSW audience. We’re anticipating a Doritos-like backlash to
McDonalds’ presence at the event.

22. INSPIRATION
WHAT WE’RE DOING

23. FX: FEARLESS FACTORY
We’ve designed and produced an immersive experience for the FX network, with content from
existing and new shows including Guillermo Del Toro’s The Strain. Check it out at: The Waller
Ballroom, 700 E 6th St March 13-16 // 9am-6pm

24. INSPIRATION
Now in
SUMMARY
SXSW has grown to arguably an overwhelming size, but our point of view is this: Pick a niche
focus, and build your SXSW experience around it. We’re obviously interested in things that we
think are genuinely influential and culturally vital…and we’ll be reporting back soon. Enjoy!

25. INSPIRATION
Now in
THE PROJECTS* SXSW TEAM
Jack Bedwani: jack@liveintheprojects.com
Nick Ingate: nick@liveintheprojects.com
Meg Powell: meg@liveintheprojects.com