Please Read Before You Begin

This application is used for approval to license recordings from SXSW 2023, SXSW EDU 2023, or SXSW archives.

If you are a press or wire agency, please refer to the Photo & Video Policies found on our websites, SXSW.com and SXSWEDU.com. 

SXSW 2023 has taken place, no request to record should be submitted. We will begin accepting applications for recording approval at SXSW 2024 later this year.

If you are seeking footage that was filmed at SXSW 2023, please return to the previous question and select "License Footage".

Thank you!

SXSW Event Recording & Licensing

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 Guidelines pages at the beginning of the form for more details.

Presentations/Panels | Book Readings | Pitch Events

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

Keynotes | Featured Speakers

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.

Short Form

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.

Book Signings

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.

Meet Ups | Mentor Sessions | Round Tables

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.

Workshops

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. 

Your Creative Industries Expo Recording Plan

There are various types of events at SXSW, and with each comes specific rules for event recording. Read on for instructions on what is permitted for CIE recording, and what we will NOT approve.

The main thing to keep in mind is your approval only extends to your assigned booth space. Cameras operated outside of this area are not permitted and our staff will ask you to put them away. 

What we will approve:

• Cameras set up within your booth space, on tripod, or hand-held
• Modest lighting plots for interview or portrait photography
• Cable runs, within the space, so long as they are securely taped or covered to prevent tripping hazards 

What we will NOT approve:

• Cameras set up in aisles, or roving throughout the Trade Show area
• Cable runs in the aisles or walkways
• Jibs or booms of ANY kind. 

What about Livestreaming?

There are several ways to livestream something, and not all are permitted. 

You CAN: livestream activity at your space using a handheld smartphone

You CANNOT: livestream using any setup larger than that—so cameras, switchers, even Mevos will not be approved without a fee attached.

What if I'm willing to pay?

Because we're a live event, we place a premium on livestreaming your presence to non badge-holders. The fee for livestreaming at SXSW is on par with the space itself. If you want to pursue this, let us know in your application and we will discuss costs.

All I want to do is take photos or video with my smartphone—do I have to go through this process???

Yes, you do—but if that's all you're doing, we can quickly issue approval. 

What about insurance? Do I have to buy that policy?

If you've purchased a trade show space, you will also be asked to present a Certificate of Insurance, which has the same requirements. Show us the certificate used with your booth purchase and you're good to go.

Your Brand Activation Recording Plan

There are various types of events at SXSW, and with each comes specific rules for event recording. Read on for instructions on what is permitted for activation space recording, and what we will NOT approve.

What we will approve:

• Handheld cameras, roving throughout the Activation space
• GoPros or similarly sized action cameras, unmanned (only if mounted securely out of attendee reach) 

What we will NOT approve:

• Captures that have not provided a production diagram showing the activation space, any static camera positions or cable runs, that give a sense as to where cameras & operators will be
• Mounted lighting on cameras
• Jibs or booms of ANY kind
• Uncovered cable runs 

As a reminder, Activation spaces need to visibly display Notice of Filming signage.

What about live-streaming from the activation?

There are several ways to livestream something, and not all are permitted. 

You CAN: livestream activity at your space using a handheld smartphone.

You CANNOT: livestream using any setup larger than that—so cameras, switchers, even Mevos will not be approved without a fee attached.

What if I'm willing to pay?

Because we're a live event, we place a premium on livestreaming your presence to non badge-holders. The fee for livestreaming at SXSW is on par with the space itself. If you want to pursue this, let us know in your application and we will discuss costs.

Your Music Showcase Recording Plan

There are various types of events at SXSW, and with each comes specific rules for event recording. Read on for instructions on what is permitted for recording of showcases, and what we will NOT approve.

We will approve:

• Recordings that provide a detailed production diagram, showing all camera positions, cable runs, and production equipment used for the capture. Without this, we will not approve recording.
• Handheld or stationary cameras, operated at a safe distance from attendees
• Board feeds, at the discretion of the venue's Stage Manager. Not all venues will have feeds available for recording.

We will NOT approve:

• Jibs or booms of any kind
• Any camera or support equipment that goes over the heads of attendees, or is within reach of attendees
• Applications that do not include a production diagram
• Onboard Camera lighting

What about Livestreaming?

There are several ways to livestream something, and not all are permitted. 

You CAN: livestream using a handheld smartphone by itself

You CANNOT: livestream using any setup larger than that—so cameras, switchers, even Mevos will not be approved without a fee attached.

What if I'm willing to pay?

Because we're a live event, we place a premium on livestreaming your presence to non badge-holders. The fee for livestreaming at SXSW is on par with the event itself, and is in many cases cost-prohibitive. If you do want to pursue this, include it in your application and we will coordinate with you further.

We require a Certificate of Insurance with all criteria met before we can approve your application.

If you already have one, please upload your Certificate of Insurance to Thimble Certificate Manager:

*Right click and open link in a new window. Clicking link will lose progress on the form*

https://app.thimble.com/insurance-requirement/SXSW/Content%20Capture_pk2actpqb

If you do not have insurance at this time, you can purchase a temporary policy through Thimble using the same link.