Last modified: August 6, 2024
We are excited for you to share your SXSW and SXSW EDU (the “Event(s)”) experiences in your news coverage, but it’s imperative that all accredited media also respect the rights of the creators that participate in the Events. This Accredited Press Photo & Video Policy covers what type of photo and video recording is and isn’t allowed during the Event.
Professional photography and videography is permitted at the Events only with press credentials and a camera tag provided by the SXSW and/or SXSW EDU PR Teams. By accepting press credentials and a camera tag, you agree to the terms detailed in this Photo and Video Policy.
REGISTERED PRESS AND CAMERA TAGS
- Only SXSW and SXSW EDU accredited press are eligible to receive a camera tag.
- To obtain camera tags, bring your camera to the Press table in the Registration area of the Austin Convention Center.
- The camera tag must be affixed to your camera and clearly visible AT ALL TIMES.
- Under no circumstances are tripods, lights, cabling, power cords and/or elaborate set ups permitted in any SXSW venues, including hallways.
- Media attendees are not permitted to take photos or shoot video where it is unsafe or disruptive such as in doorways, fire exits, expo floor aisles, hallways, walkways, lobbies, pre-function areas, sidewalks, etc. Please note, failure to comply with a request to relocate or stop recording may result in your removal and/or your SXSW credential being revoked.
- For a map of designated filming locations in the convention center that can be used for no more than 30 minutes, please contact press@sxsw.com.
Press credentials and photographer/videographer camera tags are issued at the discretion of SXSW and can be revoked at any time at SXSW’s sole discretion.
PHOTOGRAPHY
You must have a SXSW camera tag affixed to your camera to take professional photos at Conference and Festival Events.
Additionally, flash photography is only allowed as follows:
SXSW and SXSW EDU Conferences:
- During the first four (4) minutes of any speaker session, flash photography is allowed from the front of the room. Some rooms may be subject to designated areas and/or capacity limits for accredited press.
- After four (4) minutes, no flash photography is allowed and press must vacate the front of the room.
- If you are staying after the first four (4) minutes, you must have a seat in the audience.
- Some sessions may require advance registration and check in to gain access to the press area in the front of the room. Details can be found in the Press 101 that will be sent to all registered accredited press before the start of the event.
- SXSW reserves the right to alter, move, or cancel the front of room access at its sole discretion.
SXSW Music Festival
- During the first three (3) songs of an artist’s set, flash photography is allowed.
- After the first three (3) songs, no flash photography is allowed.
- Some artists, venues, and/or showcases may have different rules regarding flash photography. You must follow any posted signage or direction from staff.
SXSW Film & TV Festival
- Flash photography and/or any roaming photography during Film & TV Festival introductions or Q&As is prohibited. Some flash photography may be approved on a limited, case by case basis, by the SXSW Press Department in advance. No photography is allowed at any time during any official screenings. Please email filmpress@sxsw.com with any questions.
VIDEOGRAPHY
In order to protect SXSW and the rights of artists, filmmakers and speakers, videography for news coverage, reviews and interviews is permitted and restricted as follows:
Permitted Videography
SXSW and SXSW EDU Conferences:
During the first four (4) minutes of any speaker session, videography is allowed, subject to the restrictions below.
Tripod or handheld video recording is allowed from the designated press area. If there is no designated press area, then videography is allowed from the back or sides of rooms; provided, that no filming or photography may impede the ingress or egress of a room.
- Some rooms may be subject to designated areas and/or capacity limits for accredited press. SXSW reserves the right to alter, move, or cancel the front of room access at its sole discretion.
SXSW Music Festival:
- Video may be recorded during three (3) songs of any one artist’s set and up to :45 continuous seconds of live footage may be broadcast.
- It is your sole responsibility to obtain and supply to SXSW written permission from artist or artist management, if requested by SXSW.
SXSW Film & TV Festival Q&As and Introductions:
- Videography is allowed during Film & TV Festival introductions or Q&As from your seat as long as you are not obstructing or blocking views at all Film & TV Festival venues except the Paramount and State Theatres; at these venues no videography is allowed at any time, without prior approval by the SXSW Film & TV PR Team.
- No videography is allowed at any time during any official screenings.
RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES
- Your Event press credentials and camera tag will NOT allow you to stream, broadcast or otherwise transmit, retransmit or copy in any form any Event artist performance, conference programming, or Film Q&A longer than :45 continuous seconds. To request additional Event recording and licensing rights, please fill out this form.
For any questions about this policy, please contact press@sxsw.com.
For photo policy information for non-media registrants or the general public, please see the Attendee Photo & Video Policy. For information about the SXSW trademarks, please see the SXSW Trademark Guidelines.
Additionally, all SXSW and SXSW EDU attendees agree to the SXSW Participation & Credentials Terms & Conditions.