Janet Pierson Named SXSW Film Producer

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- SXSW is pleased to announce
 that Janet Pierson has accepted the position as Producer of the SXSW Film
 Festival and Conference, the Austin, Texas based event founded in 1993.
 
     Pierson brings a long history of accomplishments and relationships in
 the world of independent film to her new position. In 1986, she and her
 partner/husband John Pierson began acting as producer reps and were
 instrumental in the launch of a number of indie films including "Roger and
 Me," "She's Gotta Have It," "Slacker" and "Clerks." Their careers have
 included associations with Chris Blackwell as well as Harvey Weinstein and
 Bob Weinstein.
 
     Janet was the co-creator of the TV series "Split Screen" which
 beginning in 1997 ran for 66 episodes on the Independent Film Channel.
 
     Janet says "I've been a huge fan and supporter of SXSW Film since its
 inception. I'm thrilled now to take on the challenge of continuing its
 exciting growth."
 
     Co-founder and Senior Director of SXSW Film Louis Black says, "Saying
 that Janet will hit the ground running as head of SXSW Film is truly an
 understatement considering her knowledge, accomplishments and the high
 regard in which she is held in the independent film world. Having Pierson
 as SXSW Film's Producer will be an enormous benefit to not only the
 mission, programming and content of the event but to the greater film
 community which it serves. Having Janet joining this venture is truly
 exciting and has us all feeling that the next chapter of SXSW Film could
 easily be its most exciting and innovative one yet."
 
     Matt Dentler, who has acted as SXSW Film Festival Producer since 2004
 will be moving to New York City to pursue a new career to head the
 marketing and programming operations of Cinetic Digital Rights Management.
 
     Black notes that "SXSW Film has been privileged to have Matt Dentler
 working for it; the event has benefited extraordinarily from his
 leadership. We are very excited about his new job at Cinetic working with
 John Sloss and are all looking forward to his continuing the work he has
 accomplished at SXSW Film as a creative force in film."
 
     For more information, contact
 
     Elizabeth Derczo 512/467-7979 ext. 209
 
 
 

SOURCE SXSW