Last of a four-part series

In real tips for real people #1, I offered some advice on how to get to and around downtown Austin, Texas, the location of the SXSW Film Festival. In part two we went over some of the rules, etiquette, and secrets of what happens from the moment you enter the theater until you leave. And last week, in part three, I helped guide you through the logistics of getting from place to place.

The final consideration in deciding how big a gap to allow between the end of one screening and start of another can be summed up in three words: waiting in line, and I'll cover that in this set of tips. When I talk to people who haven't been to SXSW (or any festival, for that matter) the term "waiting in line" usually elicits looks of horror. But to those of us who've been there, the reaction is more of a big grin.


You see, waiting in line is a time-honored tradition which ranks right up there with Thanksgiving dinners, family reunions, and holiday barbecues. It's a time when festival veterans meet up with folks they may only see once a year, and make new friends whom they hope to see in future Marches. Waiting in line also offers one of the best opportunities to fill out your schedule with one question posed to a line mate: "So what have you liked so far?"


1) First, some non-venue-specific generalities. Each location usually has separate lines for badge and pass holders and for those without (the "wait list line" or "rush line"). Badge holders get in first, then pass holders. Once they're seated, about 15 minutes prior to the start of the film, wait list patrons may purchase individual tickets for $10 and take any empty seats remaining at that point.


2) Upon arrival at the venue you should immediately be able to see where the lines are located and which is which. If not, there are usually clearly marked signs and there are always a multitude of volunteers who really are extremely helpful. If you're lost or confused, do not hesitate to ask for help. They usually have the answer and, if not, can get on the horn and flag down someone who does. Chances are the people in line also know what line they're in.


3) Take your place at the end of the appropriate line and try to spark up a conversation with someone ahead of you (or behind you, as you surely won't be last for long). Even if you're with one or more people it's a smart thing to get to know the folks around you, especially since you may be standing together (or sitting) for a long time.


4) Normal social rules don't necessarily apply here. It is generally not considered rude to "overhear" someone else's conversation about a particular film and ask a question or give your opinion about it. Of course there are exceptions, but of the hundreds of times I've done it I rarely recall anyone treating me with disdain for poking my head in to discuss a film. Likewise, you should expect others to hear what you are saying and be prepared for them to chime in. It goes without saying that the reaction you get will vary if the person hasn't seen anything yet or hated everything they have seen. It's okay to slink away and slyly turn to someone else. Everyone waiting in line is part of one big community.


5) Naturally, some prefer to simply carry a good book or read the morning paper. But you'd be surprised how fast the time flies when you're engaged in conversation about the films you've seen and liked, didn't like, or hope to see. Some of my favorite films from festivals past were called to my attention from conversations while waiting in line. I've also learned what to avoid. I can't stress it any more: I have never turned to someone standing next to me and asked, "so what have you seen/liked/not liked so far?" and not gotten into an engaging conversation. Even folks who look like they've had the worst day can be the most pleasant when approached. I've made some great friends this way and lifelong relationships can be forged while waiting in line.


6) Now for some venue-specific tips. Like my earlier posts, this is not meant to be all-encompassing, but just some points based on my own experiences at these venues. Some rules apply to all locations. For example, the larger the party the less likely you'll find seats together, and the earlier you'll want to arrive (and the longer you'll wait in line) if you do want to. If you're solo or don't mind sitting apart you can afford to arrive later (and not wait as long). I'll cover what will likely be your three most-visited venues at SXSW: the Paramount, Alamo Ritz, and Alamo Lamar.


7) The Paramount is used for many of the high profile premieres. It's the largest venue at the festival with 1200 seats. Located at 713 Congress Ave., this historic auditorium is quite popular among cinema aficionados. Badge and pass holders line up to the left of the main entrance, heading north on Congress and around the corner onto E. 8th St. The wait list line forms to the right of the doors, heading south on Congress. Given the size of the venue, these lines can be quite long. But the Paramount is large enough to accommodate many more people than would appear to be standing on the sidewalk. It can be quite deceptive because a line which appears to be interminably long may not even fill half the theater once you get inside. An hour wait is not uncommon given the popularity of these films.


8) The Alamo Ritz is a twin-screen venue located at 320 E. 6th St., a few blocks southeast of the Paramount. Badge and pass holders line up to the right of the entrance heading east on 6th St. and around the corner north on Trinity St. The wait list line forms to the left of the doors. If you don't mind getting your butt a bit dusty, it's fairly easy to sit on the sidewalk -- just don't block the entrances to the adjacent bars and restaurants. Given the small size of the two theaters here (under 100 and 200 respectively) I'd allow at least 45 minutes depending on the popularity of the film, day of the week, time of day, and how many screenings the film has had. The Alamos are, in my opinion, the best movie theaters in the country. One reason is immediately apparent -- food and beverages are served right at your seat. You'll see each row separated by a shelf upon which one may eat and drink. Ordering instructions and the procedure for serving, paying, and tipping are on the table and in a trailer before the film.


9) The Alamo Lamar is located at 1120 S. Lamar in the Lamar Plaza Shopping Center. It's a six-screen multiplex that dedicates three to the festival. This is the one venue with a lobby large enough to accommodate the badge and pass holders, who are separated into lines according to their respective theaters. It can become quite crowded when the films are popular and scheduled close together, but the festival does an amazing job of staggering start times so patrons aren't piled on top of one another. Logistics have varied but last year there was one wait list line outside for all movies. When it rained the staff did their best to move them into the lobby or under the marquee. It got crowded but everyone stayed dry. I love this venue not only because the lines are inside but also because there's an upholstered bench that runs along the wall adjacent to the first line. You can sit, go online, or catch up on the sleep you've been missing. Best of all, there's a stand with fresh gourmet food and drinks. I've had some terrific sandwiches, baked goods, and hot coffee while waiting at the Alamo Lamar. In my experience the lines here are not as long as at other venues, perhaps because it's out of town. In many cases if I showed up an hour beforehand I'd be first in line. A wait of a half hour is usually sufficient here. I've wandered in ten minutes prior to the start of the film and still gotten a good seat, although I don't recommend it and the festival does not guarantee admission at that point. Of course, all this varies depending on the popularity of the film, day of the week, time of day, and number of screenings the film may already have had. In my opinion these are the coziest lines because they're indoors and comfortable.


11) Add it all up and I'd say that you should expect to wait in line up to an hour or more for many screenings if you want to be assured of a good seat. 45 minutes is probably okay. Anything less than a half hour is chancy. That's usually when badge and pass holders begin entering the theater. And about 10-15 minutes before the screening they begin filling empty seats with wait list patrons. Even if you have a badge and show up after the seats are filled you may be out of luck. I've seen it happen. So get there early.


12) So taking all three basic considerations into account when deciding how much time is needed from the moment one film ends until your next screening begins:

Allow ten minutes to a half hour for any Q&A. Average is 15-20 minutes.

Allow ten minutes to a half hour for travel time. Average is 15-20 minutes.

Allow 40 minutes to an hour for waiting in line.

Bottom line: the amount of time to allow between the end of one film and start of another is a minimum of an hour, maximum two hours. Average for me has been closer to 90 minutes.

Most importantly, keep in mind all the variables I've noted: distance between venues, time of day, number of screenings the film may already have had, popularity of the film, and size of the house, as well as your desire to get the seat(s) you want.

On the other hand, if you're like me and want to see as many films as possible regardless of health concerns, then join me in what I like to call "festival mode." Plan your films carefully. Allow 20 minutes after a film ends and 45 minutes waiting time before the next one. Then just add travel time to that. You'll get better at it as the week goes on, and share your own tips next year.