SXSW has announced 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.”
