I've actually used the pass the last two years. There have definitely been some shows we weren't able to get into, you can completely write off the secret screenings, for example, but almost all of those eventually hit theaters. What I love to see are the smaller films that may never make it to the US, or to mainstream screens, and especially in the second half of the festival those are pretty easy to get into.

For anyone using the pass for the first time though, avoid the Ritz shows. It's a smaller theater and it's almost always sold out. Stick to the larger screens at the Alamo south. Also, I find that first thing in the morning showings after big parties the night before are quite poorly attended by the badge holders….can't imagine why.

My wife and I have made use of the pass the past two years, and it has worked out very well (although for the headliners, it will be tough–see below for more info). About the only drawback is that for some of the more popular screenings (especially at the Ritz), you'll have to sit in one of the front rows. Last year alone, we saw 9 films at every venue except for the Hideout. Tips:

- Get there early at each venue, no exception. Minimum 45 minutes ahead of time. Even if it looks like there are too many badge holders, don't despair and stick with it–chances are, you'll get in if you're one of the first in the film pass line.
- Morning screenings are usually the most sparsely packed.
- None of the screenings at the Austin Convention Center that we went to were packed to the gills, but the seating was pretty uncomfortable. I'd recommend bringing some type of cushion if you don't want to spring for Preparation H afterward.
- If it's going to rain, make sure and bring an umbrella or at least a copy of the Chronicle to put over your head at either of the Alamo venues; you have to wait outside (same applies for the Paramount).
- If you are the first one with a film pass, make sure and get someone at the venue to tell you exactly where you need to be standing. At least early in the festival, this is a bit of a problem, as the beginning of the line can shape shift until they figure out where they want everyone to be. They seem to have this problem every year, and about mid-way through, they have it ironed out.
- We haven't ever attended any of the midnight screenings, but we hear that they can get pretty packed.
- Once the music fest starts, people to tend to gravitate towards that, so you'll have a better shot at getting in to some of the bigger name showings later in the movie festival.

But yeah, hopefully that helps. Let me know what you're seeing at SXSW. And if you see my chubby, bearded face around town, don't hesitate to come say hey. It's really good for my ego.

However, there is a really great guide to SXSW for non-badge holders over at Slackerwood.com:

http://www.slackerwood.com/node/319

That might help.