My final countdown to SXSW 2014

I'm off to Texas this week for SXSW, the annual awesome meetup for all things film, music and digital. The schedule already seems too much for my fragile emotions to handle, but here are some things I'm looking forward to.

Veronica Mars (the movie) 

I wasn't quick enough to support the Kickstarter for Veronica Mars when it opened up for international supporters, but I'll be queueing up for a ticket to see the film at SXSW. I'll probably be singing various songs from 'Frozen' in my head as I wait to go inside the Paramount Theatre - this one first.

Mindy Kaling (plus Adam Pally and Ike Barinholtz) 

I've slowly but surely become a Mindy Project fan, so I'm SO EXCITED about seeing Mindy in person and hearing her talk about her show. I'll be reading Mindy's book on the flight to Austin.

General actor spotting 

I'm being tactical with my film selection in order to maximise the potential for seeing actors at their screenings. Robert Downey Jr. is in Jon Favreau's 'Chef' so I'm going to assume he'll be there to support it. As will I. Michael Fassbender is in Lenny Abrahamson's 'Frank' and will probably be there to support it. As will I.

Talking to astronauts 

NASA is hosting a number of sessions at SXSW this year, including 'Live from Space' which will connect live with astronauts in orbit.

A critical look at fanfiction 

'Why fanfic is taking over the world' - need I say more?

Being a British girl in Texas

I've been to America a few times and my British accent tends to intensify whenever I have to talk to people. When I went to Comic Con a group of Chuck fans I was chatting to asked me to repeat the phrase "biscuits and tea" and I couldn't understand what about my accent was making them laugh so much... According to the SXSW social site, I'm one of about 750 people from the UK heading to the event this year. I suspect that my accent will become very BBC as soon as I reach immigration in Austin.