Rain won't dampen start of SXSW 2012

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Even though the forecast calls for rain through Sunday, that shouldn't dampen the crowds or spirits when South by Southwest Film and Interactive kick off Friday.

"You may go to one place and stay there. That's the big difference. There will be a little less circulation I guess," said Julian Ranger, an app designer from the United Kingdom, who came into town to show off his latest app, dadapp dot com .

"I came with short-sleeve shirts and everything else, assuming it would be warm," he said.

Ranger has been to the SXSW Interactive conference at the convention center before, but usually it's dry and sunny out.

"The rain is going to be a bit troubling. It just means I won't be going so far around," he said.

"We're going to have fun any which way it goes," said Luke Panza, another app designer in town.

Nearly 300,000 people are expected in the downtown area over the next ten days. For most of that time, the weather may be gloomy. So, pedicab drivers like Pavielle Babai-Pirouz are prepared.

"I have a canopy. I've got an umbrella. I've got a raincoat for myself and shoe covers so my shoes don't get soaked," she said.

Babai-Pirouz also has a waterproof radio.

"I think everyone's electronics is going to be the one thing that's going to make it so that they need cover and need protection. Especially for interactive," she said.

Most of the Interactive and Film portions of SXSW are indoors, but there are a few venues outside. Most are covered by tents or tarps, but the few that are left to weather the storm have precautions of their own. Most of the outdoor electronics are waterproof.

For filmgoers, some may have to stand in long lines outside in the rain. So organizers suggest participants prepare early and bring raincoats and umbrellas just in case of a heavy downpour.

Besides taxis and pedicabs, special SXSW Film and Interactive shuttles will also be running through the downtown area. Click here to get more information on those.