LOS ANGELES – Steven Hirsch, who founded Vivid Entertainment 25 years ago and turned it into the world’s leading film adult studio, will be on a panel at the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival in Austin on Tuesday March 17th at 3PM at the Austin Convention Annex (500 E. Cesar Chavez Street).

Hanna Hilton and Meggan Mallone, both Vivid Girls, the elite among adult actresses who work under exclusive contract with Vivid, will join Mr. Hirsch in a discussion titled Vivid Entertainment –The Sex-Driven Market. They will also host an afternoon party at SXSW marking Vivid’s 25th anniversary on Wednesday, March 18th, at the Pangaea nightclub in Austin (1-5pm, 409 Colorado Street).

Both events are open to the public. Visit sxsw.com for information to attend panel discussion and call Pangaea (512-472-8882) to attend party.

“We’re thrilled to announce that SXSW Film is pushing the boundaries again this year with the confirmation of a panel from Vivid Entertainment, a longtime standard bearer for the impact and success of the adult film industry,” says an announcement on the SXSW website. The website notes “at Vivid, Hirsch implemented an innovative system of exclusive contracts for adult performers, a structure akin to the old Hollywood studio system. This was only the first of many innovative and bold moves that has allowed Vivid to flourish in the ensuing decades, successfully tailoring its business model to an ever-changing audience, and ensuring Vivid’s longevity in an increasingly competitive, volatile market.”

“We’ve admired the growth of SXSW from afar and we’re truly delighted that we’ve been invited to take part in it this year,” says Mr. Hirsch. “Both Vivid and the festival have made their marks on the pop culture scene in the past two decades. Our Vivid-Alt imprint has also pioneered in giving unsigned bands a showcase with movie soundtracks. Additionally, Meggan is from Texas and Hanna lived there until recently, so they are thrilled to be at an Austin event,” Mr. Hirsch added.

Now in its 22nd year, “SXSW has grown from a tiny music festival in the Texas capital into a massive, unavoidable media beast that reflects, discusses and showcases trends in culture and media but also often creates them,” says The National Post. SXSW officials said that the panel March 17 is only open to SXSW Film, Gold and Platinum badge holders, or by special invitation.