STLL STUDIOS CEO Lester Platt Joins SXSW as Mentor

As a mentor, Lester Platt will advise emerging creatives on topics including creators economy, building sustainable production companies, navigating the commercial and narrative film worlds, and leveraging technology.

Lester Platt, founder and CEO of Austin-based production company STLL Studios, has been officially confirmed as a Mentor for SXSW 2026, joining a curated group of industry leaders guiding the next generation of filmmakers, creatives, and entrepreneurs during one of the world’s most influential creative festivals.

Lester’s mentorship at SXSW comes at a pivotal moment in his career and in the evolution of STLL Studios, a production company known for its high-production-value commercial work, cinematic storytelling, and forward-thinking approach to creative technology. Over the past several years, STLL Studios has collaborated with brands, agencies, and independent filmmakers to produce emotionally driven, visually ambitious content across commercial, narrative, and experimental formats.

As a mentor, Lester will advise emerging creatives on topics including creators economy, building sustainable production companies, navigating the commercial and narrative film worlds, and leveraging technology, such as virtual production and AI-assisted workflows to scale creatively without compromising artistic integrity.

“SXSW has always been a place where technology, film, and culture collide,” said Lester. “Being invited to mentor is incredibly meaningful to me, not just as a filmmaker, but as someone who believes deeply in community, education, and helping creatives build careers that last.”

Lester’s path to SXSW mentorship is rooted in hands-on experience. Beginning his career as a cinematographer and photographer, he grew STLL Studios into a multidisciplinary production house while continuing to direct, produce, and develop original film and episodic projects. His work balances commercial precision with narrative depth, a dual perspective he brings directly into his mentorship philosophy.

Beyond production, Lester has become increasingly involved in education and mentorship initiatives, leading cinematography workshops, virtual production programs, and industry talks aimed at demystifying the business side of filmmaking. His approach emphasises long-term thinking, ethical collaboration, and building creative ecosystems, not just individual projects.

SXSW 2026 mentors are selected based on industry impact, creative leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to uplifting emerging voices. Lester’s inclusion reflects both his growing influence within the film and creative technology space and Austin’s continued rise as a hub for innovative storytelling.

For STLL Studios, the mentorship also signals a broader mission: to operate not just as a production company, but as a platform for education, collaboration, and bold creative experimentation.

SXSW 2026 will take place in Austin, Texas, bringing together filmmakers, technologists, entrepreneurs, and artists from around the world.