Friday Jan 23, 2015
One of my favorite things UNCSA has to offer is the ability to find myself in extraordinary circumstances. For example, when I was a sophomore, I applied to intern at the Cannes Film Festival. This is my second year at Sundance thanks to the Seman's Art Fund and Career Development Grant.
Park City is 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City airport so we needed to reserve a shuttle to get there because let's face it, there's nowhere to park in Park City during the fest. It took close to 2 1/2 hours from when we landed to when we arrived at the condo.
It's off to the Treasure Mountain Inn where SlamDance is to see Brian O'Connel's film Bloodsucking Bastards.
I was fortunate to meet Brian in December during UNCSA's Intensive Arts when he hosted an improv workshop. He is such a funny guy!
I was fortunate to meet Brian in December during UNCSA's Intensive Arts when he hosted an improv workshop. He is such a funny guy!
Feeling pretty jetlagged I was so ready to pass out that I couldn't muster the energy to go to the premiere party for Blood Sucking Bastards. But Evan went and had a blast! (below on the right). On my way to the transit center I did manage to give a mini-Main Street tour to the guys and showed them my favorite place for a bite: Davanzas. Perfect end to the first night.
Saturday Jan 24th, 2015
Getting to stay at a 3 bedroom condo for free means we need to attend certain events no matter how early. I didn't mind the Vimeo Filmmaker Breakfast - The Art of the Pitch: Filmmaker as Entrepreneur which was more crowded than a Nickelback concert.
Indiflix's had a booth called The Faces of IndieFlix where they took black and white portraits of everyone. So of course we took advantage!
It makes me laugh so hard how excited we (poor college students) get when we are faced with complimentary FREE stuff!
No disappointment here, the Sundance TV venue served complimentary espresso and coffee, screen printed totes and a photo booth to top it off. What better souvenirs.
No disappointment here, the Sundance TV venue served complimentary espresso and coffee, screen printed totes and a photo booth to top it off. What better souvenirs.
Chase Sapphire Lounge is one of my favorite places to stop by. Last year this was the place where I had a mini-Little Miss Sunshine photoshoot with my Pal, Auggie. This year I made a small movie scene from The Skeleton Twins (favorite '14 Sundance Film).
Story of my life that I was never fast enough to get tickets to the more popular events, like the Power of Story: Serious Ladies panel. But I found it on YouTube and you can conveniently see it here!:
Story of my life that I was never fast enough to get tickets to the more popular events, like the Power of Story: Serious Ladies panel. But I found it on YouTube and you can conveniently see it here!:
I am not ashamed to admit that I am a HUGE Eli Roth fan. He was at Sundance for his film, Knock Knock.
We headed down the street to the Acura tent just in time to see him enter to sign the Acura below, we didn't get to meet him but it will happen one day!
We headed down the street to the Acura tent just in time to see him enter to sign the Acura below, we didn't get to meet him but it will happen one day!
Delicious lunch at Cafe terigo.
Waitlisted Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck. It was so exciting to see Courtney Love in the audience, and their daughter, Frances, who was an Executive Producer on the doc. A minute before the film started Norman Reidus walked in and I had to yell hello. I'm so lame.
The animation sequences in the documentary blew my mind.
The animation sequences in the documentary blew my mind.
 |
| Director- Brett Morgan |
We head off (fashionably late) to the Uncsa/ NC party at the Meyer Gallery and met a lot of alumn. I think this is event is so incredibly important. It's an opportunity for current students who go to the festival to meet alumni with films in the festival and individuals involved with the Film Commission in NC.
Sunday Jan 25th, 2015
Woke up early this morning to waitlist Hot Girls Wanted and stood in the cold garage at the Egyptian Theatre but made it literally as the last two. It wasn't as national as I thought. Focusing on one little Production Co.
Breakfast at Main st. Pizza Noodle Station is a must while in Park City! It's located right in the middle of Main St. and serves ALL things breakfast. The juevos rancheros are my favorite!
We head over to Sundance TV to make it to the SundanceTV Presents: Smart Works: "A SundanceTV Talks Panel: A round table discussion on the most buzzed about TV today and how "popular" and "smart" are increasingly comfortable bedfellows. Moderated by Wall Street Journal’s Barbara Chai. WITH: Jason Momoa; The Red Road, Game of Thrones, Julianne Nicholson; The Red Road, August Osage County, Michael McKean; Better Call Saul, Best in Show, Brit Marling; Babylon, Another Earth, and Ed Carroll, COO AMC Networks."
We commence to wander down Main st and come across the Lipton lounge where we taste bubbly raspberry tea and take silly photos and play in a bubble pit killing time before the
HP Presents: Artist Workshop: Pitching and Marketing the Independent Film with
Panelist: Adam Krentzman, Mark Pogachefsky
It took a minute for me to recognize Mr. Pogachefsky, but I met him via skype in my Marketing class the year before so I was able to catch up with him after the panel.
It took a minute for me to recognize Mr. Pogachefsky, but I met him via skype in my Marketing class the year before so I was able to catch up with him after the panel.
 |
| Adam Krentzman & Mark Pogachefsky |
I got a lot of really information out of this panel along with what is in a good Executive Summary. Ironically, that is my final in my Producing class. Making an Executive Summary for an Independent film I want to produce. an important question: WHO IS YOUR MOVIE FOR???
Before going to the Z for Zachariah Premiere party we head over to the New Frontier to check out the exhibits. This year they focused on Ocular Evolution. The first oculus rift I try is Wild: The Experience. "Fox Searchlight and the Fox Innovation Lab present this virtual reality experience drawing from the film Wild. Viewers enter a fully immersing media environment to join an intimate moment on the Pacific Crest Trail between a woman, Cheryl Strayed (Academy Award nominee Reese Witherspoon), and her mother, Bobbi (Academy Award nominee Laura Dern), a vision from the afterlife. Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern. —J.C."
 |
| screen shot of Wild:The Experience |
 |
| Austin on the Wild Oculus |
As cool as this technology is, it may not be for me. After the short film, I was nauseous for a little while. I couldn't seem to focus my sight and being able to move my focus around made me dizzy. I also tried the Google Cardboard oculus rift, Kaiju Fury.
 |
| The making of Kaiju Fury |
We were really fortunate to get into the Z for Zachariah Premiere Party at the St. Regis Hotel. We weren't technically on the list but were taking the place of someone who couldn't go. We had to take a funacular up to the venue. This might be the fanciest party I've ever been to!
We met Craig Zobel, the director of Z for Zachariah and a UNCSA alum. I felt a little out of place but got the best idea for a movie that I've been working on. There were so many companies selling the most ridiculous things including yachts and flat screens and trips to Asia.
Monday Jan 26th, 2015
We wake up Early to set up at The Filmmakers Lodge for the 4p UNCSA panel. It felt great feeling like an event planner. We hauled our camera equipment around Main st. and set the camera up. Austin filmed, I shot stills and Evan got some footage on a flip cam.
We make our way to the Marc Theatre for the 11:30am screening of The Tribe.
"UNCSA Presents: Creative Collaborations. Join the creative teams behind the films I'll See You in My Dreams and Z for Zachariah as they discuss the importance of longevity in creative collaborations and how the partnerships formed at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking have carried them through the ups and downs of independent filmmaking. Panelists: Alex Bickel, colorist (I'll See You in My Dreams, Camp X-Ray), Rob Givens, cinematographer (I'll See You in My Dreams), Rebecca Green, producer (I'll See You in My Dreams, It Follows), Brett Haley, director (I'll See You in My Dreams), Jane Rizzo, editor (Z For Zachariah, Compliance), Zach Seivers, sound designer (I'll See You in My Dreams, Last Days in the Desert), and Craig Zobel, director (Z For Zachariah, Compliance)."
 |
| UNCSA alum: Rob Givens, Rebecca Green, Zach Seivers, Brett Haley, Jane Rizzo, Craig Zobel, Alex Bickel |
It's an Irish kind of night with dinner at Flannigans where I pay way too much for a cocktail and eat some shepherds pie.
Thanks to Mark Pogachefsky we get into the Inaugural Horizon Award to Honor the Up-and-Coming Female Filmmaker Veronica Ortiz-Calderon from Puerto Rico! The prize was a $10,000 scholarship, a paid trip to Sundance film Festival, and the opportunity to meet and be mentored by professionals in the industry.
Everyday we pass the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and this is the night we choose to load up on some goodies.
We take the free Trolley up hill and met the Editor of The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution movie who shows us how to get on the list to the New Orleans Film Commission Party. Even with getting on the list, we wait over an hour to get in. But we meet the writer of BloodSucking Bastards. And the gumbo makes the wait totally worth it!
Tuesday Jan 27th, 2015
The most popular event at the New Frontier is Birdly, "The media lab of Max Rheiner has developed this customized flight simulator that gives the viewer a profound experience of being a bird flying over the city of San Francisco. Look at your hands and arms: They are wings. Look at the ground and see your shadow cast as a bird of prey. Hear the roar of the wind and the powerful flapping sound of your wings as you soar over the parks and through the skyscraper canyons of the urban landscape. —S.F."
I can't seem to muster the courage to do it from fear of motion sickness.
I can't seem to muster the courage to do it from fear of motion sickness.
Blue Jeans is hosting a project where a man named Ryan is on a digital conference call and draws Caricatures. I wish I had this volume in my hair...
We go check out what's up at the Acura tent and get some more photos and coffee. There is coffee everywhere!
The Filmmakers Lodge is hosting a panel Somewhere, Out There: "Looking up at the stars has long captivated the human imagination. And storytellers have popularized dramatic, seemingly outlandish notions of planetary exploration, parallel universes, black holes, and wormholes. But are they that far-fetched? Is space-time stranger than fiction? Explore the intersection of imagination, science, and storytelling with an eclectic group: astrophysicist and writer Janna Levin (Barnard College/Columbia University), writer/actor Brit Marling (Another Earth, I, Origins), writer Jonathan Nolan (Interstellar, Memento, The Dark Knight Rises), engineer Adam Steltzner (NASA Jet Propulsion Lab) and moderator Paula Apsell (Senior Executive Producer, NOVA). Supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation."
Austin met Jonathan Nolan, writer of Interstellar.
We head over to the Sundance TV cocktail party which we had rsvpd to for 2 days and couldn't make. It was nice and crowded with great music by HoneyHoney. When I went to record a clip of them singing I caught a man falling out of his chair. I felt awful about it but it was funny.
Evan joins us for dinner at Wasatch Brewery where I indulge in apricot beer and Mac and cheese.
 |
| Austin's mini, but strong beer |
We are switching condos tomorrow (since Our dean and her assistant are leaving) so we head back to pack our stuff up.
Wednesday Jan 28th, 2015
I gotta say, I love Deer Valley and how they treat their guests. We were picked up from condo one by the concierge and driven to the Eccles theatre to see I'll See You in My Dreams, directed by Brett Haley (an alum form UNCSA).
After the film we rushed to the Bus to get to The Shop for our first Ignite Student Panel: INSIDE THE SCOOP
We had a little time before our next screening so we went to the new condo to check things out and get a feel for our new home. This place was fantastic! Fireplace, hot tub and walking distance from the festival. Thank you UNCSA!
 |
| Condo back yard, it's 3 stories |
We head to The Marc Theatre to see Stockholm, Pennsylvania Where I bump into Kevin Sandler in line with my hands full with coffee and chili. Kevin was one of my mentors at Cannes a few years ago.
On to Prospector Theatre to see Pervert Park - I think I'm still slightly processing what this documentary did to me. I was so emotional after this screening I cried for so long after this film.
The BMI Snowball! I was happy to see Honeyhoney again, they are incredible! They opened for Christina Perry, who was so charming and cute!
There is always a party and if you play your cards right, it's not hard to get in. We crash the New Frontier Filmmaker's Party somehow by an oversight at the door. Even with this exclusive party we still don't get to fly on the birdie! But I got to try some more oculus rifting. Still nauseated by it.
Thursday Jan 29th, 2015
Late nights mean missing morning screenings.. missed the screening of Homesick because I was way too tired. Maybe it's the altitude. That only means one thing! Breakfast at Main Street Pizza & Noodle. Specifically the Juevos Rancheros...again.
Now off to the Egyptian for the meet the Industry Panel, but not before getting some photos of the beautiful theatre.
 |
| The Egyptian Theatre, Sundance Film Festival |
 |
| Main Street, Park City, Utah |
After the panel we snatch some quick snacks from Sundance TV for our next movie: Reversal, conveniently at the Egyptian Theatre. I have nothing to say about this film.
Keeping it on Main street we go for a quick bite to O'Shucks for dinner and then stop at the wine store for a couple of bottles. We haul these bottles around for the rest of the night.
We waitlisted I Am Michael at the Eccles and got in by the skin on our teeth, probably the last 2!
Friday Jan 30th, 2015
This year it's much harder to get up early, I don't know why. But I get up early to watch Dreamcatcher. I ended up falling asleep for a little bit but enjoyed what I saw. After the film I bumped into Kristen Warren, another mentor from my days at Cannes.
After hauling my souvenirs all morning, I stopped by the Post Office to send a package home costing $28 for the box and shipping. Totally worth it.
The next Ignite event was a Student Meet & Greet at The Shop. This is were I met some students from LA and the Director of Cronies.
With my new found LA friends we head to The New Frontier and meet Brett Haley officially with his fiancée Linda.
I took the time to do more Oculus Rifting: Chris Milk: Evolution of Verse was by far my favorite. It was beautiful and effective and totally inspiring. Here is an interesting article on the new technology.
 |
| Austin finding his calling |
Saturday Jan 31st, 2015
I will watch anything with Viola Davis. J-Lo was just the icing. First thing in the morning we go see Lila & eve at Eccles Theatre.
Sundance, for me, means every kind of Juevos Rancheros I can find this morning was at The Eatery, here I get the opportunity to Hang out with Kevin Sandler & Kristen Warren back at their condo.
Kevin is so kind to give us a ride to the Ignite Filmmaker Speed Dating at the HP Headquarters. Where we catch up with Nidhin!
My most anticipated film was the documentary Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief. I shouldn't have waited so late, but either way it was always highly anticipated and almost impossible to get in. But I waitlisted and took a bus 30 minutes away.
My 2014 Sundance friend, Robbi met me here to say hello!
And even with the volunteers in the line telling us that no more than 5 people will get in (I was 12) I stayed. I was with Austin, and the line cut off in front of us only letting one more in. Austin was so kind to not even argue, he pushed me (literally) and I was on my way in. And what an INCREDIBLE Documentary.
My 2014 Sundance friend, Robbi met me here to say hello!
Did I mention it's Award Party Night!? Did I mention we had tickets?!
I passed out on the bus ride back to the condo.
Did I mention we had a BLAST!?!
I passed out on the bus ride back to the condo.
Packed up and slept for about 5 hours before the shuttle picked us up and we were on our way back to the East Coast.
