Sundance nearly killed my father. Literally. In the interest of full disclosure let’s start by explaining that I thought I was the one who would have a heart attack when my parents who are in their 80s announced they were coming out for the Sundance Film Festival. Are you kidding me? If anything was going to cause your stress level to shoot through the roof it would be trying to deal with Park City, Utah, during Sundance and those infamous Sundance parties. It’s the film festival that lords over all others in America and it happens in the middle of winter at an altitude of 7000 feet. That alone could break someone.

Park City is beyond crazy at the end of January thanks to Robert Redford and his dream of allowing the independent film voice to shine. There’s no parking, the traffic is bumper to bumper from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., if a restaurant isn’t closed for a private event, it’s booked out months in advance and last year the snow arrived like dirt at an excavation site.

I begged them to reconsider. It would be a challenge for both of us. For them to navigate around town (back and forth from the St. Regis in Deer Valley) and for me to get into town to see them; not to mention the lounges and Sundance parties for which I had appointments. There was even a fancy magician’s soiree right at the St Regis one night. The Starwood Preferred Guests/Amex Late-Night Celebration hosted by Cupcake Wars’, Justin Willman. There was a DJ, an electric violinist, Kat V, tons of food and alcohol and Michelle Monaghan “assisted”. But alas, my dad, who was an amateur magician himself, was unable to emerge from his hotel room and join us. The frenetic pace of Sundance had hobbled him.

All of the hubbub surrounding the Fest could easily overshadow the hundreds of screenings at Sundance if you let it. Food trucks serving meatless sliders https://www.impossiblefoods.com/ in the Lyft Driver Hub and Kristen Kish’s lemon ricotta donuts (at Chase on Location at New Frontier), a Sundance TV escape room Hap and Leonard style, gifting suites, panel discussions, live music every ten steps, virtual reality installments, and Sundance parties. Some of the venues are invite only; some open to the public, space available; others somewhere in between (ie if you are hot or connected, you’re in).

Sundance is one of those events that you attend at your own risk. No matter how much preparation you do, you’re never prepared. To have the absolute best experience, you have to roll with whatever is happening. My parents saw two films in five days. You may miss a screening or two because you were networking at a SAG brunch or skiing fresh snow. You RSVP’d for three Sundance parties on the same night but decided to stay at one for the whole evening (which is fine, everyone does this). You may not sleep until 5 a.m. These are just some of the bumps you’ll have to roll over.

 

Here are some tips to help you withstand the elements of both an uber popular film fest and the Park City environment.

Decide What You’re There For

It’s impossible to do and see everything. If you want to ski come to Park City in February not January. See above.

 

See movies?

Map out what you want to see in advance – way in advance – because tickets sell out early. Best to get a Festival pass these days because each film is $20. You can also try the ewaitlist if you just want to see ’whatever.’ You’ll have a better chance of getting into the daytime screenings rather than the evening premiers where talent and crew attend and host Q&As afterward. There are movies from morning until midnight.

People watch

You could spend an entire day cruising Main Street. It’s a sheer carnival. So much to see and do that you forget there are movies playing.

(Sundance) Party much?

You can buy an “unofficial” party list, troll social media and beg to get on a list, or go to one shindig and follow your new entourage to the next one. There are so many ways to get into Sundance parties- some legal, some questionable- so get creative if you have to. Some are better than others so ask around. I loved the Fuji Film one but that ended years ago. Catdance sponsored by FreshStep kitty litter then became my all-time fave but alas they too shuttered two years ago. No telling who will outshine the rest this year.

 

The majority of the parties start Friday. Some will be strictly for cast and crew of presenting films. Leave those alone unless you are friends with the filmmakers. Here are ones to zero in on if you dare:

 

FRIDAY

Sundance Film Festival Official Kickoff Party
SundanceTV HQ, 268 Main St., 4-6 p.m.
The third annual Sundance Film Festival official kickoff party — an invite-only affair — will be hosted by Robert Redford.

 

Facebook, Oculus, Instagram Happy Hour
Coal & Lumber, 201 Heber Ave., 5-8 p.m.
An invite-only cocktail event to toast the “independent storytellers, the creative community and the platforms which bring them together” while experiencing the latest in VR demos.

Intel Tech Lodge

558 Main street, 6-9 p.m.

Experience tech with AI, VR and Intel RealSense. Opening Reception with music, drinks and food.

 

The Sweetheart Deal @ Acura Stage Open to Public. Yay!
Festival Village Presented by Acura, 475 Swede Alley, 6-8 p.m.
The Walking Dead actress Emily Kinney and American Idol contestant Paul McDonald blend their solo efforts as The Sweetheart Deal, live from the Acura Stage.

 

Shabbat Oneg Party @ Shabbat Lounge
Wasatch Brew Pub, 250 Main St., second floor, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

The Moth Mainstage 
SundanceTV HQ, 268 Main St., 7:30-10 p.m.
Five storytellers share their true stories in front of a live, invite-only audience. Presented by GEICO

 

SATURDAY

Shabbat Lounge, Havdalah Concert
Wasatch Brew Pub, 250 Main St., second floor, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. for the lounge, 9-11 p.m. for concert. Shabbat Lounge is open all day with complimentary programs, food and drinks. All are welcome. Havdalah Concert starts at 9 p.m. RSVPs and a full scheduled at sundanceshabbat.org.

 

Après-Ski @ #TwitterLodge
#TwitterLodge, 408 Main St.
Continuing through Sunday, the venue hosts guests for a warm-up and recharge courtesy of hot beverages and snacks.

EcoLuxe Lounge
Blue Iguana Restaurant & Bar, 255 Main St., 12-6 p.m.
The two-day lounge, helmed by the queen of gifting Debbie Durkin, will feature a media center to help escape the cold, farm-to-table comfort food, cocktails, live music and even spa services. The 10th annual event will benefit Shriners for Children Medical Center, which opens its doors this summer in Pasadena.

 

Skullcandy x Skate Kitchen BBQ and Skate Jam

Skullcandy HQ, 6301 N. Landmark Dr., Park City, UT 84098, 12-5PM

Food, action film screenings, live performances will be provided by Jaden Smith, DJ Kitty Cash, DJ Cam Tang, and Doja Cat will be putting on a live music performance.

 

Power Women’s Cocktail
Autograph Collection’s Hotel Park City, 2001 Park Ave, 4-6 p.m.
Aisha Tyler and 20th Century Fox’s Moira Griffin co-host the 2nd annual “Power Women’s Cocktail” put on by Autograph Collection Hotels, the Black List and Sundance Institute & Diversity Initiative, at The Retreat inside Hotel Park City. The event celebrates the female voices in independent film, from screenwriters and actors to directors and producers. Invite-only.

 

The Foxies on the Acura Stage
Festival Village Presented by Acura, 475 Swede Alley, 6-8 p.m.
Phoenix, Arizona indie band The Foxies, led by frontwoman Julia Lauren, mixes various influences like Billy Idol and Blondie, live from the outdoor Acura Stage.

 

CNN Films’ Fifth Anniversary Event, Co-Hosted by THR
O.P. Rockwell, 268 Main St., 9 p.m.
The Hollywood Reporter is helping fete CNN Films’ fifth year at the Sundance Film Festival with an invitation-only party hosted by CNN worldwide president Jeff Zucker and THR editorial director Matthew Belloni. CNN Films will also have a pop-up lounge at Fletcher’s restaurant on Main Street (Jan. 19-21), which will host special events and be open by invite to filmmakers and other festgoers.

 

Yacht Rock Party
SundanceTV HQ, 268 Main St., 9 p.m.
The SundanceTV team and talent are expected at this invite-only affair, which promises to help guests “sail away to the smooth sounds of the ‘70s and ’80s” with live music from Yacht Rock Revue. Cocktails presented by Blue Moon.

 

Sunday

Football Viewing Party
DIRECTV Lodge Presented by AT&T, Heber & Main (formerly Zoom), 660 Main St., 1:05 p.m. & 4:44 p.m. until 7 p.m.
An afternoon of viewing parties of all the gridiron action from the day’s NFL games. Invite-only guests will enjoy an open bar, food by Craig’s and other accoutrement.

Gamechanger Films Reception
The Luxury Escape at St. Regis Deer Valley, 2300 Deer Valley Dr. E, 1-4 p.m.
The 5th annual Luxury Escape sets up shop at the St. Regis Deer Valley Sunday and Monday, luring festivalgoers away from the bustle of Main Street. The Rand Luxury invite-only event.

 

Indie Film Showcase

710 Bodega Tapas And Wine, 710 Main Street, 1:45 – 4 p.m.

Q & A session, and a social networking mixer and cocktail reception

 

LynQing Heroes

Park Avenue, 2-6 p.m.

Debuting LynQ’s latest off-cellular people tracker and Hero New York’s winter backpack collection. Co-hosts include fashion/travel bloggers, movie screenings and hot toddies.

 

Elizabeth and the Catapult on the Acura Stage
Festival Village Presented by Acura, 475 Swede Alley, 6-8 p.m.
Brooklyn-based American singer-songwriter Elizabeth Ziman performs live from the outdoor Acura Stage.

 

Raise Your Glass with Canon
Canon Creative Studio, 592 Main Street, 6-9 p.m.
Raise Your Glass is Canon’s annual toast to the cinematographers of the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.  American Cinematographer magazine joins in on the fun as this year’s co-host. Invite only, all guests must be 21+ and entry is subject to capacity.

 

Autograph Collection Hotels’ Late Night Karaoke Party with Blind Dragon
Autograph Collection’s Hotel Park City, 2001 Park Ave, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
DJ Wade Crescent is spinning at this event, which is open to festgoers who want to sing iconic tunes from indie films.

 

Common and Friends Special Performances
The WanderLuxxe House, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
Exclusive to the house will be a night of private performances led by Common, “Common and Friends Presented by Apex Social Club and Dropbox,” with incredible surprise talent guests scheduled to join in the high-energy evening celebrating the 2018 festival. Drinks by Casamigos Tequila.

 

Midnight at Sundance
SundanceTV HQ, 268 Main St., 9 – 11 p.m.
Celebrate the Midnight section of this year’s festival at this invite-only event presented by Shudder.

 

Tuesday

BMI Snowball
The Shop, 1167 Woodside Ave., 8 p.m.
Rita Wilson, Morgan Saint, Craig Wedren and Skyler Day headline this lineup of performers. Open to festival credential holders 21 years of age and over.

 

Saturday

Sundance Awards Night
In total, 28 prizes will be announced during the ceremony (live-streamed at Sundance.org and on YouTube). Jason Mantzoukas (star of entry The Long Dumb Road) hosts the ceremony, which will also feature a team from Hearts Beat Loud: musicians Keegan DeWitt and Jeremy Bullock with lead actors Nick Offerman on bass and Kiersey Clemons on vocals.

 

 

Epilogue:

My parents managed to make it safely back to Los Angeles but it took two months for my dad to recover to his cantankerous self. Sundance can definitely do a number on the faint of heart so beware. That said, if you have any interested in films and the film industry the Sundance Film Festival is an event not to be missed. 

 

Back in the day there was Xdance, TromaDance, CatDance, SchmoozeDance, ChefDance, LapDance, No Dance, and probably a few more. But the only surviving “dance” besides the king- aka Sundance Film Festival- is SlamDance- an additional indie film fest running concurrently (but on a much smaller scale) than Sundance. However, now, vanlifers and the public without screening passes, get ready for CrashDance!

Bruce!!!! creators are driving into Sundance with Crashdance to flip the script on not being officially selected to screen at the festivals. BRUCE!!!! directed by Eden Marryshow is a present day comedic feature in the spirit of the 80s and 90s films. Bruce is a man who is trying to live his “best” life in all the wrong ways.

The film was created to explore the side of those who refuse to take responsibility for the choices they make and must suffer the consequences. Hence, it’s a coming of age story about a man that’s probably too old to come of age.

 

The film had a production micro-budget of less than $5 thousand dollars. The post-production budget was less than $100 hundred thousand dollars. The shooting took 24 days in total in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

 

Bruce!!!! has already gotten buzz on the fest circuit- an official selection at the Urbanworld Film Festival, the Grand Jury Prize at The American Black Film Festival but was ignored by Sundance staffers.

 

Crashdance Doesn’t Get Mad, It Gets Even

Bruce!!!! filmmakers decided to pack up a sprinter van with a 32″ TV and sound system. They’re bringing the film to the people, hosting popup and digital screenings throughout the fest. The Bruce!!!! themed van will showcase the film as it takes festivalgoers to and from events during Sundance. Director and star, Eden Marryshow, said he got the inspiration for Crashdance from growing up in New York City where musicians didn’t wait for major labels to expose them. “All I saw were street marketing teams for Hip Hop and R&B labels doing the most amazing things to shine light on their music. [Band] logos logos everywhere in every way. So, this is my version, me paying respect to those that came before me, and bringing some of that energy and applying it to the film.”

 

The team will distribute a secret link to watch the film to watch between 8pm-2am from January 18th-25th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your agent called and you have an audition. Wonderful! You got yourself an agent and the agent decided to send you out. That’s huge; but if you have never auditioned or taken an auditioning class, it doesn’t matter how hot you look or how much “raw” talent you have, you’re gonna suck. There are certain rules to the room that you have to know. Sure you might get that part because of your look but that’s a one-off. If you have any desire to build an acting career you need to train. Plain and simple.

I recently sat in on a two-day casting session for a television movie. The extremely gracious casting director tried to give every actor a fighting chance but after a while the auditions got backed up and there was no more time for teaching moments. Game over. If only they had this list ahead of time. Here are some basic audition tips you need to know that will help hide your greenness and just might get you past the reject pile.

What Not To Do In Your Next Audition

1. FORGET A HEADSHOT AND RESUME. CDs may be going digital but you can’t count on it. Always, ALWAYS have a headshot (that actually looks like you) and resume in your car, stapled together and ready to go. Make sure that your name is somewhere on your photo in case the two are separated by the CD. And while we’re on it, double check your spellings; especially the names of directors and acting coaches. Ie, it’s Robert Andrus not Robert Andrews.
2. FORGET TO SLATE. Nine times out of 10, the casting director or his assistant will ask you to “Slate”. KNOW WHAT THAT IS! That’s where you speak directly into the camera and state your name; and usually your talent agency. It’s the only way a director is going to know who you are when they watch back the tape. If you are a minor, you’ll probably have to say your age as well. If the CD doesn’t mention the slate, ask. It’s also okay to ask what they want If you are unsure of what to say. General rule of thumb: If there’s no camera in the room, don’t slate.
3. MOVE OUT OF FRAME– The camera sits on a tripod for a reason. It’s fixed and you should be too; especially if there’s a “mark” on the floor. Ask about your framing if you feel like moving around. If you give the camera person a head’s up they may be willing to follow you.
4. IGNORE YOUR EYELINE. If the CD doesn’t tell you who you with whom you will be reading your scene, ask. AND LISTEN. Nothing says “next!” more than staring into the camera (or the casting director) after you’re told to read to the guy (or girl) sitting to the left of it.
5. BREAK CHARACTER WHEN YOU RUN OUT OF LINES. The scene isn’t over until the CD says it is. Your reader might improv with you, you could start an improv on your own if there’s a long pause or you could just stand there reacting to the last thing said. This is where your “button” and “moment after” come in handy. Take a class for more on those and other techniques that will make your auditions shine.
6. NOT KNOW YOUR LINES. Memorize your lines. If you suck at it or you were sent five pages an hour before the audition, become as familiar with the sides as possible and see #7 below.
7. PRETEND TO BE MEMORIZED. You have your sides. Don’t leave them face down on the floor or chair. HOLD THEM in your hand. It’s much better to look down and grab a line if you must rather than stand there with a brain fart, apologize and ask to start again. Which leads to …..
8. APOLOGIZE – You’ve got to start somewhere? Do it in class not at an audition. Walking in and saying, “I’m sorry…This is my first audition, I’m nervous, I got the sides today, I have allergies,” is not charming, endearing or an adequate disclaimer. If you have to apologize, you don’t belong in the room. Own whatever it is you chose to do and never apologize for it. One, it calls attention to something the CD might have overlooked and two, it makes you look insecure, unprofessional and needy. If you forget a line, stay in character, look at your sides and continue.
9. ASK FOR A RETAKE. You only get to do those at home or with selfies. Here, you make the first one count. The only exception is if you honestly have a completely different read planned. You’ve prepared the sides for that serial killer role both as a tormented, sexually abused drug addict and as the guy next door who has a thing for blood and you’d like them to see your range. Don’t be afraid to ask but also don’t feel rejected if they say no. Do your best then let it go.
10. STAY WHEN IT’S TIME TO LEAVE. It’s over, the CD says thank you. Unless you are good friends and have some catching up to do, be gracious, thank them back and walk out. Don’t linger as if to say, “Are you sure you don’t want me to do it again?” If they want to see more of you, they will call you back.

 

If you’ve read to the end of this list of audition tips you may realize that there’s so much more to learn when it comes to acting. Get out there and train; find coaches you click with, and never stop practicing. The more you do it, the more confident and better you get. See you on set!  

All it took was one Facebook post. A camera person in Utah wanting to know the status and contact info for one of the new films in Utah. My ears perked. Since Andi Mack, Westworld and Mosaic wrapped, the industry here has been incredibly slow. As a local actor all you want to do is audition and book, and when the well feels dry, like a lost soul in the desert, you crawl towards any drop of water you can find. Yellowstone, however, is a swimming pool.

New Television Series Films In Utah

Perhaps it’s just a rumor. There’s no mention of this Paramount Network/Viacom project coming to Utah. But then several of my film crew buddies already have it on their radar. 

BTW, if you’re just now tuning into the film industry in Utah let me explain that we might not be Atlanta and the source of all things undead but we’re no small potatoes either. With a solid talent pool, stable, professional crew, easy airport/travel access, phenomenal seasonal weather, locations from wild west to upscale city, a film incentive, non-union status and welcoming locals, Utah should be the place. This year alone, you can watch the critically acclaimed features Wind River and Brigsby Bear; laugh and scream to the awesome Snatchers TV series playing on Stage13’s Go90.com Channel; your tweens will beg for more Andi Mack, replay Westworld on HBOGo, and though you may have missed ABC’s Blood and Oil because of crappy reviews, it was actually pretty decent.

Luke Grimes was just announced to star opposite Kevin Costner in Yellowstone. Needless to say that not only is Utah abuzz, Hollywood is tittering too. The Paramount Network Mega-western almost sounds like a reboot of Blood and Oil with a much bigger cast and writer (Award-winning Taylor Sheridan). Here’s the logline: an intense study of a violent world far from media scrutiny — where land grabs make developers billions, and politicians are bought and sold by the world’s largest oil and lumber corporations. Where drinking water poisoned by fracking wells and unsolved murders are not news: they are a consequence of living in the new frontier.

The scene is set in Montana, not North Dakota like B&O. But the actual filming location for both is Utah! There are ruthless land developers, Indians, and America’s first national park. Costner will play John Dutton, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S., Grimes plays his youngest son, Cory. (Wonder if John has grandkids? Teehee.)

“The show is both timely and timeless. As much as it explores themes painfully relevant to the world today, it explores the very essence of family, and how the actions of one member can alter the course of generations,” Sheridan told the Hollywood Reporter.

Taylor Sheridan’s Role

Sheridan will write and direct the 10-episode season of Yellowstone and everyone is chomping at the bit for a read. His credits include Sicario and Wind River. He’s also an actor which means he’s an “actor’s director.” John and Art Linson (Sons of Anarchy, Fight Club, Heat) will exec produce alongside the Weinstein Co.’s Harvey Weinstein and David Glasser. We’re talking heavy hitters in the film world.

Yellowstone begins production in the fall and has a 2018 premiere slot on Paramount Network (the rebranded Spike TV Channel). No word yet on locals’ casting but here some info if you’d like to be an extra.

 

“I did something stupid,” a fellow actor friend confessed. “I’m being a film extra on Mosaic.” Mosaic is an upcoming HBO production and one of the several film projects that has made its way to Park City and the new Park City Film Studios; and “being an extra” basically means being one of the bodies in the background of said movies. Sometimes, those people are called “atmosphere.” Talk about dehumanizing.

“That’s not stupid,” I told her. “You get to be on set with the talented Steven Soderbergh directing; you’re featured so we’ll be able to see your face, you get a free lunch, snacks and money for doing next-to-nothing all day.” If you are not a professional actor and have a flexible work schedule, in other words a seasonal employee, film extra work is anything but stupid.

“It’s not every day where you get an opportunity to be part of something that can become big,” said Utah’s G and G Casting Director Gumby Kounthong. “You’ll meet interesting people and take away an experience worth sharing. Plus you get paid for it.”

Rules For A Film Extra

All you need to be a film extra for a day (or even more) is the right attitude and a normal level of professionalism. You don’t pay to sign up for an agency; you don’t need those acting headshots or an acting resume. “Reliability, being on time, listening to directions and having a flexible schedule are what count,” said Kounthong. “You need to treat extra work like a job. It’s fun, but you’re working.” Your job is to blend in, not stand out. Being a film extra, however, can stymie an actor’s chances of an actual role which is why my friend thought it was “stupid”.

I did a day as an extra on the ABC/Don Johnson series Blood and Oil. I had auditioned twice without landing anything so I figured it was my only shot at getting an inside (and insider’s) peek at the new Studios before the show ended. I worked five hours, sitting on a bar stool at the No Name (aka Tack Room), made $101.50, was treated well and had lunch with the writer of that particular episode. We had a ton in common- law graduates, lived in the San Fernando Valley, had kids the same age. I thought we had a connection. Turns out the writer complained about me because “an extra” dared to talk to him. Whaaat?! Can you say jerk? But such is the Hollywood mentality. It doesn’t mean Utahns are stupid to choose to play all day in Park City and get paid for it. It means some Hollywood asses are stupid to think we are subhuman.

 

SUCK UP YOUR EGO

There are three tiers of background work:

Extras –

There is absolutely no acting here. You won’t put this gig on your resume nor will anyone “discover” you. You walk past a door, sit in a bar, silently mingle at a party. You will be an unrecognizable body milling in the background. Your day could be one hour; it could be 12. You will sit in a holding area that may or may not have heat, chairs, or wifi. You plan accordingly- bring a chair, jacket, a book, your wifi hotspot. There will, however, be food. Lots of snacks and nibbles; lunch fed to you after the all other cast and crew have gotten theirs. You also might get rad hair and makeup like I did for Mythica. $101.50/day.

Being A Featured Film Extra-

The waiters who pour coffee for the lead actors or open a car door or play dead for the CSI team. You have no lines but you play a meaningful part. These parts usually go to those with a specific “look” or talent. You’re a 20-ish ethnic ballet dancer. A casting job ad might look like this one from Netflix’s Deidre and Laney Rob a Train filmed last August in Salt Lake:

D&LRAT | 2 days left | Women’s Prison Scene | Thurs. 8/4 | Looking for a featured extra ($150) Heavily Tattooed Woman.

Featured is a lot cooler than being a plain ‘ol film extra. Your friends will notice you if 1) your scene isn’t cut and 2) they don’t blink. You still won’t be discovered but if you are recognizable in a scene, they can’t use you in any other scenes at different locations. You get more money and often a shorter day. $150/day. Bonus, if you do stunts like I did in Ice Spiders.

Stand-Ins –

The crew uses look-a-likes to help position the lighting and cameras for the next scene or “take” while the stars take a break. No one will ever see you as a stand-in but you get treated better than the two above. You get to hang with the lead actors as well as spend time with the director and crew. Plus, you eat before the other extras. $150/day.

If you are interested in getting on set in Utah go to gandgcasting.com, follow posts on Utah Actors (http://utahactors.ning.com/forum) and Yun Casting on Facebook, and check in regularly with the Utah Film Commission to see what’s coming.