SEED Us Society is a concept of Being Investments, a global advisory board supporting impact funding initiatives. They believe each person plays a strategic role in developing ideas into action.
Located in the heart of historic Main Street, the SEED Us activation will be hosted in the WELLHAUS Lounge at the brand-new Old Town Cellars (OTC, 408 Main Street) on January 25th 3:00 – 6:00pm during the festivals’ kick-off weekend.
SATURDAY, January 25:
3:00pm-4:00pm: SEED Mind/Body/Soul Empowered Storytelling– “Play is the New Currency!”
Be a part of the show with storyteller’s Master of Ceremony, Host, and Founder of SEED Brandi Veil and World Renown Vocologist Mister CoRey educating the audience on why “play is the new currency.”
4:00pm-4:30pm: Healing Sound Alchemy Sound Bath Activation : “Sound is Medicine” “Healing Sound Alchemy Is at the forefront of bridging the future of therapy music into the mainstream with Shamanic and Celestial Sounds.”
4:30pm-5:30pm: “Not Panel” Learn About Impact Funding and How Member Groups Can Support Your Projects
Amanda Manares Founder, MindAstronaut, Venture Partnerships, and SEED Advisory
5:30pm-6:00pm: muSIC House Live Music Performance & Networking Social. MusicHouse a Social Intelligent Collective presents performers Monique Benabou, NBC’s The Voice alum & Angus Wilson, Executive Producer & MH Co-founder.
For information on how to nominate your project, co-host to support the current project email: seedussociety@gmail.com
Nearly every day I see posts on the Utah Filmmakers’ page and various other casting spots-
CASTING- Short film to be submitted to film festivals. Unpaid. “Craft services” will be provided.
So you read between the lines. Someone’s passion project that maybe has enough $$ to pay for post production and some festival entry fees and probably won’t make it beyond the LDS or LA online film festivals. But, still, there is that carrot. Maybe my film will make it into Sundance.
The Sundance Film Festival is regarded as the largest American independent film festival in the land; attended by more than 120,000 people and 1,300 accredited press. Broadcast world wide on TV and Youtube. And every filmmaker seems to think they have a “Sundance film.”
This year, Sundance organizers sifted through a record-breaking 15,100 submissions including 3,853 feature-length films and 10,397 short film submissions. Guess how many are chosen to screen? 118 feature-length films and 74 shorts. I’m not a whiz at math but 74 out of 10k seems like nasty odds to me.
Don’t let that stop you. Why not strike out for the Holy Grail? Crazier things have been known to happen. I had an editor once tell me that I should write as if I’m going to enter the article into a competition. Translation: Give it your all even if you have a snowflake’s shot in hell.
In two weeks, the Sundance Film Festival will bombard little Park City, Utah, and those in the film industry, press and general public will have a chance to see what “giving it your all” looks like to Fest organizers. To be honest, I’ve seen a lot of terrible films at Sundance. One in particular involved seeing Dennis Hopper in full frontal. No one should ever have to see that. But I’ve also seen gems like High Tension, Marjorie Prime, Winter’s Bone, Garden State, Whiplash, Reservoir Dogs, Memento, Before Sunrise. Sorry, Napoleon Dynamite fans. Not my fave. See? Here’s the thing. One girl’s dog is another’s diamond.
Is Sundance Worth the Hype
People come to Sundance for a thousand different reasons.
Invited filmmakers obviously come for the accolades, to sell their babies and network with those who can further their career. They have the honor of walking a red carpet, seeing their film play out onscreen in front of a packed house of press, cinephiles and distributors and they get to party like they’re Prince in 1999.
Distributors come for that “first look” and set up frantic phone calls and meetings at all hours during the Fest, deciding whether to snag a film and have it announced to the world right then and there.
Festival Sponsors and Brands spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get their name and message in front of those 120,000. Dell, Stella Artois, AT&T, Acura, Lyft, Chase Sapphire are some of the “official sponsors” but then there are the “unofficial ones” who save serious $$$ and piggy back on the parade by hosting their own lounges and parties along Main Street and off. Brands like Grey Goose, LegionM, Google, Sony, National Geographic, ICM work their magic for celeb and industry attention but more on the sly. Who could forget when Uber tried to have a private launch pad within city limits for a VIP helicopter. Their events are primarily “VIP only” while most of the official Sundance sponsors welcome the general public.
The circle completes with print and online media who not only benefit financially from the interviews, panels and red carpet walks by the filmmakers but also establish key relationships with brand sponsors who might shower them with swag to write about or endorse their future projects.
Where Do You Fit In
You’re not a brand, a journalist or invited filmmaker so what’s in it for you? The average Joe may attend Sundance to catch a peek of their favorite actor, see a film before anyone else, hear some of the best live music in Utah at various venues up and down Main, take a virtual test spin in an Acura, participate in giveaways, grab a free beer at the Canada Goose Basecamp happy hours and just take in the Hollywood scene. If you wind up talking to the right crowd you might even get invited to one of those late night VIP parties. My boyfriend was friends with bouncers all over town and they would let us in while others lined up for hours.
Or maybe you are a nascent actor, screenwriter or director looking to meet someone to further your career dreams? Let me tell you an anecdote. Prior to the Fest, I was handed a brilliant script to peddle that would have been a killer vehicle for my daughter as the lead and, of course, a “Sundance film”. Despite meeting agents, producers, directors, and other writers, not a single one read that script. Ever. You don’t go to Sundance hoping to be discovered. These industry folk have better things to do with their limited Sundance time.
Why I Do Sundance
I often dream that one day either my daughter or I will have a film that premieres at Sundance, not because we’ll be “seen”, be handed larger roles, or walk through town laden with shopping bags teeming with swag. Because we would get to explore Sundance as a whole other dimension. It seems like such a brilliant world.
But that isn’t why I go. I grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Utah in 1990. Once a year, I get a little taste of home. The long lines for film premieres, the Q and As with filmmakers, paparazzi/celeb sightings, coffee with an old friend, the showcasing of latest trends, the sting of gridlock traffic and the joy of knowing the circus leaves at the end of the month. For two weeks out of the year, Park City turns into little Hollywood. It’s pretty f*^%ing cool.
Part of the fun of the Sundance Film Festival is the faces. If you live in LA you have probably become immune to the diversity and celebrity roaming your streets and sharing booth space at the local diner but here in Utah- the land of (mostly) white- it’s like a breath of fresh air blasting through Park City.
Grab a free hot beverage inside one of the many sponsor venues, cup of Get a cup of something warm, take a window seat and watch the sea of PIB (People In Black) wave up and down Main Street.
The Names Please For Sundance ’19
Here are just some of the notables expected to attend the Fest this year. See how many you can check off the list.
The Sundance Film Festival kicks off January 24 and for 10 days the little resort town of Park City, Utah, turns into what can only be described as a faux movie set for “People in Black”. The shops, galleries and restaurants that locals recommend become ones they all avoid as brands like Grey Goose and Lyft move in and take over. Every other storefront is rented out for high dollars; transformed into lounges, suites and party venues for Sundance filmmakers, media, brands and wanna-be-seen celebrities.
Main Street and Park City proper swell under the heavy traffic and crowds. More than 124,000 people are expected to attend the independent film festival and while most will stand in line to see at least one of the 200 films slated (the Festival is said to have broken its record for the most film submissions at 14,259), many will spend their time wandering through town and the various activations and brand installations. In fact, there really is no need to purchase $20-25 tickets to see films that will eventually make it to Netflix unless you want bragging rights or an opportunity to sit in on the Q&As. Instead, ride the free Park City bus and take in the “scene”.
There are both “official” and “unofficial” attractions. Many require an invite and guestlist, some a Festival credential ($$) and others are free and open to the public. Here is just some of the fun to be had in #crazytown.
Open To The Public
Festival Co-op 608 Main St., Park City
Friday, January 25–Friday, February 2, 2019
Stop in for all sorts of interactions: Complimentary charging stations provided by AT&T and technology provided by Dell. Warm up with hot crafted coffee blends. Enter for a chance to win a prize to a fabulous mystery destination. Learn about the Sundance Institute’s work supporting independent artists and for a chance to win cool prizes. Visit with the University of Utah Health Wellness Hub to warm up, enjoy a free chair massage, and recharge before your next film. Test your film knowledge and get a limited-edition pin and postcard from the Utah Film Commission and chat with WordPress.com and snap a photo of yourself with an inspiring and interactive mural created by an internationally known street artist.
Acura Festival Village
480 Swede Alley
Friday, January 25–Saturday, February 2, noon–6:00 p.m.
Acura invites you to take a seat in the Acura NSX supercar or any of the entire lineup on display. Or, recharge with complimentary hot beverages and phone-charging stations. Guests also can capture Festival memories in the Acura winter wonderland photo booth and hear live daily programming on the Acura Stage including industry and celebrity panels, and live music. Wrap up the day on the heated patio with Acura Hours, along with partner Stella Artois.
Canada Goose Basecamp
449 Main St.
Friday, January 25–Tuesday, January 29, noon–6:00 p.m.
Known as the unofficial jacket of film crews, Canada Goose invites you to warm up by trying on some of their coats. Such a tease! Not many can afford the pricetag. But at least you can enjoy complimentary hot beverages, WiFi and charging stations as well as explore an interactive exhibit that showcases their history in front of and behind the lens.
Chase Sapphire® on Main
573 Main St.
Jan.25-Feb.1 The public is welcome to a variety of activities like cooking and VR demos. Sample food from around the country, watch the LA Times live film panel discussions with filmmakers and talent. Show off your Sapphire credit card for private admittance to parties, a dining concierge, and a lounge featuring a premium coffee bar from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and wine and beer tastings from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also pick up a commemorative 2019 Sundance Film Festival water bottle.
The Dell Den
528 Main St.
Jan. 25-28
Dell Technologies will display the work of creators from post-production demos to gamified AI and offer ask-the-expert sessions. There will also be networking with industry leaders across film, media, and sustainability, as well as portraits from famed photographer Mark Mann.
Lyft Lounge
556 Main St.
Jan. 24-27
Riding Park City’s free shuttles got you down? Come rest your weary head at the Lyft Lounge. The drinks aren’t free but the heated space and conversation with fellow film enthusiasts is. Yes, you can catch a Lyft when you’re ready to leave.
Wellhaus
412 Main Street
CBD had to make an appearance at Sundance, where trends take hold. The first-ever CBD focused activation is brought to you by Axcess Entertainment and Charlotte’s Web to educate and entertain the public and the festival community on the rapidly growing CBD movement. There will be daily talks, panel discussions, VIP activations and the first-ever CBD Gastropub/CBD infusion bar.
Savvy Minerals Sip & Lip Bar
580 Main St
Sat Jan 26 2019 at 11:00 am – 07:00 pm
This chic space from Young Living Essential Oils will help guests find their perfect winter lipshade from the line of clean and natural beauty products while sipping on a refreshing NingXia Zyng.
Credential Holders
Filmmaker Lodge Elks Building 550 Main St. (2nd Floor) Friday, January 25–Friday, February 1
A casual meeting place and café designed to cultivate dialogue among filmmakers, industry leaders, and the press, where lively panel discussions and conversations occur on a range of current issues.
Kimball Art Center
1401 Kearns Blvd.
Partner panels are open to all Festival credential holders and the general public as space allows. The Sundance Institute Talent Forum takes place from January 29- 31.
SundanceTV HQ
268 Main St.
January 25–30
SundanceTV, the official television network of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, opens the doors for daily panel conversations (at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.) and private evening events like the Official Kick-Off Party (Friday), the third annual Yacht Rock Party (Saturday), and a special storytelling event with The Moth (Monday). Public can wander in on the off hours for Wifi and charging.
Pizza Hut x Legion M Lounge
322 Main St.
Jan. 25-27
Legion M is using the new equity crowdfunding law to take film fans behind-the-scenes and allow them to experience the thrill of investing in movies, television shows and digital content. Learn how you can help shape entertainment with nightly panel discussions and free pizza!
New Frontier
Two Locations-
The Ray/The Box at The Ray 1768 Park Ave.
New Frontier Central 950 Iron horse Dr., Park City
This space used to be open to the public but it seems you’re not worthy this year without a credential. The social and creative space showcases media installations, multimedia performances, transmedia experiences, panel discussions, and more. You can check out the Festival program for the schedule.
Friday, January 25–Friday, February 1, 2019 1:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The venue showcases an eclectic mix of exceptional music makers handpicked by ASCAP. The space is tight and mostly standing room only so it’s rare that non-credential holders get in.
Stella’s Film Lounge
364 Main St.
Jan.25-28
The official beer of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival celebrates the films and filmmakers that are shaping culture and moving the industry forward. From cast parties to daily panel discussions, festivalgoers are welcome to stop by to raise a chalice with them.
EcoLuxe Lounge PARK CITY at the top of Main celebrates its 12th year supporting indie film at Sundance. Debbie Durkin’s hospitality suite features Utah’s film critic Tony Toscano interviewing Stars of 2019 Film premieres, open bar, DJ, all-day buffet from Snake Creek Grill in Heber, Utah, pampering, and brand sponsor showcases like Dr. Spa skincare and more.
DIRECTV LODGE PRESENTED BY AT&T
660 Main St.
The VarietyStudio presented by AT&T will host its longstanding portrait and video studio from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and AT&T and DIRECTV will host daily lunches from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for celebrities, tastemakers, premiere parties, and cast dinners for some of the Festival’s most buzzworthy titles.
Wanderluxxe Filmmaker Lounge
Main Street
WanderLuxxe, the coveted membership concierge service returns to the Sundance Film Festival with partners Essential Costa Rica, Sunlighten infrared saunas, Lululemon, STARE Cosmetics, The Lovely Loba skincare, Peroni, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, and Kobricks coffee. Film enthusiasts to indie filmmakers will experience exclusive perks and insider access to a host wellness activities like yoga, facials, panels and parties.
The Luxury Escape
St Regis
This has been one of the coolest activations every year for networking and partying. Stashed way up at the St Regis Deer Valley, RAND Luxury’s 6th annual weekend will host several events including private cast dinners and receptions.
Kia Telluride Supper Suite
890 Main St #5115
A-List Communications is back for its fifth year at the Mustang restaurant on lower Main to have Greene St. Kitchen of Las Vegas serve top festival talent at private cast dinners and cocktail receptions. Guests will also be able to check out the all-new Telluride SUV, Kia’s first eight-passenger SUV as the brand is using the Fest to showcase its rugged side. Celebrities and VIP media with also get door-to-door chauffeur-driven car service via KIA. Once inside the Suite, they’ll sip Tequila Comisario, Sensi Tuscany Wines, Dragon Fly Coffee Roasters, Blue Moon Belgian White beer, and Lifewtr.
Salesforce Music Lodge
710 Main Street
The lively space will celebrate music as a platform for change. Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Régine Chassagne are scheduled to perform. There will also be daily happy hour Q&As with KCRW personality Anne Litt, a pop-up gallery exhibition with renowned music photographer Danny Clinch, hosted bar, DJ and cultural cuisine from presenting sponsor, Louisiana Office of Tourism and New Orleans.
AP Music Lodge (same as Salesforce ML)
Daily Mardi Gras bashes, Louisiana delicacies, appearances by some of the festivals most in-demand names and members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as well as a variety of musical performances will be part of this venue’s schedule.
Blackhouse
804 Main Street
Jan. 24-28
Panels, conversations, receptions, and events focused on film, television, digital and emerging platforms that help Black creative voices and executives gain a better foothold in the industry.
It’s begun. The Park City Sundance storm nearly rivals the actual Snowmaggedon that this ski hamlet has felt for the past month and continues to experience. Park City is bracing themselves- $100 parking lots and all- for the flood of People in Black. We are a mere day away from the extravagant parties and film premieres, the branding and “activations”. Trends are made during Sundance. Two years ago Merrell Footwear sponsored a venue with Oculus Rift where VIPs and the public could test their Capra hiking boot while walking a precipice in the Dolomites.
Who knew that the next year (2016), we’d usher in an unprecedented number of virtual reality installations- most free and open to the public- to tout the future of filmmaking?
Sundance isn’t just about films. In fact, most of the movies that become Sundance darlings will make it to Netflix and Amazon within the year. For those not wanting to spend $20-25 a pop, then wait in line for 30 minutes in the cold before you’re seated in a makeshift movie theater, there is instead a themepark of filmmaking awaiting you around every corner. Some events are invite only; others are fair game-
Open to the Public
Festival HQ, Marriott Hotel- Unless you are picking up credentials or free tickets, there is NOTHING to see or do here. In fact, the volunteers will snub everyone and anyone without a credential so don’t bother.
FESTIVAL BASECAMP- Free waffles, Anyone? Last year, Saturday’s Waffle brought their trailer up and handed out the most delicious plates of sweetness you could imagine. The truck will be inside the Basecamp and between the New Frontier VR Palace and the Canada Goose Lounge where free panel discussions and music concerts are held throughout the Fest. Visitors get free wifi, charging stations, snacks and drinks from 11:00a – 4:00p., one block behind Main Street on Swede Alley. http://www.sundance.org/festivals/sundance-film-festival/program/FBC-guide
FESTIVAL CO-OP at 608 Main-
Visit with some of the 2017 Festival sponsors and sign up to be on a plethora of mailing lists while entering to win prizes from sponsors like American Airlines. Coppola wines will feature two unique experiences for attendees this year: Drink in the Moment, projected at Miner’s Plaza, and The Big Picture, showcased at the Festival Co-op. Grab swag like a complimentary special edition Sundance Institute–branded S’well bottles. Jan. 20–27, 10:00 a.–6 p.
FILMMAKER LODGE- Credential holders get in and the public squeezes in on a space available list. Network with filmmakers, industry leaders, and the press, in between lively panel discussions. Elks Building, 550 Main St., Jan. 20 – 28, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
ACURA LOUNGE -Get your wristband and experience Mood Roads, a one-of-a-kind, immersive VR journey. Take a spin in the Acura NSX supercar VR Simulator. Check in with your wristband at Acura stations in Festival Village and at Acura displays on Main Street for daily chances to win Acura rewards. They’ll also have live entertainment and free snacks. Jan. 20–28, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
UTAH FILM COMMISSION HUB- A community space where you can network with local Sundance Film Festival attendees and filmmakers, grabs snacks, coffee and charge up. Collect a limited edition Utah Film Commission pin and take advantage of the free wifi. This year, Utah respresents with four features: Brigsby Bear, Deidra & Laney Rob a Train, Snatchers, and Wind River.Jan. 20-26, 10-2p film.utah.gov/2017sff
JAUNT VR LOUNGE at 580 Main St.- Experience the next frontier of storytelling at this weeklong VR lounge. See more than 20 immersive VR experiences and learn more about VR filmmaking, from production to distribution. Thru Wed Jan. 25, 10:30a-5 p.
OCULUS HOUSE at 201 Heber Ave- The Oculus team from Facebook will showcase the latest VR films and share projects from the VR for Good program and offer demos of Oculus Rift and Touch, the Samsung Gear VR, and other events throughout the week. oculusatsundance.com.
UPLOAD VR LOUNGE at 306 Main- Upload will be hosting a delicious complimentary brunch prepared by Chef John Murcko 11a, Sunday Jan. 22. After the eats, they’ll host a series of panels and fireside chats, and VR demos. They continue into the night with the Upload Mixer from 9 p – 12 a.
THE NORTH FACE STORE- Drop in on Thursday Jan. 26 4p for a private screening of Meru and a chat with Utah director and athlete Renan Ozturk.
And a little tougher entrance-
WINTER WELLNESS COLLECTIVE LOUNGE- Healthy food, yoga and fitness classes, sound healing, meditation and even beauty touch-ups. The Wellness Collective Lounge is a pop-up at 136 Heber Ave, #304 to help you find your chill amid the chaos. There will also be evening panel discussions and events.
ZEN DEN WELLNESS SUITE – More escapism in the Gateway Center where celebrities and other Park City Sundance Festival attendees enjoy a peaceful respite. Presented by the Los Angeles-based non-profit Heal One World, an organization which provides free wellness to underserved communities, the Zen Den will host conscious happy hour events, evening parties, daytime classes in Yo-chi (Yoga with Tai Chi) and chocolate meditation. A Peaceful Women’s gathering with meditation is planned for Saturday afternoon.
ECOLUXE LOUNGE – A true survivor in the luxury category for Park City and Sundance. The all eco-friendly attitude and unique brands presented at the Blue Iguana space at the top of Main make this one of my favorite stops. Floral designer Betsy Borden, Dancing Daisies Floral, Betsy Borden, Dancing Daisies Floral has created an organic, living eco – mountain forest. Snake Creek Grill Snake Creek Grille Chef Dean Hottle will serve up tasty eats. CMFR Canada will be putting celebs in their extreme winter, high fashion coats while Barefoot ECO Outfitters will gift vintage-inspired, eco-friendly mountain apparel. There’s also a wellness spa from Utah’s WHOLE HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP and Titos Vodka if that doesn’t help.
LUXURY LOUNGE at the St Regis Deer Valley- Hands down the Rand agency through the best party at the Fest last year. Super low key but the invitation only soiree drew executive producers, directors, actors, editors, film investors, distributors, and exclusively invited VIP guests for hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and brand gifting.
SPG AMEX & LA TIMES HQ LOUNGE at 314 Main- American Express & Starwood Preferred Guest members can pop in thru Jan. 24, 9 a.-5p. for coffee, cocoa and things to “spike” them up. The NoMad Happy Hour from 3-5p will add food to your plate along with beer and wine.
THE HUB and SNOWFEST at Park City Live- It starts with The Hub- a one-stop shop for filmmakers and key influencers to promote their projects. There’s a 4K Ultra High-Definition (UHD) TV showcase with televisions from LG, Samsung and Sony, presented by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Marie Claire and Who What Wear will be onsite to talk women in film, fashion trends and in the What’s Trending Studio and musical.ly, celebrities will be chatting about their films and upcoming projects. Proceeds from the live stream will be donated to Operation Smile. There will be food from The Mellow Mushroom, a Tanqueray Gin & Juice Bar and Splenda coffee bar. Jan. 20-23, 11-5p.
At night, the place gets rocking with SNOWFEST- showcasing some of the world’s most relevant and famous live musical acts, celebrity hosts and world-renown DJs with Hollywood’s elite in attendance. Electro group, Major Lazer, tonight, followed by Tiesto on Sat. Enigmatic masked DJ and producer, Marshmello will rock the house Sunday. On Monday, January 23rd, “Back In The Day”, celebrates the golden age of hip hop with Doug E. Fresh and on Tuesday night, Michael Franti & Spearhead will take to the stage. RL Grime, Busta Rhymes, ZEDD, Lophiile German will close out the final Fest weekend. Tickets are available for purchase at www.Parkcitylive.net.
