As a follow-up to my earlier post about navigating the Sundance Film Festival, I thought it'd be fun to share a video of one of my own personal experiences at the festival. My friend, Vanessa, and I decided to keep up a daily vlog at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. This is a fun little compilation I made of what we managed to record during our time there.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Monday, September 15, 2014
How to Sundance: Tips for Navigating the Sundance Film Festival
Attending the Sundance Film Festival can either be one of the best or worst experiences of your life, depending on what you make of it. It isn't easy, but if you know how to roll with it, it is incredibly rewarding. Here are some things I've learned from my own Sundance experiences over the years...
First of all, your Sundance experience doesn't have to be expensive.
In the past years, my friend and I haven't spent over $200 for the entire trip. This has included fuel, lodging, food, and, of course, film tickets. Here's how we manage our budget:
My favorite thing about the festival is that it's a chance to meet other cinephiles from all around the world. Take advantage of this opportunity and don't be afraid to strike up conversations with people on the shuttles, those in line with you, and your fellow audience members. This is how I've met and received great advice from directors, screenwriters, and film critics. It's also earned me many friends who I still keep in touch with.
Keep your eyes open.
Just walking along Main Street, you can receive free tickets, clothes, food, and even business opportunities if you're vigilant. People with things to offer are looking for those who are alert instead of walking by with blank stares. They will see when they have your attention and they will come to you.
Stay optimistic.
Ultimately, your attitude is what will make or break this experience for you. It's easy to complain about the bitter cold, the long waits, and the crowded shuttles. However, it's just as easy to keep a bright outlook and find joy in the simplest moments, such as meeting interesting people, seeing intriguing films, and learning new things. Let yourself get caught up in the spirit of the festival and make the most of this experience. I've found that the more positive your attitude is, the more positive events will come your way.
The Sundance Film Festival holds a unique experience for every individual. You get to decide what yours will be. It's takes a little work and a lot of luck, but if you learn to be flexible and take advantage of each moment, you won't regret your time spent there. Enjoy!
First of all, your Sundance experience doesn't have to be expensive.
In the past years, my friend and I haven't spent over $200 for the entire trip. This has included fuel, lodging, food, and, of course, film tickets. Here's how we manage our budget:
- Lodging - You can save so much money on lodging by staying in some of the smaller hotels in the nearby city of Heber. It's off the radar of the festival-goers from out of state and therefore less crowded and more reasonably priced.
- Food - Instead of waiting out in the cold in a long line to get into a ridiculously expensive restaurant on Main Street, scout out some of the smaller gems around town. My friend and I love grabbing a bite to eat at little, out-of-the-way diners. It gives you more time to see films, is far more affordable, and is just as delicious. Because we stayed in Heber, our favorite spot is the Dairy Keen on Main Street. Grabbing breakfast at Starbucks is excellent as well.
- Films - If you don't want to buy the expensive pre-sold ticket packages at the festival, there other great options for getting tickets. My favorite method is the waitlist. Up until this past year, you would show up a couple of hours before a film and receive a number that represented your spot in line. You would then leave and return just before the film and see if enough seats in the theater had opened up for you to get in. This past year, however, the E-waitlist was introduced. With this system, you sign up online for a spot in line. Tickets for waitlisters are $15 (quite a bargain).
My favorite thing about the festival is that it's a chance to meet other cinephiles from all around the world. Take advantage of this opportunity and don't be afraid to strike up conversations with people on the shuttles, those in line with you, and your fellow audience members. This is how I've met and received great advice from directors, screenwriters, and film critics. It's also earned me many friends who I still keep in touch with.
Keep your eyes open.
Just walking along Main Street, you can receive free tickets, clothes, food, and even business opportunities if you're vigilant. People with things to offer are looking for those who are alert instead of walking by with blank stares. They will see when they have your attention and they will come to you.
Stay optimistic.
Ultimately, your attitude is what will make or break this experience for you. It's easy to complain about the bitter cold, the long waits, and the crowded shuttles. However, it's just as easy to keep a bright outlook and find joy in the simplest moments, such as meeting interesting people, seeing intriguing films, and learning new things. Let yourself get caught up in the spirit of the festival and make the most of this experience. I've found that the more positive your attitude is, the more positive events will come your way.
The Sundance Film Festival holds a unique experience for every individual. You get to decide what yours will be. It's takes a little work and a lot of luck, but if you learn to be flexible and take advantage of each moment, you won't regret your time spent there. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)