So, after having some time to reflect on my Sundance trip this year, I've drawn some conclusions. The economy has effected everybody, everywhere. I observed lighter crowds in the streets of Park City, I saw less paparazzi at the venues and the Festival hotspots, and heard about less film acquisitions. The distributors weren't throwing money around to beat the other guy to the punch. it was more about risk taking and buying at bargain prices.

I heard rumors that Sundance lost about 30% of their corporate sponsorship this year. They were forced to trim back on parties and celebrations, venue set-ups, and promotion. And I'm not sure this was a bad thing. I had no trouble getting into any film I wanted to, though the pre-sales again were a real pain in the ass. That part of the ticketing process has been a thorn in my side for the past 4 years, and there's been little improvement to the process. But I think I whined about that in an earlier blog... trust me IT SUCKS!

I don't think that the quality of the films suffered, though I am getting a bit tired of films that have major studio backing screening alongside VERY Independent films, both competing for the same award categories. It isn't fair in my opinion, when a film has a major cash flow and can spend, spend, spend, while the little guy, sometimes a first-time filmmaker, fights tooth and nail to conserve every penny spent to make a product. Then there always seems to be a little nepotism in choosing "favorite sons" to return to the fest. It's like you're granted a free pass if you're an alumnus of the Fest, and especially if your project manages to come through the Sundance Institute's programs.

The shorts programs were a bit disappointing. I screened two of them and found only a handful of films even close to worthy. They say they received some 6000 shorts entries and picked 99 of the best, well... if these were the "best", that's disappointing. Seemed like the shorts programmers were into dark subject matter, sexual abuse, flagrant drug use, and sophomorically stylized crap. The animation program was again a bit disappointing, and it seemed the programmers were more impressed with technology than story telling and originality. This program's highlight was the hand-drawn, Hertzfeldt animation, "I Am So Proud of You", who draws the biggest appreciation.

The transportation system continues to be a huge success in Park City, even with the addition of a more remote venue at the Temple. They added another route loop. Buses were less crowded. I had no trouble finding street parking each day in Park City, and most venues had a few empty seats, unlike previous years.

Overall I enjoyed my trip. It was less high-pressure than my previous visits, as it was not an official "scouting trip" for the Film Fest I program. This was on my dime and I turned down the pace a bit. I finally managed to screen some films at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden. A beautiful auditorium, restored to its historic splendor in a town that is trying to emerge from the ashes like a Phoenix. That was a fun "boy's night out on the town".

I had plenty of time to socialize with many of my adopted friends in the Salt Lake area, though sadly somehow I lost a friend... another story for another time. Mel and Deb and I enjoyed our time together and I certainly again was fortunate to have the opportunity of their hospitality, fine food, and a warm bed every night.

What would I like to see change at Sundance?..

For one I'd love to see them get back to their original focus of being an outlet for truly Independent Filmmaking. Less Hollywood and less big name stars. Funny, some people come to Sundance and pick their films based on "star power", while I make every effort to avoid casts stuffed full with "names". These films don't belong at Sundance. We don't need to see Spiderman and U23D type films at a Film Festival. Let them play out in Hollywood.

Another irony at this year's fest that I'd like to see go away: Hummer limos. This year Sundance's Documentary focus was on environmental issue, and yet the "stars" had to drive up and down narrow streets in big hummers, arrive in private jets, and fly into town for one day press junkets. And they wonder why there is always an inversion during Sundance? Can you say SMOG... POLLUTION... FUEL BYPRODUCTS?

And again I'll mention a need to revamp the pre-fest ticket sales process.. it's worse than hemorrhoids. You have 30 minutes to select your films from their schedule, and as you start picking films, you realize that the availabilities are not being updated and you're stuck going back into the schedule and finding another film for a particular time slot. Unfortunately, by the time you go back and forth a few times, your 30 minutes is about to expire and your first choices begin to disappear from your shopping cart. Then you start rushing to reselect and catch up... a VICIOUS, NASTY cycle.

Finally, I think next year I want to get "involved" in the process in some way, maybe as a film screener or part-time paid staff member. I think there is merit in Sundance's ongoing mission, but it needs more focus, more input, and less flash and definitely less Hollywood.

Until my next entry... keep the popcorn warm.

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