Thinking back on my very first #Sundance experience, I was sick for most of it and I didn't see nearly as many movies as I probably should have. But there were a few valuable lessons I learned for 🤞next year🤞 that I'd like to share. (1/11)
1) GO OPENING WEEKEND. There were pros to just going that full 2nd week, like P&I lines being shorter. But you feel like you're missing out on premieres; worse still, it's v. hard to find roommates to help split the cost if you're going for an unconventional time frame.
2) DON'T OVERSCHEDULE. Unless you're 20 or a masochist, you're prob. not going to make five movies a day. Recognize when you're too old and tired to survive a midnight screening. You also need to set aside time to write; as someone who still has 3 reviews to write, I feel this.
3) LEAN ON SCREENERS. Ask around w/publicists to see what screeners you can get before the fest (docs and NEXT programs are usually more likely to have them). Get as much work done before the fest as you can, or get screeners you can work through after you get back.
4) KEEP YOUR EAR TO THE GROUND. Follow buzz. Don't count on your initial screening schedule to work out. If you're at a level where you can reserve public screening tickets each day, take substantial advantage of that. Make Item 1 of your day popping over to Fest HQ to get tix.
5) NEVER GET MORE THAN THREE REVIEWS BEHIND. Four at the max. After a while, the movies blend together and details from four movies ago pour out of your ear canal like a bisque. At the very least, keep up with tweets or Letterboxd so you remember first impressions.
6) SAVE TIME FOR SOCIALIZING. Sundance is our one big chance to meet fellow critics we usually only speak to over this hellsite. DM your Film Twitter friends, or let them know if you're going to the same screening! My fave moments at the fest were saying hi to some v. cool folks.
7) DON'T BOTHER CELEBS. Okay, I shook Ethan Hawke's hand and told him I loved Tesla. (Yes I *did*, sue me.) But don't hound for selfies/autographs unless they really seem game for it*. Most are just here to hawk(e) their films, sit on juries, or take in the fest. Leave 'em alone.
(*I should also point out that, if you're working the fest as press, this is a really, really complicated line and you probably shouldn't ask for them at all, unless you're interviewing them and the publicist wants you to have a pic with them.)
8) IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, BOOK THE DOUBLETREE. Sundance set me back quite a bit, but staying there was the best decision my wife and I made (even if we couldn't secure roomies). P&I screenings & the Ray were a 60-second walk; Park Ave theatre is *in the hotel*. Helped a lot.
9) HAVE FUN. Yes, you're there to work, but also, you're immensely privileged to be there. Other wonderful critics either weren't let in or couldn't afford to go. Even if your film is boring, or you're stuck w/a head cold, remember *you're at fricking Sundance*. Enjoy it. (11/11)
ADDENDUM: These were just my experience, it doesn't apply to everyone, yadda yadda yadda.
Also, I left out all the basic stuff like "Hydrate! Get sleep! Don't party too hard! Memorize the shuttle lines!", but those all 100% apply too.
Also, I left out all the basic stuff like "Hydrate! Get sleep! Don't party too hard! Memorize the shuttle lines!", but those all 100% apply too.
Also, if you can, buy a little merch thing to remember the fest by. Here's my new go-to rocks glass! 
