Grace's Guide to Sundance 2014

If you're a local in Park City, this time of year means insane traffic, increased grocery prices, dodging tourists on the mountain, and oh, of course, the Sundance Film Festival.

Image courtesy of Film Budget Inc

So for those who are visiting the great city I call my own (and those who are trying to reclaim it from the those previously mentioned) I have made a basic guide to surviving and taking advantage of these next five days.

Enjoy the pictures my friends and I took of the people we met over the weekend!

If...

You Want to Meet Celebrities

• Check Twitter... Oh yes, being socially active could be difference between meeting Harry Styles or not. Shout-out to Alisa for being on top of things and monitoring/stalking Twitter before our star-hunt this past weekend. 





Oh gosh, I can't even believe
it happened and I was there!

• Get out early and come home late... I'm sorry moms, but 1:30pm is not going to cut it for us this week! Make sure you can see as many of your favorite people in one day by visiting all the festival's venues for the greatest probability of meeting. 
• Go to Main Street... I repeat go to Main Street. You might see a few here and there around town but Main Street is where stars thrive like little famous amoebas! Walk all the way from the bottom to the tippy-top until your feet are frozen and you've met at least five. It's a requirement. 
• Walk slow... Whatever you do, do not rush. You have no clue when a star's meeting with the Washington Post, a jam session in an underground club, or lunch with the extremely famous bros will end. If you go slowly and watch out for the big Cs: cameras, crowds, and cars, your siting probability is much greater. 
• Overall: Be aware of everything that is going on around you. This is your time to be a walking IMDB app, go for it, be a bit creepy if you like.

What happens when you wait in line?
You get high-fives from Donald Faison,
that's what.

You Want the Complete Sundance Experience:

• Buy some tix... Go see a movie who stars your favorite celebrity or that totally wacko one you read about in the film list. 
• Wait it out... If the above doesn't work out so well, I recommend trying out the wait-list process. I promise it's not that hard! For smartphone users, there is a Sundance app that  allows you to become a part of the Sundance experience on the go! This can also be done online! Go on two hours before your show, click that eWaitlist button, and show up 30 minutes prior to the show with $15, it's not that hard!
• Go star hunting... If you can't make it to the movie you might as well make a date to see its stars! All strategies above. 

Locals Just Want To Have Fun:

The gorgeous side of
Kate Hudson, oh wait
they both are!

• Be a star... No joke, my friends and I do this every year. Dress one of your cohorts in extravagant clothing (fur coats, large hats, big sunglasses, colorful scarves, etc) and have the rest in basic winter clothing that doesn't look too mysterious but just enough that you look a wee bit strange. Grab a few cameras, microphones, and your sassiest expressions and power-walk up and down Main Street.
• Ride the bus... This may seem like a method of torture, but the buses can be incredible sources of entertainment. Accidental falls, misinterpretations, eavesdropping, awkward conversations, oh the public transportation is fantastic during this time of year. Take this as your opportunity to chat with that attractive fellow or lady next to you with ease, you're a local for Pete's sake!
• Act natural... Last year, I met three stars by just doing my normal routine around the city. Sometimes going out of your way to do things considered "elite" could result in forgetting that your favorite singer has a huge indie side. 
• Be a Tourist Day... Spend a day in the city that you've lived in forever as if you've only been there for one minute. What would you do if you had a blank slate? Do it! There's no one who can judge you during tourist season! 

Thanks IMDB, I knew I
recognized Joe Manganiello
from How I Met Your Mother
somehow.

The incredibly genial and
talented Elle Fanning. 

In conclusion, Sundance, although partially troublesome and annoying at times is a true blessing for Utah residents. If you haven't already gone, I'm telling you now, go. Don't miss out on all the festivities that may not come back next year! For further information I suggest you search the Sundance website for what you need.