After the previous day’s snowstorms, I woke up to a brilliantly sunny morning and a gorgeous, snow-covered Park City. I also got on the wrong bus that ended up taking a 20 minute loop around town before depositing me at Main Street, but I didn’t mind too much.
I got to Sundance Channel HQ and peeked into the studio to see who was coming in for interviews. I wasn’t disappointed – the cast of the new movie Wasted were getting ready for a chat. And what a cast, including Aaron Paul (Jessie from Breaking Bad), Nick Offerman (Ron Fucking Swanson!), and Megan Mullally (Tammy Two!), among others. My colleague Matt had the pre- and post-interview photos covered, but I couldn’t resist going in a snapping a few myself. It didn’t hurt that Offerman was wearing an amazing hat.
Good people. My first real assignment of the day was another “My Premiere” piece with the video crew. This time we’d be trailing director Michael Mohan, whose film “Save the Date” was premiering that afternoon. It was his third year running at Sundance, and this film was already getting good buzz, largely thanks to the great cast. Unlike the previous day’s “My Premiere”, there was no big cast party or snowy drive to the premiere. We met Michael in a rented condo just blocks from the Library Theater. Michael was extremely sweet and welcoming, even as he was nervously trying to nail down the opening remarks he’d have to make in an hour or so. We hung around and did some taping (and I shot some stills) while he made some notes and practiced in front of our camera.
We all knew he had nothing to worry about – his badass wooden tie would carry him through any rough patches. Since we were so close to the theater, Michael and friends trudged through the snow on the way to the premiere.
He was met by family and friends outside the theater, and then it was time to head into the press tent for some red carpet action. The cast of Save the Date turned out to be stacked with quality people like Lizzy Caplan, Alison Brie, Martin Starr, and Geoffrey Arend, among others.
It was time to head up to the premiere.
The theater was so packed, there would be no sneaking in to watch the movie this time. So we left our director and cast inside and chilled until it was time to come back for the Q&A.
Love Sundance footwear
While outside, the common man languished.
Job done, we headed back to Sundance HQ. I had a couple of hours before my next official shoot, so I hit Main Street for some more street style shots.
Hang on a sec, who’s this handsome fellow? Why, it’s Michael K. Williams, aka Omar from the Wire. Just gettin’ his shop on out on Main Street.
With that done, it was time to run to my next engagement – the after-party for Josh Radnor’s new film, “Liberal Arts”, starring himself and last year’s Sundance darling Lizzie Olsen. Another great cast which, in addition to Radnor and Olsen, included Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney. More press lines! Stand next to that wall, while I take your photo with direct flash!
Lizzie Olsen
Richard Jenkins
Allison Janney
Director and star Josh Radnor
The red carpet formalities over, it was time to head into the party. Which had some awesome food and an open bar, of course.
All kinds of deliciousness
Thanks, Chase Sapphire!
No joke, the DJ was one of the kids from “Malcolm in the Middle”
Surprise performer Jason Mraz
The evening even included a surprise set by musician Jason Mraz. Even more interestingly, I learned that Richard Jenkins seems to be one of his biggest fans. And that’s how this video came to be (my first film at Sundance!):
Vanity Fair may have gotten the story, but I got the video.
Day 4 was a good day.
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