Behind Sundance

The leadership class got a wonderful opportunity on January 22, the opening day of Sundance. Teri Orr, the executive director of The Park City Institute, gave the class a tour of the Eccles Center and showed us everything that happens behind the scenes during Sundance. We were so lucky to see all of the in’s and out’s of how Sundance works. Most of us just know the film festival as the time in January when movie stars take over the town and cause traffic. This gave us a new insight on the festival and made us appreciate everything that our community does to make this festival happen.

When we were at The Eccles Center getting the behind the scenes scoop on the Sundance Film Festival, we also gained some insight from Teri Orr. She explained that, even though a lot of Sundance seems to be about who comes in to Park City, the community already here has to adapt to the festival as well. This is something that everyone living in Park City knows all too well. Although students get out of school early and locals may feel inconvenienced by the opposite magnet effect of Main Street, we have to admit that the film festival is a fantastic thing for our community for bringing money into the local economy.

At The Eccles Center, things get pretty busy, but they make sure they cater to everyone’s needs. For example, when The Eccles family’s tickets had a complication in the box office, Teri Orr and employees did whatever they could to get the tickets for the family. Workers and volunteers during Sundance are always trying to do their best to meet everyone’s needs.

The moment we walked into the Eccles Center we felt something special happening in the air. The Sundance banners were up, concessions were brewing, the stage was lit and all was ready for the stars. We met up with Teri Orr and she took us on a tour. We started at the walk and repeat. If you have ever seen someone pose on the red carpet you will notice that the sponsors of the event are listed on a banner behind them. The same thing happens here at Sundance. As the stars come in they smile at the press and walk back to the green room. Every time they step the logos repeat that is why it is called a step and repeat. We then made our way to the green room which which by the way is never ever green. The actors and actress hang out in the green room before and after shows to get away from the crowds. Teri Orr reminded us that directing and acting is a job and they are just people so we need to treat them normally. It was a great reminder because we would never run up to a plumber for an autograph. Next we walked on to the stage. The first thing we noticed was a gorgeous curtain draped from the back of the stage. What we found out is that the curtain is from Moulin Rouge. In front of the curtain was and elegant grand piano. One would think why is there a piano at a movie festival? What we discovered is that John Legend was going to surprise the crown at the premiere of 'What Happened, Miss Simone?' to kick off the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. John Legend wrote some of the music for the documentary and wanted to play it himself. Then we talked to the stage techies and they showed us the rope of the theater. They talked about lighting, sound, how to make someone fly, and so much more. We then got off the stage and looked at all the new speakers donated by Dolbe. They are a new kind of surround sound which the movie experience. As we exited the theater we thanked Teri Orr for the wonderful experience then paused to look out into the 1,259 seats. The theater is ready so Sundance here we come.