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Sundance
By Samantha Brown on June 26, 2009 4:37 PM | Permalink | 20 Comments
I have a day off and it's a glorious 40 degrees and blue sky. Alan, Damion and I want to put in a half day of snowboarding at The Canyons but we hear the conditions are hard, not a lot of snow and we all are worried we are going to injure ourselves the day before we have to work. Man, we are sooooo lame.
The crew goes into downtown Park City, while I have no desire to shop so I head up hill to where the homes are. I find some beautiful trails. I must look strange hiking these trails while holding a purse.
Ate lunch at a great local spot called Karleens. Homemade soups, salads and baked goods. It's such a local establishment that the same people who are sitting next to me are also in the pictures that are posted all over the walls. I am listening in on the town gossip right now.
I got to experience bobsledding at the Olympic Park here in Park City. Anyone can do it. You just have to want to go 80 mph dropping 40 stories in 53 seconds. I didn't secure my neck so my helmeted head kept bouncing from one side of the sled to the other like a pinball. Pure adrenaline rush.
Next up: An afternoon with Sarah Hendrickson. At 14 she's the youngest member of the US Ski team. She goes off the 120k jump soaring like a bird. At 14, I was just worried about boys.
Brought the crew to my favorite lunch spot, Karleens. While talking to the owners, Karleen and her daughter Niven, I find out that they are letting in only locals beginning tomorrow for Sundance. You have to show a ski pass, library card or no entree. They have even hired a 300 lb doorman to make sure everything runs smoothly.
We ask immediately if they wouldn't mind going on camera and giving us a locals perspective. Niven was fantastic and she even gave me the password so I can gain entrance for the next few days. Of course, I can't tell you what it is.
There really is no attitude at Sundance. There's a huge bouncer outside a gallery holding a party. Alan asks if he wouldn't mind doing a little scene with us where I get turned away. He says sure. Cameras rolling and I go up to him, he points me to the young woman with the clipboard, I give her my name and she says YES, you're on the list. "I am?!" We fill her in on what we're doing, she laughs, says no problem. Take two! Bouncer show's me the young lady with the clipboard who this time says "sorry, you're not on the list." The big bouncer echoes her statement and points for me to leave. While I'm walking away I hear "Excuse me is there a problem?" It's the party's publicist and I'm thinking I just got her front door people in trouble for going on camera with us. Instead she doesn't see the camera but wants to make sure I know I am invited to go in. Is rudeness, snobbery and a pervasive feeling that I am cooler than you too much to ask from people?
Allstate Insurance is a godsend to us -- they have let us use their conference room in their office as a resting place. Sundance is packed and being able to sit, use the bathroom, and change wardrobe is such a luxury. Thanks Allstate! Nothing endears me more to people than providing comfortable bathrooms.
I also helped hand out fliers for a documentary called Afghan Star. This is a TV show in Afghanistan just like our American Idol. The difference is that singing there, one is risking their life because of the old Taliban beliefs.
I feel privileged to be able to talk to Doaud (the Ryan Seacrest of Afghan star). First time out of Afghanistan and he's into the frenzy of Sundance. He tells me that the mountains and climate of Utah remind him of his own country. What he wants most is for Americans and people abroad to realize that Afghans are just like everyone else.
We are at an event and just heard that Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Kristen Wiig are on their way. They haven't showed up and now we have to leave.
Stella party next. Free sushi and beer -- who cares I haven't had any celebrity sightings.
Ahhh just got my picture taken with Efren Ramirez (Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite). Now, all my dreams have come true!
Long day shooting. Shooting cocktails and other venues of media frenzy is unbelievably exciting and completely exhausting at the same time. After a full on day, Ginny my producer asks me if I want to cancel the early morning scene snowboarding. No way, I have been looking forward to that more than anything.
Being outfitted for a snowboard and gear at the Oakley House. Had a chance to talk to Alan Cummings. We have something in common; we both hosted the Conde Nast Traveller Awards. But Alan then tells me that they gave him a trip to Costa Rica as a thanks. I guess I didn't do that well, but then again do I really need another opportunity to travel? A trip home, that's what I would love.
We just finished shooting the Happy Hour for Slamdance (alternative film festival) where we were told Ralph Macchio would show up. He didn't and I was pretty disappointed. He was my first really big crush since Outsiders and Karate Kid. I used to sign all my notes passed in class "Stay Gold." I loved him so much that it hurt because I couldn't understand at 14 how I could feel so much for someone when they didn't even know I existed.
I went into a separate room to take a break, and close my eyes for a bit when who should walk in and sit right next to me but RALPH MACCHIO!!!!! I just sat there slumped in my chair not knowing what to do next. Alan and Ginny creep into the room and motion if I want to approach Mr. Macchio on camera. I give them the dirtiest look like they are my parents embarrassing me. I decide that I just can't go up to him, what if he is mean? My inner 14 year old would never be able to recover from that.
The crew is packing up the gear and we are getting ready to leave, I swallow hard, turn back into the room and walk up to Ralph Macchio and say hello. I honestly have no idea what I said to him but he was as gracious and genuine as you could hope someone you have always admired to be. I really regret not getting a picture of the two of us.
20 Comments
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This show rocked my world! It brought back all of the great memories of my time in Park City for Sundance 2009. I also loved Samatha Brown on JR Holbrook's show Sundance Film Festival After Dark www.festivalafterdark.blogspot.com ! They are hilarious together!! Let's see some more of them together!
Sundance was OK. Now we'll expect to see Sam at the Waterfront Film Festival (waterfrontfilm.org) next year. Waterfront is held in Saugatuck, MI on the shores of Lake Michigan. Daryll Hannah describes Sundance as a place where deals are made as Waterfront is for people who love films. The 4 day festival runs in June, opening with an outdoor film showing on Thursday evening. This year a total of 70 films were viewed.
Saugatuck is one of several lakeshore towns of West Michigan, about 2 hours out of Chicago and less than an hour from Grand Rapids. The area has a lot to offer for wekend tourist including several wineries, and art galleries.
Hope to see you here next June.
SB's Sundance show was electric and I think JR Holbrook's muscles were the highlight! WHO IS HE and IS HE SINGLE? How can we watch his Fashion Segment for Sundance?
Peyton in Miami
But, WAIT! I just saw you on Friday night at the Borgata in Atlantic City!!! I was so excited to see you at the concert. But, when you and your friend passed me in the hall - I was too shy to say hello or ask for a picture (I also thought you looked super tired and I figured you probably wanted to go to bed, not take a photo with a strange girl - lol).
Hope you had fun in NJ!
-E
Hi! I don't think my first comment went through.
I am confused as to how you are in CO when I just SAW you in Atlantic City on Friday night (the 26th) - LOL! That was some fantastic singing, even if the creepy guy from Styx kept staring at you funny (yes, it was THAT noticeable).
Hope you enjoyed the Borgata!
-E
Sundance and Park City, Utah are soooooooooo Gorgeous! That is why I cannot live without Samantha Brown and the Travel Channel!!
I saw the "Sundance" Show and also thought that it was one of the best Samantha Brown's to date! I was shocked to see JR Holbrook on the show as I went to his book signing for his children's book "Gingerbread Jimmi" during that same time. I did not know that he hosted a "Sundance Fashion Wrap" or that he was famous?!
I am surprised and I like it....... and my children really enjoy their autographed copy of your book and the music cd! XO
Sundance Film Festival has a very unique energy!! I ENJOY IT A LOT!! There is NOT another festival like it. John Robert Holbrook (JR) and his shows are definitely a part of that! JR was very elegant at Cannes Film Festival 2009 in Nice. I almost prefer him a little more on the WILD side!
I cannot believe that I missed the Sundance Show and all of this FUN! Please, Please show it again 4 me!
You can find out more information about J.R. Holbrook at www.johnrobertholbrook.com
I bought JR Holbrook's Cologne ( John Robert Holbrook - Pharaoh ) and it ROCKS! I get compliments every day. I also read somewhere that Robert Redford has been wearing it for years. I see why.......the skirts love it!
Samantha your Sundance show was AWESOME! I am really glad they showed it again! I also was able to see this JR Holbrook character for myself and he is funny and cute! You should have used him as your Sundance Guide the whole time. I went to JR's blog and he has some incredible party footage! Was the Travel Channel in bed while the parties were going on?
I heard that Designer John Robert Holbrook (JR Holbrook) was dating a Professional Football Player. Who is it? I also heard that he was married to a 90's Playboy Playmate and has 4 children from her. What IS his story??!! Sorry Samantha I think JR is more than taken!
Fashion Designer John Robert Holbrook has four children and they are gorgeous! The children's names: London 15 boy, Sahara 13 girl, Paris 10 girl and Roman 8 boy. We hear that Disney is looking at them to do a new kids show for the Disney Channel. If they are half as talented as their father the show should be a winner!
The *HOT* John Robert Holbrook poster of his male model laying face down (naked) on a couch wearing only the Holbrook socks is a masterpiece! I received one at the Sundance Film Festival in january but I need more to give as gifts. Does anyone know where I can purchase this poster!? I was told "Prints Plus" but they are no longer in business.
Sundance 2009 was the "BEST EVER" and Samantha Brown just began the story! Sundance is like winter break for adults except it is non-stop movies, art, action, fun, parties, drinking and more films!
We always look forward to Designer J.R. Holbrook's fashion segment "Hollywood On Ice" where he names the best and worst dressed celebrities. It is always a roast! I hope we never end up on his worst list. He is ruthless....:)
Samantha Brown needs to do a Sundance Film Festival Show every year! If I would have seen this show live in January....I would have quit my job and flown to the festival that day to participate in the festivities and FUN!!!
Hal Holbrook, Actor and Hollywood Royalty is J.R. Holbrook's father. Of course he is talented! I do not think that Ms. Brown realized that when she was interacting with J.R. on her Sundance Show. It made me smile. Great show! Show it again and again and again!
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again - taking your feeds too now, Thanks.
Fashion Designer, Actor John Robert Holbrook hosts that hottest Halloween Party ( Hal-HO-Ween 2009 Ball ) in Salt Lake City Oct 30th at Pierpont Place!! Look for the party photos online....they will BLOW YOUR MIND!!!