PARK CITY, UTAH—At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, which kicked off January 23 and runs through February 2, streaming services continue to be the hot ticket, in terms of acquisition deals and activations.
On Monday, Palm Springs, a comedy by Andy Samberg and the Lonely Island, set the festival’s all-time acquisition record—by 69 cents. Indie distributor Neon and Hulu bought the movie for exactly $17,500,000.69; the previous record sale was $17.5 million for Nate Parker's The Birth of a Nation in 2016. In addition, Taylor Swift will premiere her buzzed-about Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, on Friday.
Also debuting at this year’s film festival: Audible and Fire TV, both of which set up shop on Park City’s Main Street for the first time, joining returning sponsors and brands such as AT&T, Lyft, and Vulture.
Below, take a peek inside the events, pop-ups, parties, hospitality suites, and more at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
The Vulture Spot Presented by Fire TV
Vulture returned to Sundance with its interview studio called the Vulture Spot, which was sponsored by Amazon Fire TV and Peet’s Coffee. This partnership with Vulture marks Fire TV’s festival debut.
Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for New York Magazine
The Vulture Spot Presented by Fire TV
Also on site, a modern après ski-style hospitality suite, which was produced by Fire TV, featured custom wallpaper by artist Deerdana, a curated fan art gallery wall, and custom finishings. Peet’s Coffee also hosted a barista bar.
Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for New York Magazine
The Vulture Spot Presented by Fire TV
The exterior of the space showcased a whimsical public art installation by Deerdana.
Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for New York Magazine
The Vulture Spot Presented by Fire TV
The Cut and Fire TV brought the publisher’s column and event series “How I Get It Done” to Sundance with a panel featuring female visionaries who shared their perspectives on how to balance work and life, where they find inspiration in the workplace, what fuels their creativity, and more. The panel was moderated by senior editor Kerensa Cadenas and included CNN Worldwide’s Amy Entelis, HBO Max’s Sarah Aubrey, writer and director Dee Rees, and actor Zazie Beetz. The panel was produced internally by Vox Media’s experiential team.
Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for New York Magazine
Canada Goose Basecamp
From January 24 to 27, Canada Goose hosted a lineup of programming led by The Atlantic, including a conversation between writer Megan Garber, actor Julia Garner, and director Kitty Green about The Assistant, a film that depicts abuses of power in the entertainment industry.
Photo: David Becker/Getty Images for Canada Goose
Canada Goose Basecamp
In addition to events, guests could stop by the space to try on the outerwear company’s parkas and enjoy hot beverages and cocktails.
Photo: Suzi Pratt/Getty Images for Canada Goose
Canada Goose Basecamp
Similar to previous years, Canada Goose set up its “Basecamp” on Park City’s Main Street.
Photo: Suzi Pratt/Getty Images for Canada Goose)
Lyft Lounge
Located on Main Street in Park City, the Lyft Lounge hosted filmmaker chats, dinners with directors, after-parties, and more. For the third year in a row, Lyft was the official rideshare partner of the festival.
Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Lyft
Lyft Lounge
Produced and designed by NVE Experience Agency, along with Lyft, the space served as a spot for guests to warm up and pose on a ski lift-inspired photo op. Culinary Crafts provided the catering and Special Electronics Group and Taylor Audio Visual handled the audiovisual and fabrication.
Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Lyft
The Audible Speakeasy
Serving as the festival’s audio entertainment sponsor, Audible made its Sundance debut this year with the Audible Speakeasy, which was produced and designed by Civic Entertainment Group.
Photo: Courtesy of Audible
The Audible Speakeasy
Programming included Los Angeles Times-curated and -hosted panel discussions, fireside chats, daily sound baths, and more. The space was also open to the public during certain hours. Kadan Productions handled scenic fabrication for the space and ADI Group was tasked with audio duties.
Photo: Courtesy of Audible
WarnerMedia Lodge
AT&T returned to Sundance this year with a new look and name—WarnerMedia Lodge: Elevating Storytelling with AT&T. (AT&T is a presenting sponsor, the official wireless provider, and the official multichannel video programming distributor sponsor for the festival.) This past weekend, the telecom company debuted a reimagined and redesigned space, which was produced by Sarah Seligson of Best Events, along with Amanda Pyle, creative services for AT&T. The programming lineup included parties, industry panels, dinners, and musical performances.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for WarnerMedia and AT&T
WarnerMedia Lodge
The space also included the Variety Studio presented by AT&T, which featured interviews with festival talent. Produced by Gold Sky Productions, the lounge area offered up a cozy, alpine vibe.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for WarnerMedia and AT&T
WarnerMedia Lodge
New for this year, Lateral at WarnerMedia Lodge was a spot adjacent to the main space and featured live entertainment and late-night programming, including a kickoff party with a performance by Matt Berninger of the National.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for WarnerMedia and AT&T
WarnerMedia Lodge
Outside, a branded shipping container served up burgers, pizza, s’mores, hot chocolate, coffee, and more to AT&T subscribers.
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for WarnerMedia and AT&T
Our Stories To Tell
This weekend-long pop-up experience celebrated multicultural storytelling, creators, and audiences across three brands: HBO, TNT, and TBS. Over the course of three days, the event space, Firewood Restaurant, hosted various invite-only, interactive programming including panel conversations and discussions with on-screen and behind-the-scenes talent, dinners with casts, and more, as a way to showcase the networks' initiatives that aim to engage African-American, Asian-American, L.G.B.T.Q.+, and Latinx audiences. Experiential agency Team Epiphany handled the production.
Photo: Dorothy Hong Photography
Our Stories To Tell
On January 26, guests enjoyed brunch celebrating creatives and creators. The tablescapes included florals by Sarah Winward, and Blue Bird Vintage Rentals provided the furniture.
Photo: Dorothy Hong Photography
Pizza Hut x Legion M Lounge
For the third year, Pizza Hut returned to Sundance with the Red Hut Lodge, a branded space that served up pizza and signature cocktails such as the Bloody Marinara and Hut Mulled Wine to guests. RQ Agency handled the production.
Photo: Presley Ann/Getty Images for Pizza Hut
Planned Parenthood's Sex, Politics, Film & TV Reception
On January 26, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah held its eighth annual Sex, Politics, Film & TV reception, in partnership with Refinery29. The event celebrates the organization’s collaboration with content creators whose films and television shows depict sexual and reproductive health issues.
Photo: Aaron J. Thornton / PPFA
UTA House
This year, United Talent Agency expanded its festival footprint, hosting three days of programming at a private residence. Guests, clients, and industry professionals attended a lineup of events such as the agency’s annual brand leaders dinner; Women In Film’s reception panel; and UTA client Issa Rae’s celebration in honor of Creators of Color. UTA Marketing, the agency’s entertainment consulting practice that represents global brands including Cover Girl, Delta Air Lines, General Motors, General Mills, Google, and Lyft, led the agency’s programming this year.
Photo: Elyse Frelinger
UTA House
The estate, which offered picturesque snowy views, was converted into a space to host the panels and parties, complete with lounges and meeting spaces. Mirrored Media handled production, along with UTA Marketing, and DJ Mike Deleasa performed at all of the house’s events.
Photo: Elyse Frelinger
