Sundance Film Festival 2019 just ended, and Park City, Utah was bustling with VIP film premiere parties, screenings, and red carpet after parties. Many renowned brands and charity organizations also joined in on the fun and hosted exclusive, invite-only parties and lounges for Sundance talent, filmmakers, and other VIP guests. These events provided exciting spaces for Sundance influencers to network and celebrate new film projects.
The annual Sundance Film Festival is always a brand marketing bonanza that provides endless opportunities for company reps to connect with celebrities and trendsetters. Home Business Magazine had the chance to check out some of the most buzzed-about brand marketing events and see which activations Sundance influencers wanted a ticket to. Below is a quick roundup of branding activations that were highly notable:
SundanceTV Headquarters
As the official television partner of the Sundance Film Festival, SundanceTV hosted a bevy of fabulous events, including panels with some of the top stars of the festival. One major event was the “Women Breaking Barriers: Where Are We Now?” panel in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. This intriguing panel featured A-listers like Octavia Spencer and Jenna Elfman and focused on new challenges that have arisen for women in the entertainment industry over the last year.
During the panel, Octavia shared that LeBron James helped her negotiate her deal for Madam C.J! Other exciting events at SundanceTV HQ were a fun Yacht Rock Party for Sundance attendees, a Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter Live: Indie Filmmakers candid discussion with notable directors, and a “State of the Union” Panel (official selection of the Sundance Film Festival) featuring the star of the series, Chris O’Dowd.
Canon Creative Studio
As a major leader in filmmaking equipment, Canon hosted a Creative Studio that was a top hub for Sundance movie makers and talent. The lounge gave Sundance influencers the chance to check out the latest Canon gear each day and also network during an invite-only “Raise Your Glass with Canon” soiree. The lounge also hosted special “Magic Hours” that were co-hosted by the AFI Conservatory, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, and Adorama.
Robert Schwartzman, actor and lead singer of Rooney, hosted the Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Canon Magic Hour. He discussed his new venture, UTOPIA Media, a feature film on-demand platform that puts control back in the hands of filmmakers (launching in 2019). The Canon Creative Studio also hosted exciting panels, such as the “Breaking the Frame” panel for female filmmakers and the “Shining a Light on Lenses” panel with top cinematographers like Graham Willoughby and Robert Muratore.
Pizza Hut X Legion M Lounge
Pizza Hut and Legion M (the first fan-owned entertainment company in the world) teamed up to produce what was undoubtedly one of the most popular hotspots at Sundance. The Pizza Hut X Legion M Lounge was the ultimate oasis for Sundance attendees to relax, eat tasty pizza, and enjoy a delightful “Bloody Marinara” before heading off to another screening. It attracted many celebrities, such as Armie Hammer, Zach Galifianakis, Awkwafina, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Roberts, Ray Romano, and Hilary Swank.
Legion M offered festival goers the chance to become Sundance film scouts via the Legion M SCOUT program. Downstairs at the lounge, attendees could enjoy wellness services from REME App, the go-to provider for mindful health and wellness services. They could choose to have B12 shots, Energy Boost IV drips, or a massage. The lounge also hosted a “Women Doing Cool Shit in Hollywood Networking Event” (presented by REME) and a fun “Cereal Killer Party” for attendees to network while enjoying their favorite childhood cereal!
Official Launch of WeRiseUp The Movement & The Movie
WeRiseUp is an eye-opening, culture-shifting documentary film and global movement that presents a new model of success empowering individuals to solve the world’s greatest challenges. It was made in collaboration with many of the world’s most prominent leaders, such as His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Amina Mohammed (Secretary-Deputy of the United Nations), TOMS Shoes CEO Blake Mycoskie, Moby, Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey, NBA star Dwight Howard, and PayPal Co-Founder Luke Nosek.
Taking place at TAO Park City, this event featured discussions by Kevin Bacon (Footloose; Apollo 13; I Love Dick), Jack Canfield (author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series), and Tom Chi, Co- Founder of Google X & Inventor of the Self-driving Car. It was a great event to bring Sundance thought leaders together for an inspirational discussion about improving our planet and the communities we live in. WeRiseUp The Movement & The Movie is a proud Institute Associate of Sundance 2019.
The Creative Coalition’s Sundance 2019 Events
Every year, The Creative Coalition shines at Sundance and puts on a plethora of popular events for film industry VIPs and influencers. As a a nonprofit advocacy group of entertainment industry members whose goal is to address both industry issues and social issues, The Creative Coalition put on a Voices of Impact Dinner (hosted by Novocure) that focused on leadership. It brought together 50-75 executives, talent, influencers and mavens attending the 2019 Film Festival in Park City.
The Creative Coalition also held a #RightToBearArts Members Reception hosted by ESOC Entertainment Security Operation Center and Impossible Dream Entertainment. Another great event was the Teachers Making a Difference Luncheon with Walton Goggins, which celebrated the power of education and the importance of the teachers who impart significant lessons. Finally, Sundance attendees also enjoyed The Retreat to Benefit The Creative Coalition & Project Green eco-friendly gift suite.
Canada Goose Basecamp
Canada Goose, the world-renowned maker of esteemed outwear, returned to Sundance Film Festival this year as a sustaining sponsor. In this lounge, VIP attendees could enjoy a Stella Artois beer and High West whiskey while experiencing the exceptional comfort that Canada Goose attire brings to filmmakers worldwide. The lounge gave guests the chance to try on the brand’s iconic parkas, use complimentary Wi-Fi, and charge up their devices. The Basecamp’s Second Floor also featured a DJ and special coworking space for filmmakers!
There were also engaging discussions with Canada Goose reps and other high profile influencers. In one event, Karuna Scheinfeld, Vice President of Design for Canada Goose, conducted a product knowledge session showcasing the most iconic Canada Goose styles worn on film sets! There was also a conversation with Jemele Hill and The Atlantic Editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, about being a female journalist in 2019 and the intersection between culture, sports and race in this new landscape.
Many incredible brand marketing events took place at Sundance Film Festival 2019 that helped companies generate buzz about new offerings, services, and projects. These events were also a great way for brands and non-profits to connect with Sundance influencers and get invaluable testimonials that could later be used for marketing purposes.
Contact: shannahch@gmail.com
