The Stanford Business Reporter

"What do you mean you don’t have my press credentials…did you look under Stanford Business School…how about under The Reporter?"

After one last attempt to make them believe that we did indeed belong here, I retreat sheepishly, content with the general press kit and movie screening passes thrown my way. This was but one of many ploys Tod Sacerdoti, MBA1, Kareem Daniel, MBA1, Debbye King, MBA2 and I utilized to get our way into movie screenings, industry parties and other folly over our three days in Park City, Utah for the 2002 Sundance Film Festival.

While it may lack the shine or prestige of the Cannes or Venice Film Festivals in Europe, Sundance compensates with sheer, unbridled energy. Every January, filmmakers, celebrities, paparazzi, moviegoers (and business school students?) descend upon Park City, Utah to see or be seen, cut deals for the next "Blair Witch" and to party. Founded by Robert Redford to nurture artistic vision and celebrate independent filmmaking, Sundance has become the showcase for independent film. The reality is that many previous Sundance Award winners do not enjoy similar success at the box office. Enough about that, did I mention the parties…?

"We are here with DJ…he just went inside…please let us in."

"Who is DJ?"

"Don Johnson, man. Don Johnson. You know Sonny Crockett."

"Don Johnson is not at this party. Sorry."

"I just saw him go in. I know he is in there. He won’t be happy you are making us wait."

Moments later, "DJ" does indeed emerge from the party. As he walks to an awaiting cab, he mentions, "He told you I was in there," and is whisked away. After a few moments of silence and confusion, we realize what we need to do. "Follow that car," we exclaim in unison as we pile into the next van. After a harrowing chase, we arrive at we believe to be our destination: an unassuming snow lodge a few miles away.

Could it be that the party is here? No crowd, no music, no "DJ". We soon realize the snow lodge is actually where one 1) gets checked off of the guest list, 2) picks up wristbands for entrée and 3) gets picked up by one of the dozen Chrysler PT Cruisers used to take would-be partygoers to the extra secret location of the party.

After some intense negotiations that would make the Management Communications Program proud, we are sporting ear-to-ear grins (Kool-Aid smiles) while getting picked up and transported to the Chrysler House (see the connection). As we enter, I notice the unmistakable voice of Jay-Z blaring over the speakers, the Red Bull and Skyy Vodka being poured and lots and lots of pretty people smiling. All I could think of was, "Who knew there was hip-hop in Hollywood?"

Don’t get me wrong. The weekend was not all about revelry. We managed to see some film screenings as well. Two actually. The most notable was Wisegirls starring Mira Sorvino and Mariah Carey as two of three waitresses working in a Mafia-run, drug infested restaurant in Staten Island, New York. The movie was actually quite entertaining and even witty at times. But, as Tod accurately noted, most of the 1,300 people in attendance would probably not shell out $8.00 if this were an actual movie theater. Mariah Carey was perfectly cast as a "Noo Yawker" with big hair and attitude. And yes, we schmoozed our way into the Wisegirls Premiere Party and yes, Mariah did smile at me there.