[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Sundance first-timers, a week in Park City may overwhelm even the most cultured of attendees. The glitz and glam, film and fame — it all can be too much, especially for locals who have never ventured out of the valleys of our childhood. But fear not, because I’m going to explain 10 things you can expect while attending Sundance:

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1. There is no place to park. Anywhere. At all. The streets are crammed with cars, and Park City Towing is on the prowl. If you want to avoid a ticket at best, be ready to arrive obscenely early or bus into town because there is no more room in the five-star resort.

2. Everything is fancy. Table settings. Parking signs. Volunteer uniforms. Suddenly things that used to be average are even spelled more artsy: Theaters are Theatres, dear, and the City Center is now the Centre, don’t you know.

3. Fur. Fur is everywhere. Because that’s how you dress for winter here. In Park City, the locals and out-of-towners alike are draped in the skins of all manner of animals, and apparently it’s chic as can be.

4. Lines. You will wait in lines forever. Have a ticket? Stand in this line. Don’t have a ticket? Stand in this line for four hours. Think a celebrity is inside that club? Wait in line until they come out. They’re never-ending, and you can pretty much just expect to spend the majority of your time in one.

5. If you’re lucky enough to obtain a press pass (good thing you applied back in November) don’t be caught wearing it like everyone else. This is an independent film festival, one that applauds forward thinkers. Be sure to wear it in a way that will get you noticed, perhaps slung nonchalantly over your shoulder. “What, this old thing? It’s just my golden ticket into all the screenings. I only wear it when I don’t care what I look like.”

6. People with cameras are everywhere. Celebrities? Not so much. The rare sighting results in a frantic cell phone pic as they’ve got much more important things to do. The best places to see them are the premieres of their movies or out on the town during the first part of the week. Have your phones handy because you never know when Kevin Bacon will be lurking around the corner.

7. Drag queens in furs. Everywhere.

8. Just because a movie is a Sundance film in the Sundance Film Festival does not mean it is a going to be great movie. Be sure to scout out your films early, read the descriptions (don’t judge based on actors/actresses alone) and check out the schedule online to optimize your Sundance experience and make it worthwhile.

9. Everything will be filled to the brim with artsy people. Venues. Events. Clubs. Theatres. Parking garages. Prepare to brush shoulders with the best in the industry, and try to keep it cool when you meet directors, producers and cinematographers whose lives are much more glamorous than yours, and hey, maybe they’ll even give you a tip or two on how to make it on your own.

10. Furs.

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