Backstage at Sundance : See_2007

Oscar Win for Once's Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

amy brock — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:12:00 GMT

Angela LoSasso
Web Content Manager, Imaging and Printing Group, U.S.

Congratulations to Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for their Oscar win tonight for Best Song, "Falling Slowly" from the film Once (the 2007 Sundance World Cinema Audience Award winner).

HP has a special place in its heart for Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, as they were gracious enough to give HP a live performance of this Oscar-winning song on a snowy January day during the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Take a look and listen.

Technorati Tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford, once, glen hansard, marketa irglova, columbia records, oscars

And the Winner is…

amy brock — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:54:00 GMT

HP Sundance Team

The results of the 2007 Snapshot Diaries photo contest are in! Our grand prize photographer, and winner of a trip for two to the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, is Renae G., from Dunlap, IA.

With the help of director Matt Pope, Renae’s photos were transformed into an epic tale of hard-fought competition and lasting friendship. Watch and enjoy!

The following runner-up prize winners were also announced:

1st prize: HP dv9000z Entertainment Notebook and Photosmart C7180 All In One Printer.

Winner: Bernadette H., Seattle, WA

2nd prize: HP Photosmart R967 Digital Camera, HP Photosmart A716 Compact Printer and one 110 Photo Value Pack.

Winners: Erik A., Los Angeles, CA; Frank S., Alexandria, VA

3rd: prize: HP Photosmart A436 Portable Photo Studio and 110 Photo Value Pack

Winners: Jana P., Meridian, ID; Mariana R., Phoenix, AZ; Alecia F., Loomis, CA

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos to this year’s contest!

Technorati tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford, introducing the dwights, clubland, interview, joshua

July Movie Releases

amy brock — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:24:00 GMT

HP Sundance Team

Introducing the Dwights (formerly titled Clubland), Joshua, and Interview all hit theaters this month, and what better way to inspire you to catch a showing than to share the trailers from these three movies?

Introducing the Dwights

Joshua

Interview

So no matter what your mood, with a Sundance comedy, thriller and drama playing there’s no excuse not to head to a movie theater this month.

Technorati tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford, introducing the dwights, clubland, joshua, interview

Listen to Music from Once

amy brock — Wed, 23 May 2007 18:28:00 GMT

Kate Sheofsky
Web Content Manager

Once, this year’s Sundance World Cinema Audience Award winner, was released in select U.S. cities May 16, 2007.

This modern musical, directed by Ireland’s John Carney, has been gaining attention around the globe for performances by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. At the Sundance Film Festival in January, HP asked the pair to sing a duet and they gladly obliged.

While the film may not have made it to your hometown yet, you can hear more music by purchasing the soundtrack from Columbia Records.

Technorati Tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford, once, glen hansard, marketa irglova, columbia records

Waitress Coming to a Theater Near You!

amy brock — Fri, 18 May 2007 21:22:00 GMT

Kate Sheofsky
Web Content Manager

Sundance crowd-pleaser Waitress was released in New York and Los Angeles May 2, 2007, and it hits additional screens around the country throughout the month.

In the last film to be written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, Keri Russell stars as a pregnant, unhappily married waitress who throws herself into a hilarious, unexpected attempt at love. The movie has been met with consistently good reviews so far, but don’t take the critics’ word for it. Watch the trailer and check for show times in your area. And then come back and let us know what you think!

Technorati Tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford, waitress, adrienne shelly, keri russell

Shrek Gets a Special Cannes Screening

amy brock — Thu, 17 May 2007 18:00:00 GMT

Angela LoSasso
Backstage at Sundance Blog Editor
Home and Home Office Web Content Manager

Everyone’s favorite ogre, princess, donkey and sword-wielding cat gets their moment in the sun on Cannes’ famed red carpet as Shrek the Third gets a private screening during the Cannes Film Festival, reports HP’s Jenny Amanquah-Sauter in our Tales from Cannes blog.

HP and Dreamworks have also teamed up for a great opportunity for you to Capture Your Ever After story and get a chance to win cameras, printers, and other great prizes in the HP & Shrek the Third photo contest.

Enter one or all five weekly photo contests from now until June 6, 2007 by submitting your Shrek-inspired pics and voting on submissions. More than 600 prizes will be awarded each week, and one lucky grand-prize winner will receive an all expense paid trip for four to an upcoming DreamWorks premiere, plus an amazing bundle of HP products.

The weekly Shrek contest themes include:
-- Cast of Characters (reveal your own cast of characters with a photo of friends or family)
-- Far Far Away (Been to a swamp or a kingdom far from home? Share your travel photos!)
-- Fairy Tails (Got your own Puss In Boots? Submit your favorite photo of a furry friend)
-- Go Green! (Fiona proves green is great. Show us your most ghoulish or gorgeous green photo)
-- My Little Ogre Contest (enter your favorite photo of your little ogre or ogress)

Plus, see how you can get crafty with Shrek and create and print your own Shrek iron-ons, Shrek photo albums, greeting cards and more, right in the comfort of your home and on your schedule.

Technorati Tags: cannes film festival, cannes, sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, shrek, shrek photos, antonio banderas, fiona, puss in boots, cameron diaz

HP’s Tales from the Cannes Film Festival!

amy brock — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:06:00 GMT

Angela LoSasso
Backstage at Sundance Blog Editor
Home and Home Office Web Content Manager

Did you know that in addition to Sundance, HP is also the Official Sponsor and ‘Digital Entertainment & Graphic Arts’ Partner at the Cannes Film Festival?

From May 16 through May 27, 2007, the most famous, luxurious, and prestigious film festival in the world celebrates its 60^th anniversary unlike any other. And HP is stationed on la croissette to bring you every barrage of flashbulbs as the hottest stars, directors, and producers walk down the red carpet …

plus, perhaps, a few faces that are familiar inside the halls of HP:

(That is Vyomesh Joshi – VJ— Executive Vice President of HP’s Imaging and Printing Group in the middle of the HP pack on the red carpet.)

According to our colleague Jenny Amanquah-Sauter (who is burning up the keyboard for HP’s Tales from Cannes), “HP has printed the iconic banners decorating the Palais des Festivals and turned the surrounding streets into a series of outdoor galleries, featuring digitally restored photographs of the stars who have graced the red carpet at the Festival since it began. The photos are part of a special exhibition organized to mark the 60th Festival.”

And.. “We’ve also redesigned the Cannes Film Festival website to create an intuitive, indispensable guide to all the films and news.”

Not a bad gig, if you can get it!

If you’re like us and are stuck in North America (or elsewhere) whilst the stars shine in the south of France, be sure to visit HP’s Tales from Cannes to get your daily dish.

Technorati Tags: Sundance film festival, Hewlett Packard, HP, Cannes, Cannes film festival

Fay Grim Debuts Day and Date

amy brock — Mon, 14 May 2007 22:23:00 GMT

Angela LoSasso
Backstage at Sundance Blog Editor
Home and Home Office Web Content Manager

When we interviewed Fay Grim director Hal Hartley in Park City during the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, he seemed rather subdued (maybe he was just cold!). Here we are nearly 4 months later, and his film is set to debut in theaters (limited release) and on DVD (day and date) on May 18^th.

Fay Grim boasts a talented cast of Parker Posey, Jeff Goldblum, Saffron Burrows and Thomas Jay Ryan. Check out our interview with Hal and Fay Grim star Thomas Jay Ryan below, and be sure to catch the film in the theaters or on DVD later this month.

We wish you well, Hal!

Break a leg…

More Info:
Fay Grim Sundance Film Guide Synopsis
Fay Grim Official Website

Technorati Tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, fay grim, hal hartley, parker posey, jeff goldblum, saffron burrows, thomas jay ryan

Welcome back!

amy brock — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:30:00 GMT

Angela LoSasso
Editor, Backstage at Sundance with HP
Web Content Manager

Welcome back! In the 3.5 months since we left Park City and the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, a lot has transpired – both for the films that made their debut this year and for HP. In the coming weeks and months, we plan to bring you up to speed and keep you plugged in to all things Sundance, right up through the preparation and entire run of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival (where HP will once again be a proud presenting sponsor). Thanks for visiting, and stay tuned!

Technorati Tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford

Tips for celebrity sightings at Sundance

amy brock — Fri, 11 May 2007 01:43:00 GMT

Suzy Pollock, Cindy Maestas, Susan Dininni, Ashley Houk
Interactive Marketing Team

Sure, the focus is on the films here at Sundance, but with so many big names converging on this small patch of real estate, the odds are pretty good that you are going to see some famous faces. The big questions are who and where… because you just might run into Antonio Banderas, Gwyneth Paltrow or even Robert Redford.

One big tip: Go to the movies, especially premieres! The screenings typically will have the director introduce the film and will have the director and cast (if they’re available) close the premiere with an audience Q&A. It’s a fabulous opportunity to get to know these famous faces off the big screen. You could get lucky – especially if you are watching a film like "King of California", starring Michael Douglas (Suzy traded this ticket away and was really bummed that someone else actually got to see Michael Douglas!).

If you decide to take a break from movies to shop or dine on Main Street in Park City, keep your eyes open! Watch for those stretch limousines or VWs–you may see Justin Timberlake. Or, watch the balconies – sometimes there are interviews going on up there, too.

The Sidecar balcony is a hot spot for interviews; and Sidecar’s “backroom” is frequently reserved for private parties. Rainn Wilson (from NBC’s The Office), Anthony Hopkins and Dave Matthews were sighted there in 2007. Take a peek inside -- we did and tried the official 2007 festival martini…highly recommended!

The Delta Sky Lounge, a private venue, is another great spot for celebrity sightings. The official Sundance photography studio, Wireimage, is located there. If you keep an eye on the front door you might see John Cusack, Justin Timberlake, Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci, who were spotted this week coming by for interviews and photos. (Insider tip: The bigger name celebrities might sneak out the back when their session is over.)

An exclusive dining venue to check out is ChefDance at 427 Main. For 10 festival nights, celebrity guest chefs orchestrate dinners to a select list of 250 industry executives and celebrities (rumor is it’s quite a feat to get on the invitee list).

Some other hotspots for star spotting are the hard-to-find and very restrictive People Magazine’s Luxury Lounge (which is only open early in the festival) and the New York Lounge. Of course, keep an eagle’s eye on the swanky ski and clothing boutiques.

The films are the best part about the Sundance Festival, but the chance of seeing a famous face is definitely part of the magic. We hope these tips come in handy!

Technorati Tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford, justin timberlake, antonio banderas, john cusack, samuel l. jackson, dave matthews, christina ricci, anthony hopkins

Unforeseen: the American dream at what price to the environment?

amy brock — Fri, 11 May 2007 01:37:00 GMT

Wendy Cole
Interactive Marketing Manager, Hewlett-Packard

In the movie Unforeseen, director Laura Dunn paints a thorough and compelling story about the ongoing tension between real estate developers and environmentalists. The movie takes place in Austin, Texas but certainly could transcend to just about anywhere in the United States, particularly with the real estate boom of recent years. The story establishes Barton Creek as the protagonist -- a beautiful, memory-filled gathering place for the community that is fed by a pristine, local aquifer -- and presents Texas real estate developer Gary Bradley as the antagonist, who appears much more interested in rapid development, highly leveraged capital and short term gain. The movie shows an inspirational fight by the community to preserve Barton Creek and the aquifer, which is in jeopardy with Bradley's Circle C Ranch development and some concerning rising up of conservatives with the pretense it is more important to preserve property rights than it is to preserve the environment.

There is some great footage of the late Ann Richards -- a remarkably feisty, eloquent voice for this cause as well as Robert Redford, who commented he learned to swim at Barton Creek as a boy. Laura Dunn captured some great symbolic imagery of lobbyist Dick Brown, who did not want his face on camera, but who did allow Laura to film him assembling and painting models of war planes.

Does the American dream need to be "more" -- bathrooms, square footage -- or rather should it be more on partnering with the natural environment not only for our broader quality of life but for our future generations as well? I would not consider myself a staunch environmentalist, but I can relate to and appreciate what environmental protection can offer a community. I was fortunate to live in Carmel-by-the Sea off and on for 7 years and experienced how you can embrace and honor the environment and give up few inconveniences, like low-flow showers/toilets, limited water rights and tree worshiping (which I actually don't consider an inconvenience!). There is a great movie, Don't Pave Main Street (narrated by Clint Eastwood), that chronicles the community of Carmel at the turn of the century that mirrors much of the sentiment of Unforeseen. Largely a "bohemian" artist community, these “Carmelites” were ahead of their time, exercising strong ecological passions, and were largely responsible for making Carmel what it is today. The community continues to view the natural beauty as a critical part of its soul.

When you consider that the average American house size has grown from 983 square feet in 1950 to 2,349 square feet (Source: NPR), we do need to consider at what price we all pay for this "American Dream" and if this dream needs to be revisited.

Wendy Cole
Interactive Marketing Manager, Hewlett-Packard

Technorati Tags: sundance,sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, protagonist , Robert Redford, unforeseen, laura dunn, ann richards, clint eastwood

Jean Louis Restaurant

amy brock — Thu, 10 May 2007 22:21:00 GMT

by the HP / Sundance team

By booking our table somewhere around the Jurassic period, we were able to reserve a huge table for 25 HP folks at Jean Louis‘ Restaurant in Park City. My part of the HP team is here running our internet presence, networking technologies, digital photo sites and Web 2.0 experimentation at the Sundance Film Festival.

You’ll find a good review of this pleasant restaurant here.

Although we were a big group, the eponymous owner and famous chef Jean Louis Montecot assured me he could do mega-sized groups in much bigger venues. And he didn’t disappoint: We had an absolutely stellar dining experience. We had a set menu to keep costs down, but our Butternut Squash Soup was so out of this world that folks were joking about licking their plates … but kind of not joking, if you know what I mean. We followed this up with crisp light crab cakes – nothing like the ones weI make at home. Then we chose between salmon and steak for the main course, which was served elegantly with robust portions of potato and salad. This we washed down with champagne, chunky red wine and a light white.Jean Louis is French, charming and a great host. So we punished him for that by speaking Franglais (despite one of us being a Brit’ that left France 7 years ago who struggles under the illusion that he is still fluent). He was engaged when our own Brit noted that they had both grown up and spent time in the same areas of Normandy. IHe then recounted my years working for HP in Paris and Grenoble where HP has Research and Development facilities. So we then got to meet other members of Jean Louis’ team (that were from my favorite city in the Alps – Grenoble), and we recounted tales of St. Egreve, Meylan and our favorite bars in town. They were full of praise for the Sundance Film Festival and HP’s role in the various cities we had lived in.We then joked that our leader's current city of residence (Boise, Idaho) was not evidence of some terrible wrong-doing that had led him into the witness protection program, but instead is a sign he had joined HP’s Imaging and Printing business -- part of which finds its home there. We did attempt to gain some sympathy by pointing out that the city has a French name meaning “wooded” and is one of the fastest growing cities in the West with several top notch French restaurants … like Andrae’s.

Lest, we digress: Back to Jean Louis‘ Restaurant. This place is so service-oriented that when one of our HP colleagues found the need for A1 Steak Sauce, there was no sign of a sneer or a curled lip that you sometimes get. This was despite the fact that the lovely piece of prime rib was sitting in a sterling burgundy reduction. What we got was quick and pleasant service that brought a previously unopened bottle of aforesaid A1 sauce to the table.

Jean Louis, the restaurant, is buzzing, has a great feel and is the real deal if you want upbeat French cuisine without the stuffiness. Everyone in our group loved it. And when you’re working 18 to 20 hours a day, the temptation is to fall asleep in the soup bowl……but we had a rare old time laughing, telling stories and trying to persuade Jean Louis to go online to find out about buying a new notebook and printer … there are even HP Outlet specials…..or pop down to any of our retailers like Staples, Best Buy or CompUSA if he felt so inclined.

We’d go back tonight but we're pretty sure you’d beat us to the phone for a reservation … (435) 200-0260.

(Editor's note: Copy edited in 2008 for clarification.)

Technorati Tags: sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford, jean louis restaurant, Grenoble, A1 Steak sauce, staples, best buy, comp usa

Sundance – A Feast for the Eyes and the Palate

amy brock — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:11:00 GMT

Marlene Berg, Michael Brito, Lisa Dean, Julie Potter
Web Managers

When you mention Sundance, who doesn’t think of movies? But a shining costar is the abundance of decadent food choices available here in Park City, Utah. Here are a couple of our teams’ favorites.

A delightful four-course meal was prepared especially for our team by Chef Jean Louis Montecot at the Jean Louis Restaurant and Bar. The pleasure began with butternut squash soup which was to die for; a special treat that many raved about the next day. The soup was followed by jumbo lump Crab Cakes served on a bed of warm spinach salad with lobster vinaigrette. (Crab cakes are a favorite in our group, and we ate every morsel.) We had our choice of Wild Salmon or Entrecote de Bœuf for our main course. The Wild Salmon was served in a shallow bowl with a wonderful blend of vegetables to enhance the flavor. We didn’t see anyone actually finish the “melt in your mouth” 24-oz. rib eye steak, but it was enjoyed just the same. No meal is complete without dessert and we weren’t disappointed by the beautiful chocolate cake with raspberry finale.

Our second night’s dinner was an equal treat. Butcher’s Chop House, with Chef Greg Grass, offered a diverse menu with a little something for everyone. Some chose salad and pizza while others indulged in Wild Alaskan King Crab legs. Rave reviews were posted for the crab legs with a “thumbs up” and “It’s the bomb baby!” An extensive wine selection was also enjoyed. Extra spoons were required for Chocolate Bread Pudding and Marionberry Crisp among many other desserts. How often have you been offered “chocolate” bread pudding? It was both different and delicious. The oatmeal crunch on the Marionberry crisp sweetened the berries to a tee.

Fabulous food, to be sure. But after a few days of eating so well, our jealous colleagues back at the office suggested that we use HP’s newest camera feature: The Slimming feature. Check it out: You can look 10 pounds lighter with just a click of a button! Hmm … Wonder if there is a multiplier option for that slimming feature?

We wish to thank all of the wonderful restaurants and the people of Park City, Utah for the perfect costar for the Sundance Film Festival. Bon Appétit!

sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, robert redford, Butchers Chop House, Jean Louis Restaurant and Bar

HP Interviews director and producer of Chapter 27, a film about Mark David Chapman, the man who killed John Lennon.

amy brock — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:50:00 GMT

Matthew Caldwell
Creative Director, HP Newsgram

Remember the day the music died? December 8, 1980 - John Lennon was shot and killed outside his home in NYC by Mark David Chapman. The film Chapter 27 takes us into the mind of Mark David Chapman and his three days of dementia in New York City. I met with director Jarrett Schaefer and Producer Bob Salerno and asked them some questions about the film …

JS: It’s about 3 days in New York City, Dec 6^th through 8^th. Following the man who’s going to shoot and kill John Lennon.

Q: There’s a controversial buzz around this film. What’s your opinion of the controversy?

JS: Yes, there is a controversy because this is a painful wound for the whole world. We know the controversy is because people feel this murderer should not get any further attention. But I feel like if we do discuss this terrible event and search for answers to understand why this happened, it’s a victory that may be available for us.

BS: I agree there is controversy, but I don’t know if I agree with it. This man shot John Lennon and the entire world knows his name. I don’t think our movie will make him more famous. It doesn’t glorify Mark Chapman nor vilify him. Instead it shows what happened these three days in 1980.

Mark Chapman was caught and pleaded guilty right away. So there was no trial. And people didn’t really get to discover just what went on. At the end of it all, there really isn’t an answer as to why Mark Chapman did it.

I don’t think we’ve done anything to harm the memory of John Lennon and what he stood for.

It’s important for people to know about this event. There was a whole generation of people who weren’t alive then.

Q: I didn’t know anything about Mark Chapman. For instance his obsession with Catcher in the Rye. How did you do your research on this person?

JS: We tried to be very accurate and factual with our depiction of Chapman. We may have moved one event that occurred in the day to the night…for filming purposes but we invented very little.

The NYC Police gathered much of the info. Their police statement provides the details. Chapman’s own account during parole hearings are available, and Jack Jones wrote a book called “Let Me Take You Down” that has many details from his 200 hours interviewing Chapman. Furthermore… he was interviewed on Larry King Live and in People Magazine. This is a very well-documented three days.

Q: Who played John Lennon for his brief appearance in the film?

JS: Mark Lindsay Chapman, who’s a talented British stage actor.

I was busy multitasking in pre-production and listening to a casting tape for the part. I’d gone through many people, but then I heard Mark Lindsey Chapman and it stopped and rewound the tape. I selected him then… it was just weird coincidence that he has a similar name to the killer. I didn’t want a look-alike, Mark Lindsey Chapman had the feeling of John.

sundance, sundance film festival, sundance film 2007, hp, hewlett packard, simon townshend

Films: Review of Once, starring Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

amy brock — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:04:00 GMT

Joanna Sinnwell
Program Manager

Everyone remembers their first movie. Mine? Paint Your Wagon. A silly western, a sea of eager faces, and real(!) buttered popcorn. And remember your first time at the drive in? Jammies and all? But I have to say that my first film at Sundance was something equally special.

Once is absolutely enchanting; more sweet than sad. The relationship between musician-actors Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova is expressed beautifully through their music and the music, well… that in itself is enough reason to see the film. If you loved The Commitments, see this. It’s better in some ways, because you get a much deeper sense of the characters and their lives. But like the music in The Commitments, the tunes come home with you in Once, too. Hansard and Irglova have collaborated before, and they have a very sweet rapport.

When they came on stage after the film at Sundance, I was delighted by their humor and humility. I’m the type who chokes up when actors come on stage after a play and they bow to applause: After all of those hours of rehearsals, this is their payback. We don’t get that after a film in the metroplex. We are moved or bored and pick up our coats and walk out, chatting about the movie and performances but rarely considering the hours that went into making it.

Here, it’s magic; it just happens. Director John Carney and the actor-musicians were here on the Sundance stage at the Prospector Theater after the credits rolled, ready to share their experience, with hands stuffed deep in pockets, and slightly embarrassed but clearly proud of what they’ve done. Carney answered random questions and shared behind-the-scenes and technical information in a friendly, hilarious, self-effacing way. Hansard and Irglova also sang two songs from the film, laughing and re-starting until they got it right. Completely captivating. I’ll be back next year.

{Editor's Note: Since this review was written, HP’s Backstage at Sundance filmed an exclusive duet with Glen Hansard and Marketa Iglova. You can see it here. More importantly, the film "Once" was recognized with The World Cinema Audience Award: Dramatic at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.]