L. Busacca/WireImageIt's that time of year again.
Right this very moment, filmmakers and other industry folks are making their way to Park City, Utah for the celeb-studded Sundance Film Festival. While the majority of us won't likely be present to rub elbows with celebs, E!'s Sundance Insider Marc Malkin will be on the scene to get the scoop. "As the Sundance Insider I want to be the eyes, ears and legs for everyone who can't be there, making them feel like they are there with me," shared Marc.
"Sundance is about what you want it to be about. If you are going to Sundance to see quality, passionate filmmaking you are definitely going to find that. If you are going to party and for the good time of it all, you can find that too," elaborated the insider.
So whether you're interested in exclusive interviews with true filmmakers or if you're looking for a play-by-play of celebs on the social scene, Marc has your inside hookup. Here's what he's most excited for this year.
It's Always a Good Time: Marc has been a Sundance regular for "many, many, many years" as he puts it, and hitting the party circuit is an important part of scoring interviews . These invite-only, after-parties are often hosted and heavily attended by the celeb set, shared Marc. He fondly recalled the Wet Hot American Summer party in 2001, with "Tommy Lee and lots of Red Bull." His most vivid party memory, however, was James Franco rapping in a platinum blonde wig at the Three's Company: The Drama party in 2011. As for this year's party sightings, stay tuned!
It's Really About the Films: First and foremost, Sundance is about film-making and that's the reason why Marc looks forward to it year after year. "You see a real mix of indie folks with big celebs," shared Marc. Passionate filmmakers are usually excited to be there and happy to chat, he explained. It's also an opportunity to first talk with up-and-comers. "Someone like Empire's Gabourey Sidibe was first noticed at Sundance when it premiered Precious," gave Marc, as an example.
As for This Year's Celeb Sightings: This year, "I can't wait to interview Kristen Stewart, Kate Beckinsale and Nick Jonas," said Marc. Even Johnny Depp's daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, will be making her debut in a movie called Yoga Hosers with filmmaker Kevin Smith, who is a huge Sundance mainstay. Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, (who Marc describes as "so down to earth") will also be there. Marc also hopes to catch Selena Gomez, who stars in the Fundamentals of Caring alongside Paul Rudd.
Sundance Fashion Is Far From Boring: "Being the New Yorker that I am, every once in a while, I miss winter, but not often," confessed Marc. Lucky for the editor, LA has been quite chilly as of late, so he's already gotten some mileage out of his cold-weather basics like his favorite cashmere, cable-knit Ralph Lauren sweater. While his 10-year old Uggs and his new Sorel boots are already in his suitcase, Marc's signature Sundance look tends to include a pop of color. "The more colorful I can be, the better," said the fashion-forward editor. Just take the furry-pink, statement hat Marc wore all week-long at the 2008 festival. As for this year's statement accessory: "I'm not sure yet, but I can promise you it will be colorful."
There's Not Much Downtime, But When There Is: While there will be lots to do mountainside, Marc hopes to spend rare, free moments indulging in the city's culinary scene. His can't-miss list includes, ChefDance, featuring a rotating roster of celeb chefs from all over the country, sushi at Yuki Yama, dinner at 501 on Main and classic Italian fare at Grappa. "Burgers and Bourbon is also the place that sometime during Sundance, at least once, I try to get away just by myself to go there and eat—it is so good," recommended the insider.
To keep up with Marc and all of his Sundance adventures, follow him @marcmalkin.