As an entrepreneur, one of the most important lessons I have learned is that if I want to make something happen, I have to put myself in the right place at the right time to make the right connections. The universe may work in mysterious ways, but it always helps when I work my own magic, too. And the Sundance Film Festival is one such place. The business connections I’ve made there will undoubtedly last me a lifetime.
About nine years ago at my cousin’s wedding, I met an up-and-coming Los Angeles film producer named Dave Phillips. He told me about an event that he and his real estate developer pal, Kenny Griswold, were developing in Park City, Utah, USA, where Kenny just happened to own a ski mountain. They called the event "Where Music Meets Film" and said that it would take place during the Sundance Film Festival.
Their plan was to bring in famous musicians who had made it in the music industry but had yet to crack the movie soundtrack business. I remember Dave saying, "Why wouldn't the next Stephen Soderbergh want to find the next John Williams early if he could? Heck, what better way to do this than to put these guys 10 feet in front of the next generation of filmmakers and watch the sparks fly?!"
Kenny also created another event that is just as exclusive and even more exquisite— an invitation-only dining experience called Chefdance. It’s catered by prominent chefs who are flown in each night of Sundance from all over the US, just for this one occasion.
Kenny told me that Sundance was fast becoming a place where the eastern US (Wall Street) met the western US (Hollywood). His new vision was to create events for entrepreneurs within the film, music, finance and hospitality industries to converge in a hip, edgy, artistic mix. He also wanted to throw an unforgettable party.
Having grown up in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, I knew a bit about throwing a good party myself. In fact, the tagline for my party rental business – Peachtree Tents and Events – is "Partying is Our Business." Coupled with my prior life as Founder of GrooveTone Records, I knew that I had to give Sundance a go.
That was three years ago, and I haven’t missed all the events at Sundance since. The memories I have created from the past three years could last me a lifetime. I’ve met an incredible group of creative entrepreneurs, including musicians, chefs, filmmakers, producers, financiers and just plain super-cool folks. The festival gets crowded, but Kenny’s VIP treatment is unparalleled.
Last year, I convinced both Dave and Kenny to create an exclusive package for a select group of EO members to experience the festival firsthand. So, are you ready to make your own magic?
Only 25 discounted packages will be offered exclusively to EO members. If you’re interested in attending the event on 24-26 January 2008, email Joe Freedman for more information.