Ok, first off, let’s be clear: I quit that restaurant gig. Second, folks in charge of that restaurant were probably related to the “management” of the theater in which I’m working. I put that in quotation marks because they are also volunteers, but they definitely act like they run the town. My new Aussie friend, Dianne, and I have declared war on The Three, as I am calling them. Let me explain.
Dianne and I are Crowd Liasons. There are three of us CLs on our 7:30 am – 2:30ish pm shift. There are three positions for CLs, all of which are outside. One entails standing at the front of the theater (outside); the second requires one (me) to stand in front of the ticket holder/ pass holder line, which is in a concrete tunnel that is at least 10 to 20 degrees colder than street level; and the third requires a person (Dianne) to stand a half of a level under the tunnel in a hallway with the waitlisters. So, the first show of the day at the Egyptian is at 9 am. But for a better example of the inanity of The Three, let me use the noon show as an example. For a noon show, wait listers line up around 10 am and are given a number based on their spot in the line. They really are not supposed to get there before 10 am, but the numbers are also given out right at 10, so lots of folks (not surprisingly) come early. After a person gets their number, they may leave the line, get coffee, stay warm, shop, whatever, but they need to come back to the line at 11:30. At 11:30, the house opens (in theory). This means, I start to bring the ticket and pass holders to the front of the theater where they enter and take their seats. After they are all in the theater, we begin to let the wait list people in — this entails selling them a ticket and sending them upstairs. This really is not rocket science. After the theater is full, or no more folks want in, that’s a wrap for that show. The next show is not until three, meaning that there is nothing for the CLs to do until one when waitlist tickets need to be handed out again and, even at that time, clearly there is really just a need for Dianne. Nevertheless, The Three have instructed that someone needs to stay in the tunnel all day. No one may ever leave the tunnel unattended! Have I made clear that this is a public tunnel that leads to a parking garage, connects one street to another, leads to another venue, among other things? There is no need whatsoever to babysit the tunnel. In fact, this really just encourages folks to start lining up for the wait list line well before the two hour mark. When I raised this point with One of The Three, I was told that someone needed to be in the tunnel at all times.
Brilliant.
Additionally, Dianne, Steve (the other CL on our shift) and I had decided — since we had been asked how we wanted to do it — that we would rotate so that no one would have to be in the tunnel for the entire seven plus hours of the shift. Since none of the positions are particularly (or, at all) complicated, we figured this made the most sense. At 9 am, though, we were told by one of The Three that we each needed to stay at the post we were then working for the duration of the shift, as well as the festival. Why? Because.
Will they know if you leave the tunnel? Is it anything like the tunnel where you waited for the U2 tickets? Are you going to revolt? Last night at dinner we had a big discussion about how the american revolution was not really a revolution but a secession. Maybe next year you can be one of the Three and bring some sense to the operation.
Have you seen any movies? Become a ski bum?Has Maggie bought you coffee?
You’re not missing much here. Current temp: -10. Only 90 degrees colder than Key West.
And back to the sofabed, how many people are in the house? does it suck to be in the living room?
Ok, I don’t think I’m going to keep posting if there aren’t any comments because it kinda makes me feel like I’m talking to myself.
But to Heather’s questions I will say that I just got back from my first movie!! I tried to see one yesterday, but I did not get in. Today, however, was a different story! It was a good movie — very dark, very indie, very sad, very funny, very over the top — but really, I think the best part was at the end when the director came up on stage and introduced the cast and the producers and the caterer and everyone who had a hand in his labor of love. It was truly moving; it was clear from his voice alone how much the film meant to him and how proud of it, and everyone who had been a part of it, he was. It was just really neat. He even said, since the theater manager was cutting off the Q&A to get ready for the next film, that he’d wait outside in the cold for folks who had more questions of him.
No ski bumbage and no Maggie G and coffee.
There are four other peeps in the house and it most certainly does suck to be in the living room. Esp because I have decided it makes more sense to sleep on the sofa, as opposed to pulling out the so-called bed. This causes problems when roommates come home at midnight or so and do not see my cocoon-like body asleep on the couch and turn the living room lights on and all the other lights and start banging around. Oh well. On Thursday, I’m going to move into Sarayu’s digs.
Also, update: the Australian and I have broken up. Turns up, she’s a bit of a weirdo, not funny really and kinda passive-aggressive. On the upside, I have become closer to a mustachioed fellow in his mid to late 60s, I would say, who really has a nice, Park City-an laid-back attitude. This helps the shift immensely. Speaking of shifts, I may be coming around to the Canadians. We’ll see.
I guess I’m not really sure on the line between a secession and a revolution.
Celebrity count: Ben Kingsley. [And a semi-interesting story about a Steven Spielberg almost sighting].
Hi folks. I, too, will keep it short today. The Three has become more reasonable (I’m pretty sure they were spoken to by folks above them) and the Aussie is on the outs with everyone. Things change fast around here!
Celebrity sightings: Thomas Haden Church, Paul Giamatti, Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Adrian Grenier and Colin Firth. Yes, Colin Firth. Colin Firth. Maybe one foot away from me. Colin Firth.
I know, I know!!! It was HUGE! He walked right by me — twice — and no one really even blinked. But let’s cross our fingers for the Pack. I’m so nervous.
Ok, I’m home from the most ridiculous night at work ever and I have a few things to say:
1. I’m so sorry about the Pack. Love to them, love to you.
2. I’m so glad you’re staying at The Chateau soon.
3. I didn’t trust the Aussie from the get-go. “Diane,” I’m so sure.
4. Please tell Colin not to be nervous when I approach him. I’d like him prepped and ready but most importantly, at ease, when I discuss our future together.
Colin is here with his wife, who has a movie about Mumia playing here. I think she’s a producer or something.
Things are shaking up differently today. Shaking out? Anyway, I agreed to switch shifts with someone so today I am working 2:30 pm until 9:30 pm. I’m not exactly psyched about this — esp because I still got up at 6 am since my roommate was banging around like crazy — but it means that I’m going to be able (I hope, I hope, I hope) see a movie at 8:30. Going to try to go tickets for that right now, in fact.
I’m at a loss on how to speak about the game last night. It was such a great season, but I did not think it was a terrific game, not just because of the outcome. I’m really sad, but hopeful for next year.
I didn’t get to watch much of the game, but the parts I did watch (1st quarter and last 3 minutes plus o/t) were pretty sad. der. but great season, and they will be back next year!
other people can have colin firth, i’ll take adrian grenier (pre-entourage).
Ok, so far I have seen only two — but I’m really going to change that.
1. Chronic Town. This is a movie that is clearly a labor of love. It’s set in Alaska and the main character (in every scene) is a likeable addict who really doesn’t have much direction. It’s going to continue to sound like tons of indie films even if I add to that description, so I’ll stop. Suffice it to say, it was cute — charming, sad, funny, over the top, etc. Not a “not to be missed” picture, but I can see it getting picked up and having some success.
2. Be Kind, Rewind. This movie is obviously destined for every town’s big screen. It’s got Mos Def, Jack Black, Mia Farrow, Danny Glover and even a cameo by Sigourney Weaver. It was very cute, fun, funny and sweet. And, really, although it was a cookie-cutter ending, I like cookies and the film still felt fresh and creative. I would recommend it, mos def.
Holy _ _ _ _! Colin Firth!!! Is he super super tall? As attractive in person as on film. I’m so totally jealous and looking forward to the full report.
I just saw the release about Ledger’s death. I’m shocked – there didn’t seem to be any press about him being so on the edge. Plus it’s super weird that he was found in Mary Kate Olsen’s apt. (at least that’s what MSN said.)
Hi Rose, Yes it’s me. I’m a little stunned by the Heath news. He was such a good actor, I’m not ready to see him end as a joker. So sad for his daughter. Didn’t his parents warn him about drugs?
Hey A, I’m here until next Monday, so 13 days total. This sofa situation is really getting me down. Plus, the place is getting gross and it’s really messing with my OCDness. Sarayu is coming to visit from Friday through Monday so the anniversary of me will be spent with her. I’m so very grateful to her for this, and everything else that she does for me.
And the only real thing I’ve heard about Heath so far was a question at the Q&A of Josh Hartnett’s film, which I just saw about twenty minutes ago. Some joker in the audience asked Josh about it and the audience groaned and yelled at the guy and Josh mumbled something about a great loss.
Michelle Williams has a film playing here, too, that I’m told is not so great, but in which she was stellar. She, however, was not here because she is filming something elsewhere. My heart really goes out to her and Matilda. 28 years old. Jesus.
Hey what was the town in the Alaska film? I am there now and feel like there could be lots of townspeople who could have starred in it. In a meeting today I got a text from Maggie about Heath Ledger, another from Steve about the same thing, and told the group that my niece was a volunteer at Sundance– and had seen COLIN FIRTH!! A few people were super excited about CF and your Sundance gig…and I broke the news on Ledger to them. I think a couple people wondered if I was really a consultant or an Inside Edition correspondent.
How about Angelina not getting an Oscar nomination? hee hee
Ok, update on Heath so far is that although there were a lot of prescription drugs, it doesn’t look like it was a suicide. Very very sad. Every time I hear about it, I cry a little.
I’m very excited to see you my little one. It’s going to be lovely. Glad you are seeing a lot of movies. I see you mentioned Colin Firth is there with his wife. I suppose this was a subtle attempt at reminding me that he and I do not in fact have a “future together.” Hmph. Why don’t we let him decide, ok? I mean, he is an adult after all, and it’s only fair to let him make these decisions for himself. Besides, when I said “future,” I meant “career future.” Kind of.
Now, I have begun packing and the vaporizer fits just fine as well as my wellies, which could be a good back up if the other boots get soaked. Not much else, other than- we see each other soon for your earth anniversary! Yeah!
The other rumor going around the NY papers and various gossip sites are that they found a rolled up twenty dollar bill with a white substance on it in his apartment. But autopsy was inconclusive. I guess we shall see when the other tests come back. Oh man, so sad.
On a good note – only one more night and you are free of the sofa bed! Yay!
Was Heath really found in Mary-Kate Olson’s apartment? I did not catch that. Heard his masseuse found him. Very sad. I wish I liked his name more, despite it’s proximity to mine.
only two more nights of sofa bed. Maybe it will help if you name it something, like sundance field. at least that helped when i was sleeping on chocktaw ridge. and perhaps name your roomies the filth gang, or something. my creative name juices are not flowing to well at the moment.
Hi Heather. Actually not found in MKO’s apt. But apparently the housekeeper called her (or her apt, or something) in a panic after she and the masseuse found him. Then she sent over security. Just read that. That’s where the connection came in. I also heard today that the rent for his apt was $23,000 a month. Just a tidbit.
life and puppies 
Whoo hoooooooooooo!!!!! If you get to talk to him please tell him “thank you for The Way We Were”. 🙂
Oh, dreamy. Did you tell him how much you like working at his restaurant thingee? 😉
Please give Bob a kiss from me.
Please give Bob more than a kiss from me!
Ok, first off, let’s be clear: I quit that restaurant gig. Second, folks in charge of that restaurant were probably related to the “management” of the theater in which I’m working. I put that in quotation marks because they are also volunteers, but they definitely act like they run the town. My new Aussie friend, Dianne, and I have declared war on The Three, as I am calling them. Let me explain.
Dianne and I are Crowd Liasons. There are three of us CLs on our 7:30 am – 2:30ish pm shift. There are three positions for CLs, all of which are outside. One entails standing at the front of the theater (outside); the second requires one (me) to stand in front of the ticket holder/ pass holder line, which is in a concrete tunnel that is at least 10 to 20 degrees colder than street level; and the third requires a person (Dianne) to stand a half of a level under the tunnel in a hallway with the waitlisters. So, the first show of the day at the Egyptian is at 9 am. But for a better example of the inanity of The Three, let me use the noon show as an example. For a noon show, wait listers line up around 10 am and are given a number based on their spot in the line. They really are not supposed to get there before 10 am, but the numbers are also given out right at 10, so lots of folks (not surprisingly) come early. After a person gets their number, they may leave the line, get coffee, stay warm, shop, whatever, but they need to come back to the line at 11:30. At 11:30, the house opens (in theory). This means, I start to bring the ticket and pass holders to the front of the theater where they enter and take their seats. After they are all in the theater, we begin to let the wait list people in — this entails selling them a ticket and sending them upstairs. This really is not rocket science. After the theater is full, or no more folks want in, that’s a wrap for that show. The next show is not until three, meaning that there is nothing for the CLs to do until one when waitlist tickets need to be handed out again and, even at that time, clearly there is really just a need for Dianne. Nevertheless, The Three have instructed that someone needs to stay in the tunnel all day. No one may ever leave the tunnel unattended! Have I made clear that this is a public tunnel that leads to a parking garage, connects one street to another, leads to another venue, among other things? There is no need whatsoever to babysit the tunnel. In fact, this really just encourages folks to start lining up for the wait list line well before the two hour mark. When I raised this point with One of The Three, I was told that someone needed to be in the tunnel at all times.
Brilliant.
Additionally, Dianne, Steve (the other CL on our shift) and I had decided — since we had been asked how we wanted to do it — that we would rotate so that no one would have to be in the tunnel for the entire seven plus hours of the shift. Since none of the positions are particularly (or, at all) complicated, we figured this made the most sense. At 9 am, though, we were told by one of The Three that we each needed to stay at the post we were then working for the duration of the shift, as well as the festival. Why? Because.
Brilliant.
Will they know if you leave the tunnel? Is it anything like the tunnel where you waited for the U2 tickets? Are you going to revolt? Last night at dinner we had a big discussion about how the american revolution was not really a revolution but a secession. Maybe next year you can be one of the Three and bring some sense to the operation.
Have you seen any movies? Become a ski bum?Has Maggie bought you coffee?
You’re not missing much here. Current temp: -10. Only 90 degrees colder than Key West.
And back to the sofabed, how many people are in the house? does it suck to be in the living room?
Ok, I don’t think I’m going to keep posting if there aren’t any comments because it kinda makes me feel like I’m talking to myself.
But to Heather’s questions I will say that I just got back from my first movie!! I tried to see one yesterday, but I did not get in. Today, however, was a different story! It was a good movie — very dark, very indie, very sad, very funny, very over the top — but really, I think the best part was at the end when the director came up on stage and introduced the cast and the producers and the caterer and everyone who had a hand in his labor of love. It was truly moving; it was clear from his voice alone how much the film meant to him and how proud of it, and everyone who had been a part of it, he was. It was just really neat. He even said, since the theater manager was cutting off the Q&A to get ready for the next film, that he’d wait outside in the cold for folks who had more questions of him.
No ski bumbage and no Maggie G and coffee.
There are four other peeps in the house and it most certainly does suck to be in the living room. Esp because I have decided it makes more sense to sleep on the sofa, as opposed to pulling out the so-called bed. This causes problems when roommates come home at midnight or so and do not see my cocoon-like body asleep on the couch and turn the living room lights on and all the other lights and start banging around. Oh well. On Thursday, I’m going to move into Sarayu’s digs.
Also, update: the Australian and I have broken up. Turns up, she’s a bit of a weirdo, not funny really and kinda passive-aggressive. On the upside, I have become closer to a mustachioed fellow in his mid to late 60s, I would say, who really has a nice, Park City-an laid-back attitude. This helps the shift immensely. Speaking of shifts, I may be coming around to the Canadians. We’ll see.
I guess I’m not really sure on the line between a secession and a revolution.
Celebrity count: Ben Kingsley. [And a semi-interesting story about a Steven Spielberg almost sighting].
Hi Kate. This is my very first blog comment! I’ll keep it short (because I have little to say).
Here is a link to a video from a guy at the NY Times known as “The Carpetbagger.” http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=160e7af5be41c851c1326014ba56de4ee1429094
He does a series of videos about movies. In this one he’s at Sundance. I think he’s very funny in a quirky way.
I am enjoying your blog. Keep up the good work. Good luck with The Three.
Hi folks. I, too, will keep it short today. The Three has become more reasonable (I’m pretty sure they were spoken to by folks above them) and the Aussie is on the outs with everyone. Things change fast around here!
Celebrity sightings: Thomas Haden Church, Paul Giamatti, Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Adrian Grenier and Colin Firth. Yes, Colin Firth. Colin Firth. Maybe one foot away from me. Colin Firth.
Go Pack!
Colin Firth!! Sigh…
I know, I know!!! It was HUGE! He walked right by me — twice — and no one really even blinked. But let’s cross our fingers for the Pack. I’m so nervous.
Ok, I’m home from the most ridiculous night at work ever and I have a few things to say:
1. I’m so sorry about the Pack. Love to them, love to you.
2. I’m so glad you’re staying at The Chateau soon.
3. I didn’t trust the Aussie from the get-go. “Diane,” I’m so sure.
4. Please tell Colin not to be nervous when I approach him. I’d like him prepped and ready but most importantly, at ease, when I discuss our future together.
5.
I wonder what number five was going to be…
Colin is here with his wife, who has a movie about Mumia playing here. I think she’s a producer or something.
Things are shaking up differently today. Shaking out? Anyway, I agreed to switch shifts with someone so today I am working 2:30 pm until 9:30 pm. I’m not exactly psyched about this — esp because I still got up at 6 am since my roommate was banging around like crazy — but it means that I’m going to be able (I hope, I hope, I hope) see a movie at 8:30. Going to try to go tickets for that right now, in fact.
I’m at a loss on how to speak about the game last night. It was such a great season, but I did not think it was a terrific game, not just because of the outcome. I’m really sad, but hopeful for next year.
Glad you are moving – those roomates should be more considerate!
Was SJP wearing something ridiculous? Did you get to ask her about Project Runway? 🙂
Your mom says that she hopes you are staying warm. And the Pack will be back better than ever next year. Were there lots of Pack fans there?
I didn’t get to watch much of the game, but the parts I did watch (1st quarter and last 3 minutes plus o/t) were pretty sad. der. but great season, and they will be back next year!
other people can have colin firth, i’ll take adrian grenier (pre-entourage).
have to work again tonight. double der.
Ah – Adrian Grenier in Drive Me Crazy. So nice despite the presence of Melissa Joan Hart.
Kate – tell us about the movies you seen…
Ok, so far I have seen only two — but I’m really going to change that.
1. Chronic Town. This is a movie that is clearly a labor of love. It’s set in Alaska and the main character (in every scene) is a likeable addict who really doesn’t have much direction. It’s going to continue to sound like tons of indie films even if I add to that description, so I’ll stop. Suffice it to say, it was cute — charming, sad, funny, over the top, etc. Not a “not to be missed” picture, but I can see it getting picked up and having some success.
2. Be Kind, Rewind. This movie is obviously destined for every town’s big screen. It’s got Mos Def, Jack Black, Mia Farrow, Danny Glover and even a cameo by Sigourney Weaver. It was very cute, fun, funny and sweet. And, really, although it was a cookie-cutter ending, I like cookies and the film still felt fresh and creative. I would recommend it, mos def.
I love you reviews of the movies! Keep them coming.
love your reviews. keep them coming. Hope you got some boots!
Holy _ _ _ _! Colin Firth!!! Is he super super tall? As attractive in person as on film. I’m so totally jealous and looking forward to the full report.
How long are you there for? What are you going to do for your birthday?
Is that Andrea Smith? How are you??
Did you guys hear about Heath Ledger’s death? Any talk of it at Sundance?
I just saw the release about Ledger’s death. I’m shocked – there didn’t seem to be any press about him being so on the edge. Plus it’s super weird that he was found in Mary Kate Olsen’s apt. (at least that’s what MSN said.)
Hi Rose, Yes it’s me. I’m a little stunned by the Heath news. He was such a good actor, I’m not ready to see him end as a joker. So sad for his daughter. Didn’t his parents warn him about drugs?
I mean the Joker, as in Batman, not as in an insult your grandpa might use.
Hey A, I’m here until next Monday, so 13 days total. This sofa situation is really getting me down. Plus, the place is getting gross and it’s really messing with my OCDness. Sarayu is coming to visit from Friday through Monday so the anniversary of me will be spent with her. I’m so very grateful to her for this, and everything else that she does for me.
And the only real thing I’ve heard about Heath so far was a question at the Q&A of Josh Hartnett’s film, which I just saw about twenty minutes ago. Some joker in the audience asked Josh about it and the audience groaned and yelled at the guy and Josh mumbled something about a great loss.
Michelle Williams has a film playing here, too, that I’m told is not so great, but in which she was stellar. She, however, was not here because she is filming something elsewhere. My heart really goes out to her and Matilda. 28 years old. Jesus.
Hey what was the town in the Alaska film? I am there now and feel like there could be lots of townspeople who could have starred in it. In a meeting today I got a text from Maggie about Heath Ledger, another from Steve about the same thing, and told the group that my niece was a volunteer at Sundance– and had seen COLIN FIRTH!! A few people were super excited about CF and your Sundance gig…and I broke the news on Ledger to them. I think a couple people wondered if I was really a consultant or an Inside Edition correspondent.
How about Angelina not getting an Oscar nomination? hee hee
Ok, update on Heath so far is that although there were a lot of prescription drugs, it doesn’t look like it was a suicide. Very very sad. Every time I hear about it, I cry a little.
I’m very excited to see you my little one. It’s going to be lovely. Glad you are seeing a lot of movies. I see you mentioned Colin Firth is there with his wife. I suppose this was a subtle attempt at reminding me that he and I do not in fact have a “future together.” Hmph. Why don’t we let him decide, ok? I mean, he is an adult after all, and it’s only fair to let him make these decisions for himself. Besides, when I said “future,” I meant “career future.” Kind of.
Now, I have begun packing and the vaporizer fits just fine as well as my wellies, which could be a good back up if the other boots get soaked. Not much else, other than- we see each other soon for your earth anniversary! Yeah!
I love you!
The other rumor going around the NY papers and various gossip sites are that they found a rolled up twenty dollar bill with a white substance on it in his apartment. But autopsy was inconclusive. I guess we shall see when the other tests come back. Oh man, so sad.
On a good note – only one more night and you are free of the sofa bed! Yay!
Was Heath really found in Mary-Kate Olson’s apartment? I did not catch that. Heard his masseuse found him. Very sad. I wish I liked his name more, despite it’s proximity to mine.
only two more nights of sofa bed. Maybe it will help if you name it something, like sundance field. at least that helped when i was sleeping on chocktaw ridge. and perhaps name your roomies the filth gang, or something. my creative name juices are not flowing to well at the moment.
Hi Heather. Actually not found in MKO’s apt. But apparently the housekeeper called her (or her apt, or something) in a panic after she and the masseuse found him. Then she sent over security. Just read that. That’s where the connection came in. I also heard today that the rent for his apt was $23,000 a month. Just a tidbit.
Go Kate Go!!