Part I: The Diary Of A Sundance-Bound Madman

Part I: The Diary Of A Sundance-Bound Madman

Part I: The Diary Of A Sundance-Bound Madman

Ross Putman
Ross Putman
9 years ago

These are the ramblings of a sleep-deprived (Sundance-bound) madman***

Seriously. Do you remember that episode of Breaking Bad where Walter writes off his questionable disappearance by claiming that he went into a "fugue state?" Ever since being introduced to that delightful term, I've decided that "fugue state" is my favorite way to describe my day: long stretches of time pass by in which I'm not sure what I'm doing, yet things get done--items are checked off on my lists. Emails are emailed. I'm fairly sure I compulsively sweep the floor when I'm on conference calls.

Yep--I'm preparing for Park City, and I am fugue-ing. Hard.

This is my sixth time going to Sundance as a fan, but my first time going as a filmmaker. For those of you going for the first time ever at all, here are some fun bucket-list type things I suggest you try!

  1. Not pay for any food while you're there and survive entirely on hors d'oeuvres served at cocktail parties

  2. Maintain a robust, un-diseased speaking voice

  3. Go to bed before 2AM every night

You'll make attempts. Some will succeed. Others will fail. But you will have a good time. And you will see some excellent films. The list of movies I've seen and absolutely, positively loved at Sundance is pretty long. Whiplash, The End of the Tour, Upstream Color, Only Lovers Left Alive, A Most Wanted Man...

And now I'm there, with a movie I produced, that I really hope others might like even just a little bit too.

It's weird. And scary.

Oh God, suddenly it's all-consumingly scary.

But that's OK. Sundance is weird and scary on its own; 10,000 industry professionals descend on a small ski town. Every party has a list. You might be on the list. But you're probably not on the list. The beer only has 2.5% alcohol. The shuttle buses are free! Why is this place so weird?

I'm two days out of the festival, and the jitters are setting in. The next time you hear from me, it'll be mid-fest. My film premieres Sunday night at the Prospector Square theater. So stay tuned to find out if I have a complete mental breakdown before then.

Over and out,

Ross

About Ross Putman

Ross Putman is the producer of First Girl I Loved, which premieres at this year's Sundance Film Festival. The co-founder of LA-based production company PSH Collective, Ross also produced the 2014 LA Film Festival winner The Young Kieslowski. He co-produced the Netflix/Fox Digital series Bad Samaritans, and has sold the feature Eskimo Sisters to Awesomeness Films, with Danny Leiner directing. Prior to his producing career, Ross was a literary manager at Ineffable Pictures and has taught the Stage 32 Next Level Webinar "Deconstructing Guardians of the Galaxy", and the Stage 32 Next Level Class "It's All About Your "Hero's Journey"- How to Write Memorable Characters."

Ross will be joining Stage 32 Founder & CEO, Richard "RB" Botto at the Sundance/Jacob Krueger Studio House at Sundance for the panel

  • Panel - "The Screenwriter/Manager Relationship"
  • Date: Thursday, January 28, 2016
  • Time: 3pm - 4:30pm
  • Location: The Stage 32/Jacob Krueger House (312 Upper Norfolk Ave., Park City, UT 84060)
  • Featuring: Richard "RB" Botto (screenwriter, CEO, Stage 32), Ross Putman (producer, film at Sundance - The Girl I Loved, former lit manager at Ineffable Pictures)
  • RSVP: click here

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About the Author

Ross Putman

Ross Putman

producer, screenwriter

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12 Comments on Ross's Article

Excited to be part of this journey with you, Ross. I'm quite sure you're going to have a hard time getting to be before 2:00 ANY night, but I think you have an even chance adhering to your other directives :) Best of luck, will be staying tuned.
9 years ago
Hi Richard, unique traits can be anything additional details you want to mention about yourself.
9 years ago
Richard Milleville
Author, Screenwriter
And unique traits are?
9 years ago
I'm rooting for you Ross! The movies you mentioned that you first saw at Sundance are some of my favorites as well, especially Only Lovers Left Alive. I adore that movie! Go get 'em!
9 years ago
Rebecca Schauer
screenwriter, Musician
Congratulations, Ross! Looking forward to hearing more about your experience at Sundance--I'm sure you'll master "The Art of the Fugue!"
9 years ago
Shari D. Frost
Screenwriter, Playwright, Script Consultant
congrats and good luck, Ross! hope you enjoy every minute!
9 years ago
So splendid, Ross. You are making the world a better place through your effort and outlook.
9 years ago
Joanne Butcher
Business Affairs Consultant
Congratulations, Ross! Hope to meet you there and look forward to following your blog. Sundance is such a whirlwind! On a personal note, I am going to Sundance for the first time in a long time - I used to go every year as ED of an IFP chapter. I also want to say, I have a space available in my condo which is walking distance from everything at the Festival.
9 years ago
Dara Taylor
Music Composer, Comedian
Many congrats, Ross! I'm already intrigued to read the rest, haha. I love the "pay for no food" goal. Reminds me of my first cash-strapped month living in NYC a while back. Good luck on that 2am goal - especially if you're going to be hanging out with RB :-)
9 years ago
Erik Grossman
Screenwriter
This was a great read! Good luck with the premier!
9 years ago
Amanda Toney - Next Level Education
Director of Operations, Producer
Great sneak peak Ross. I'm excited to see if you can achieve those goals, especially the surviving on hors d'oeuvres. Good luck with the premiere!
9 years ago
Francis J Duggan
actor, business development/sales
Great blog post and tips well noted. It will be my first time to Sundance this weekend flying solo. I can only imagine what type of schmoozing I am going to do to get my hands on some hors d'oeuvre and a shuttle ride home before 2am..."but I'm Bobby's nephew!"
9 years ago
Stage 32 Staff
Director, Screenwriter, Editor
I absolutely love this. i feel like we're going to witness a real life Jack Nicholson in THE SHINING....looking forward to Parts 2 and 3 Ross!
9 years ago
Kentrell Liddell
Host/Presenter, Screenwriter, Voice Actor, Narrator, Film Festival Director, Hair Stylist, Author, Filmmaker
I'll be rooting for you from one of the seats inside the theater! I really like the synopsis. Good luck!
9 years ago
Tomasz Mieczkowski
Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer
*Every party has a list. You might be on the list. But you're probably not on the list.* - Love it. Congrats on your first film in Sundance - first of many, I'm sure. The synopsis for the film reads great, and I think it's a perfect time for a film like that. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres - and hopefully I might join you next year so I'll keep those hints handy.
9 years ago
Hey Ross, it's okay to be nervous, but I really think what you're feeling is pure excitement. You'll be great. All your supporters will be there and you'll have a blast. Huge congratulations!!! Best always, -Sylvia
9 years ago
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