Sundance 2022 Preview: Covid Hovers Over Sales Market For Second Straight Virtual Year
deadline.comThe 2022 Sundance Film Festival begins today, the second straight to be done virtually. Buyers and sellers won’t miss the cold, altitude, and avoiding what could have turned into an Omicron super spreader event as the highly catchy Covid variant continues to hobble the business.It is surreal to once again not gather in Park City for the festival’s proud tradition of showcasing filmmakers and discovering bright young talent that is the life blood of the film business.
The buyer and seller crowd are still getting over the shocking cancellation of an in-person Sundance, which was done so late that many felt stiffed.
Imagine shelling out up to $30,000 for condos big enough to house the talent to attend film premieres and do press, and signing deals that asked for a month’s cancelation for refunds.
Sundance didn’t announce until January 5 that its plans for a part in-person part virtual fest would only be the latter. Some who rented lodging said they were granted at least partial refunds, but others were just plain stuck for the bill.It is just part of the unpredictability of this virus, and it is hard to place blame on the festival or anyone else.
