Shaka King at Sundance

Shaka King — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:00:14 +0000

My name is Shaka King and my film� Newlyweeds� premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday, January 18th. I intended to blog about the experience throughout but didn’t have the energy. The month and a half leading up had been a dead sprint to finish, promote and hopefully sell the film at the festival. Our tasks ranged from hiring a publicist to figuring out how to house forty cast, crew, and family members. I’ve never spent that much time in front of a computer or on a phone. At first it was oddly empowering, keeping all those balls in the air. It was like “oh, so this is how the pros do it.” But I showed up in Park City, sallow and bird chested. Anticipation and enthusiasm got me through. From the buyers, to the cinefiles to the celebrity hawks, that mountain has anticipation and enthusiasm to spare; none more potent than that of my crew. We had the energy of city kids who go to the woods for the first time. No moment was too small. For most of us it wasn’t only our first Sundance but first feature film premier. My dad hadn’t boarded a plane in over 30 years. So although I advanced my career and sold the film, what I’ll remember most about Sundance are the memories made with my cast and loved ones. They reminded me that what makes� Newlyweeds special are the people who helped shape it and shape me. As soon as they left Park City, I got sick. Fortunately, I had the audience to carry me through.

Cast and crew at Sundance 2013

Trae Harris and Amari Cheatom as Nina and Lyle

From a cultural aesthetic, Newlyweeds� is very Black and very Brooklyn. So it’s gratifying when a White couple in their 60’s, from Utah, stops you on the street to tell you they not only laughed their asses off but saw glimpses of themselves in the characters. The beauty of screening at a festival like Sundance is the access to an audience you otherwise might have difficulty courting. Our Q&A’s and conversations with viewers confirmed that we made a movie so specific, it’s universal. To that end, I suggest attending your screenings as often as possible. I was so sick of my movie until I watched it in a theater with a bunch of strangers.

Actress Trae Harris

Actor Amari Cheatom

Newlyweeds cast and crew at Sundance 2013

Since I’m handing out unsolicited advice:

- Make sure your people come out. The film’s premier is a celebration of your collaboration.

- Try not to go there sick because you’ll probably get sick there. It happened to most folks I spoke to.

- Stay as long as you can. During the second week it’s a nice change of pace to watch movies and take in the snow capped mountains.

- When interviewing agents to sell your film, don’t distribute a rough cut via DVD. It will be copied and shared around town. Go with a password protected link and change up the password every so often.

Be well.

Shaka King

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Shaka King at Sundance