As we continue to roll out our mini-interview series with the movers and shakers of the Sundance Film Festival, it’s high time we got to know a real-life filmmaker. And not just any filmmaker, a Sundance filmmaker. Ooh! Meet the Internet’s Bobby Miller. His short film, TUB, world premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and has gone on to play SXSW, Cannes, and over thirty other film festivals around the world (and even the very website you’re reading). If you’ve never seen TUB, you should. If you have even a mild aversion to inanimate objects getting knocked up, um, well, still check out TUB! And forget I said anything!
The first time I met Bobby was when we stayed together in a tiny (seriously tiny) house with about eight other people for SXSW 2010. Bobby – well, he slept in a crib for that whole week. No, literally, a crib. That’s how dedicated Bobby was to getting to SXSW to represent his film. I don’t know about you, but I like my filmmakers dedicated and I like Bobby a lot. Since TUB, Bobby has moved to Hollywood, had his own movie show (That Movie Show on MTV’s Next Movie, which I was lucky enough to guest star on once), and come back to Park City for the premiere of a new anthology film that features an all-new segment from Bobby and his girlfriend, Daron Nefcy.
As a bonafide Sundance alumni, Bobby has some unique insights into Sundance-ing (and Slamdance-ing). As one of the most drily hilarious people I have the pleasure of knowing, Bobby also has some quite, ahem, amusingtakes on life in Park City. Get closer to the insights and the hilarity with Bobby Miller, after the break.
How many times have you been to Sundance?
I have been there at least 30 times. And it keeps getting better every time. SIKE! I’ve only been there once, with my film TUB, in 2010. I’ll be at Slamdance this year with a feature I contributed to called Holiday Road. But, I hope to check out some Sundance stuff as well.
What is your favorite Sundance memory?
I want to say seeing TUB at the Library theater, because it was the biggest venue we played and it went over really well. But, honestly the memory I will always hold dear is sneaking off to a 7–11 to buy some hotdogs, after being at a party till late. One of my friends stumbled into the condo to discover me stuffing my face with one of those things and I was filled with shame. It was like he caught me masturbating or something.
What is your favorite film that you’ve seen at Sundance?
I remember seeing Gasland and getting all teary eyed about it. And I wanted to congratulate my friends Matt Sanchez and Josh Fox on their work, only to see that the film affected a whole bunch of people and I had to wait in line. That was really cool. Not so much the waiting in line thing TO TALK TO MY STUPID FRIENDS, but the whole “affecting a bunch of people” thing. There was a palpable reaction to that film and it was very inspiring.
What other festivals do you enjoy going to?
I haven’t been fortunate enough to travel with the film everywhere, but I really love SXSW and AFI Fest.
What films are you most looking forward to at Sundance 2012?
There are too many, but I will try: Compliance, Save the Date, Kid-Thing, Sleepwalk with Me, Wrong, V/H/S, Tim and Eric. Oh, and Don Hertzfeldt’s new short, It’s such a beautiful day.
However, if I were to pick ONE FILM to see at Slamdance it would be this no budget indie I keep hearing about (from my friends who worked on it) called: Holiday Road, which, let me check…is debuting on Monday @ 7:30pm. I hear tickets are available HERE.
What are your tips for those going to Sundance for the first time?
You’ll hear this a lot: drink lots of water and take vitamins. Also, try out the hot dogs at 7–11. Because, fuck it, you’re on vacation, know what I mean?
What is your favorite venue at Sundance and why?
That’s a hard one. But, I think Egyptian. It might be because it’s on the main drag and it’s very intimate feeling. And because I just like Egyptian stuff.
Is there something you must always do (or see) while at Sundance (besides movies)?
Sometimes I like to take a break and wander throughout the hills and take in the beautiful scenery. Just kidding. I just watch movies, drink too much, and get fat.
What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you at Sundance?
I told you that hot dog story, right? That was pretty nuts. Oh, and we almost missed our premiere.
Why do you think Sundance is important?
Sundance changed my life. So, I think that’s important. I think if my life is changed, than that should be important to people. But, seriously, Sundance helped me get representation, which got me to move to LA, where I met my girlfriend (who happened to co-write/direct with me on Holiday Road), etc. So, it was legitimately important to me. Without it, I probably would be dead in a ditch somewhere.
To be fair, I think festivals in general are really important for filmmakers. I’ve made a ton of internet content and as great and liberating as that is, nothing compares to seeing it with a crowd in a festival setting and getting to interact with an audience and meet other filmmakers. It reminds you why you go through all this struggling for. And brother, it’s a struggle out there. LET ME TELL YOU.
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You can follow Bobby on Twitter HERE, and be sure to check out his personal website and the super-special TUB site.
Snuggle up with the rest of our Sundance 2012 coverage
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