Used to be called the Digital Media Center and with good reason–as the technology hub of Sundance it has typically been full of digital video equipment, information, workshops, and panels. Now, as the Film Center it suggests appropriately–the overlap of film and digital media. Especially if you take “film” to mean not always film emulsion–though celluloid itself is still a vital medium for many filmmakers, from 8mm to 65mm. But take film also to mean film-ic, inspired by film, driven by film language, tradition, aesthetic, and aspiration.

To my point: at this moment Ian Calderon, Sundances’s director of digital initiatives is himself pointing out more

Watch 50 of this year’s Sundance Short Film competitors right at your computer. Sundance’s web gurus are uploading new premeires daily. Check them out at the Sundance Online Film Festival.

-Sony Beta SP DXC-D30+ PW Recorder operated by Mirek of Czech Television

-Canon XL1 Malibu Entertainment Television

-Sony Beta SX DNWS-4 WSP operated by Phillip Melville of Television New Zealand

-Sony Beta SP CBS and Inside Edition

Liked the band…The Changes from Chicago, CD out in the spring. Kind of a geeky, ethereal sound and stage presence that really grew on me. Imagine Morrissey in a good mood. www.the-changes.com

In addition to all of our blog entries from the Park City festivities, you can also check out Sundance from HP’s point of view. HP employees will be posting entries for the HP “Backstage at Sundance” blog.

Peter Richardson: he’s here with his documentary Clearcut, an official Sundance Spectrum selection. Drives the Panasonic DVX100 and 100A…and a Saab. What about the new HVX200? (DVCPRO HD in a $6K handheld camcorder, records to P2 media, part DVX100, part Varicam, part new technology…shoots variable frame rate, interestingly enough in a very different way than the Varicam does…more on that eventually). Already ordered one,” Peter responds. Also has his eye on the new Sanyo HD1 palmcorder, the world‘s smallest HD camera introduced earlier this month at CES (records 720p to SD cards). (More on the HD1.)

In post, Peter‘s on Avid Xpress Pro (“loves the media management tools and organizational stuff”). Promised us a picture of his bin, which sounds spectacular. Let‘s see if he comes through… more

Woke to the sound of avalanche charges…fitting somehow, since there‘s an avalanche of people coming. But not yet. Press office: lull before the storm, sidewalks passable, spirits high. Snow yesterday and today contributed to a slower start, but by tonight when Friends with Money (35mm) screens it will be business as usual.

So while Park City fills up with stars, star gazers, and aspirants, we take a pass on the parties and heads straight for what we care about most. more