The Real Stars of the Sundance Show.

It's no doubt that the volunteers at Sundance are an integral part of making the event run efficiently. Some may say they're actually the real stars of the show here. The Sundance Institute is a non-profit organization, therefore it relies heavily on donations, sponsors and the dedication of thousands of people - many of whom don't get paid a cent.

Festival volunteers enjoying our pizza.

We've noticed the volunteers everywhere at the resort. They can be seen in the theatres, at the info booths and the box office, and even directing traffic. This year 1,600 people have graciously donated their time to be a part of this world renowned festival. Sure, they get to see some fantastic screenings and are fed great meals from Nick-N-Willy's pizza, but for the most, they're worked hard over the course of the 10-day event.


We had the chance to speak with Emily Aagaard, the Manager of the Sundance Festival Volunteers, to learn more about how the volunteer operation works, why Sundance values having a pizza sponsor this year, and what the volunteers really think about Nick-N-Willy's Pizza!

Interviewing Emily Aagaard, Manager of Sundance Festival Volunteers

Click here to watch our video interview - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lk4wsg1YVM

Sundance Fever

Party time at Sundance - Legacy Lodge Opening Party

The moment had finally arrived. After months of anticipation we touched down in Park City, Utah and found ourselves in a mystical winter wonderland buzzing with excitement about the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Right away it was apparent that everyone we met was absolutely thrilled to be here. The volunteers were incredibly enthusiastic to help direct us to the Eccles theatre for our first screening and provide insight into where and how to meet the stars. They were even more eager to help us out when they found out we were their pizza provider! Many of them had already been served our pizza and were already anticipating their next delivery!

Volunteers enjoying our pizza

Even our hard working crews at Nick-N-Willy's in Salt Lake City and Park City were getting into the spirit of the festival with their branded chef hats and newly hung window signage. Starting tomorrow the orders are really going to start pumping out of our restaurants, especially in Park City.

Nick-N-Willy's staff in Salt Lake City (top) and Park City

Nick-N-Willy's VP of Operations, Paola Rossi and I were lucky enough to get tickets to the premiere screening of "Restrepo", a war documentary that was both shocking and fascinating. Following that, we headed for the Sundance Opening Night Party at the Legacy Lodge.

Inside the Sundance Opening Night Party

This uber-artsy extravaganza boasted four floors of film industry movers and shakers schmoozing the night away. We had a blast trying to keep up with the crowd and met a few savvy locals who shared some serious Sundance "how to" tips.

Tanis Sullivan, PR Manager and Paola Rossi, VP Operations, strike a pose at Sundance

Within just a few hours of being here, we can definitely say we've caught Sundance fever, and we've only just scratched the surface of our adventure here.

Nick-N-Willy's will be dishing it out at the Sundance Film Festival

The crew from Nick-N-Willy's is headed to the 2010 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah tomorrow to dish out hundreds of meals to thousands of hungry festival volunteers. From our Park City restaurant, we'll be turning out close to 700 pizzas and countless focaccia sandwiches and salads as part of our contribution to this world renowned international film event. We've ramped up staff and delivery vehicles to accommodate this exciting opportunity, and will be travelling "behind-the-scenes" to deliver the goods. That means, we'll have access to some interesting festival perspectives that we want to share with you!

Beginning tomorrow, we'll be posting tweets and updates on our Twitter feed and Facebook Fan Page, plus we'll provide updates here on our Slice of Life blog. Through our pictures, video and posts you'll be able to come along on our Sundance Film Festival "Feast" and see how we make our way through the festival delivering hundreds of pizzas and taking in all the sites. You never know we may run into a celebrity or two.

Stay tuned......

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