The Philadelphia Industry Lounge at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival
Disclosure: When I heard so many friends were going out to Sundance I asked them for photos and stories. Today it’s The Philadelphia Industry Lounge at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival (Next week another friend’s story) 
The Philadelphia Industry Lounge at the Sundance Film Festival was created to inform and educate filmmakers and entertainment industry professionals about the special tax incentives for filming in Philadelphia and also to showcase the unique landscape and offerings of the Philadelphia region. The Philadelphia Industry Lounge was privately funded, with the blessings of Mayor Nutter and the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, through Philadelphia based businesses such as Cashman & Associates, Shooters Post & Transfer’s DIVE division and entertainment industry professionals such as Cozen O’Connor entertainment lawyer Justin Wineburgh and J.P. Cummins from Janney Montgomery Scott LLC who believe in the initiative and encourage filmmaking in Philadelphia. 
Located on Main Street in Park City within the Island Def Jam House of Hype, the Philadelphia Industry Lounge was in a prime location for awareness and traffic through the space. Some celebrity guests included Actor Wesley Snipes, Model Christy Brinkley, Actor Kevin Sorbo, the band Hoobastank, Actress Andie MacDowell, musician Ryan Cabrera, and Jay Lyon from MTV’s The City.
In addition to the city and film office information distribution, the Philadelphia Industry Lounge offered guests a “taste” of Philadelphia,” featuring food & beverage products such as Tony Luke’s Philadelphia Cheese Steaks, Tastykakes, Peanut Chews, Bluecoat Gin and Pravda Vodka. Also, the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies sent some fun team items (T-shirts, rally towels, hats, etc.) to be given away at the Lounge.
Dare was another film that premiered in the Festival, starring Emmy Rossum, Ashley Springer, Zac Gilford, Alan Cumming, Ana Gasteyer and Sandra Bernhard. Dare was filmed in Philadelphia and written by Philadelphia native David Brind. (I saw Alan Cumming and Ana Gasteryer on Broadway 2 years ago in Three Penny Opera with Cyndi Lauper, it was wild)
J.P. Cummins of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC,, Alan Cummings and Sharon Pinkenson.
Pravda Vodka’s signature Riviera Martini was served in the Philadelphia Industry Lounge. 
Philadelphians whooped it up with the stars at premiere party for the documentary Crude hosted by Self Magazine and MSN Green. Sting and wife Trudie Styler were dancing all night, as was Paris Hilton. Pierce Brosnan and famous Philadelphians Kevin Bacon and Jamie Kennedy were spotted at the fete as well. Justin Wineburgh and Paris Hilton. 
Ashley Schaffer from Cashman & Associates serves authentic Tony Luke’s Cheese Steaks in the Philadelphia Industry Lounge
On Sunday, January 18th, the Philadelphia Industry Lounge hosted a party to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Championship game. Eagles fans from all over came to the Lounge to rally for the birds. Former Eagles player Terrell Owens even stopped by unexpectedly (although, we have a hunch he wasn’t too disappointed by the loss). Another unexpected moment at the Eagles party was an engagement via the Lounge’s television screens, to which the fans replied, “Turn the game back on!” You know how diehard Eagles fans are! 
Philadelphia Style Magazine also made a presence at Sundance in the Philadelphia Industry Lounge. Wherever there is a star-studded Philly bash, Philadelphia Style is sure to be there – even in Park City! Bluecoat, American Dry Gin is craft-distilled here in Philadelphia and made with organic botanicals. Andrew Auwerda, President of Philadelphia Distilling, acted as brand ambassador in Sundance where he also introduced Vieux Carre Absinthe, the newest spirit from the micro-distillery.
This year’s Festival included at least six films with a Philadelphia connection making 2009 the perfect year for the Philadelphia Industry Lounge initiative. On Friday, January 16th, the Philadelphia Industry Lounge hosted the post-screening party for West Philadelphia-native Lee Daniel’s new film Push, which premiered at the Festival. Members of the cast including Mariah Carey, Gabourey Sidibe, Paula Patton and Mo’Nique Imes were in attendance, as well as other celebrities like Nick Cannon, Russell Simons, Young Jeezy, Ben Lyons of E!, Robin Thicke and Cuba Gooding Jr.
(OMG What Happened to, he’s buff and bearded) Sting and my buddy Ray Evers
J.P. Cummins of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, sponsor of the Philadelphia Industry Lounge; Justin Wineburgh of Cozen O’Connor, sponsor of the Philadelphia Industry Lounge; Lee Daniels, Philadelphia native and director/screenwriter of the film Push; Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office; Nicole Cashman of Cashman & Associates, sponsor of the Philadelphia Industry Lounge at the Push premiere party. 
Great job as usual, Hughe! Informative writing along with your always wonderful pics
Love seeing the scene, Hughe! Coincidentally, we tried Bluecoat gin for the first time last week and it was lovely and fragrant. Used it for Friday Martinis; best with a twist.