When the Curious Cowgirl was in 2nd Grade, Mrs. Prude (I swear…that was her name) announced to my parents that I was a real-life Chatty Kathy doll.  I’m certain her comment was not intended as a compliment.  But, hey….we chatty gals talk a lot, because we have something to SAY.  My friend Libby Hunt is a kindred spirit, admitting in a letter written to herself at the age of 14, “I love to talk a lot…I mean a LOT!”  What is Libby talking about these days?  Movies!  And y’all are gonna want to listen to what she has to say!

Libby came to love film through a fairly circuitous route.  A Theatre/Radio/Broadcasting major in college, Libby hosted her own college campus radio show back in the day, but realized that perhaps radio was not her true calling, after week after week of butchering ice hockey athlete’s names. (French-Canadian names are hard, y’all!)  Following many years of working at the hardest job of all, a stay-at-home-mom, Libby faced her 50th Birthday, and wondered….what would be her “second act.”

Her conclusion….movies!  For Libby, her experiences are varied and fascinating.  She has appeared in a number of films and commercials as an actor.  She Executive Produced the films “Occupy Texas” and “Bomb City.”  She also produces a weekly podcast called Libby’s Movie Hunt, reviewing films, and offering up very frank and unscripted reviews which are as entertaining as they are informative!

Speaking of “Bomb City,” Libby just returned from a trip to LA, for the Premire of “Bomb City,” and I couldn’t help but ask about her favorite things to do in LA, as well as where the celebrities really hang out!  Her suggestions:

• Nobu in Malibu is ground-zero for celebrity sightings!  Plan on booking your table at least a month ahead of your trip.
• Barney’s shoe department!  No kidding!  Libby once bought a pair of shoes there, just so she could be near Reese Witherspoon.  Seems legit to me!
• Get your nails done at Beverly Hills Nail Design.  Why?  Because celebrities go there, and it’s across the street from Kyle l Alene Too, a store that is frequented by many celebrities.  Prime viewing during your mani/pedi!
• And of course, the Chateau Marmont is almost guaranteed to earn you a celebrity sighting or two!

Another topic Libby and I discussed is the Sundance Film Festival.  Having never been, but being a film lover, as you know from this post and this post, I was curious about how all that works.  A several-time veteran of Sundance, here are Libby’s suggestions:

• Begin planning a year ahead.  Located in Park City, Utah, Sundance is attended by many people, and you must have a game plan, or you won’t score any tickets to screen films.
• Tickets go on sale in October, even thought the festival is not until the following January, so be paying attention!
• Every film is followed by Q&A’s with actors, directors and sometimes producers.  So the opportunity to see films before they are in wide distribution, and to hear from those who were closely involved with the film, is an amazing experience that only a film festival can offer.
• If you get tired of being inside all day, a good place to hang out is outside the Hollywood Reporter headquarters.  All the celebrities go there for press interviews, so you will 100% see them coming and going.
• Dinner reservations are a must, so again, the earlier you plan, the more you will get out of your Sundance experience.

Y’all….you MUST set a reminder on your calendar to tune into Libby’s podcast every Friday at 3:00, Central Time, broadcasting on Facebook, You Tube, and iTunes.  I admire a strong Texas gal who is following her passion, and sharing that zest for life with all of us!  Save me a seat Libby!  I’ll buy the popcorn!

If you are a film fan, and want to read more about the TV and Film Industry, click here to read about a fantastic Production Team, click here to learn more about the Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Festival, and click here for my list of favorite Documentary Films!