Sundance notebook

• Salt Lake scene: For valley residents too shy to brave Parleys Canyon, the Sundance Film Festival is extending its Salt Lake festival activities. The opening gala in Salt Lake City kicks off tonight from 5-8 p.m. at the Rose Wagner Center (138 W. Broadway). Although tickets are required, an entire festival district has been created on 300 South between the Rose Wagner and the Broadway Centre Cinemas (111 East). "We're really trying to create that festive atmosphere in Salt Lake City," said Jill Miller, managing director of the Sundance Institute. A Festival Cafe at Panache in the Wells Fargo Building (Main Street) is an open hospitality suite for the public to enjoy.

• Scoring tickets: So you missed the local Sundance ticket distribution and are still itching to see the latest movie? Head over to the Park City Gateway Center (136 Heber Ave.) or to Salt Lake City's Trolley Square (602 E. 500 South). Check the box offices at 8 a.m. for that day's screenings and ticket availability. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis; the Gateway Center only takes cash.

• Short fun: To experience something Sundance founder Robert Redford said audiences "tend to neglect, though they're certainly missing out if they do," check out festival.sundance.org/2006. Half of the short films will stream on the Web site and give viewers a front-row seat to the premiere of their choice. No crowds, snow, travel, cost — giving online viewers a unique sneak peek at the shorts.