(Bryce Vaughn, known as @da_narrator, (far left) with fellow TikTok creators at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Photo by Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)
By Stephanie Ornelas
Bryce Vaughn, also known as @da_narrator, has been making his way through Park City, Utah, at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, interviewing artists like Dylan O’Brien and Victoria Pedretti (Ponyboi) and posting epic content along with other TikTockers like himself.
“This is only my third day at the Sundance Film Festival 2024, and it’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I’m getting to meet a lot of other content creators, and we are having a blast,” says Vaughn in a recent TikTok post.
A creator from Atlanta whose love for movies is the heartbeat of his online presence, Vaughn is known by his nearly three million followers for his in-depth reviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
“There are so many great actors from movies and shows that I got to see and meet. It is such a privilege for me to be here,” he continues. “I’ll be posting movies I’ve seen and to look forward to and also my interviews. I got to meet so many great people. This is an experience of a lifetime, and I’ll never forget these memories. I can’t believe I got this far.”
Not only is Bryce shaping the dialogue of modern cinema for a global audience, but he is also an industry trendsetter with a track record of driving buzz for films.
Meet Bryce Vaughn (@da_narrator):
What made you want to build content centered on films?
I have a love for movies and have watched movies since I was a kid. TikTok provides me with an opportunity to share my insight with those who share the same interest.
How did you get into creating content for TikTok?
One of my friends convinced me back in 2019 to do it. Initially, I would make skits, but it was when I started talking about movies that I saw that more people were interested.
How would you describe your follower base?
People who trust and rely on me to give them good to phenomenal movie recommendations.
What’s your favorite FilmTok trend?
I love “the beauty of cinematography in movies” compilations and the “specific color in a film” trend.
Why do you think film festivals matter?
Because they provide a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers. Like any festival, it brings like-minded individuals together for something they love celebrating: film.
What are you looking forward to most about attending the Sundance Film Festival?
I am definitely looking forward to seeing new films.
What are some of the films in the program that you’re excited about?
I’m excited about Ponyboi, Krazy House, and I Saw the TV Glow.
Is there a film that screened at the Sundance Film Festival in the past that made a big impression on you? Why?
I think the movie Emergency had a big impact on me. It had a real-life scenario that most African American males are afraid of.
A lot of shorts, specifically horror shorts, have been circulating on TikTok recently. Do you think the platform can be a new avenue for aspiring short filmmakers to share their work?
I believe short films are a great entrance to full feature-length films, [and] I believe this is a perfect platform for it.
