As the host of the pop culture phenomenon Hot Ones, Sean Evans is used to sitting across from A-list stars while making them sweat with spicy wings and a side of interview questions. But this week in Park City, Evans found himself in relatively new territory by attending his first Sundance Film Festival, walking red carpets and facing off with journalists.

“I like your side a little bit better, there’s more control. I’m a little bit on my heels with you, but I’m ready,” said Evans with that now-familiar smile as he spent a few minutes with The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the starry fundraiser Celebrating Sundance Institute at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley on Friday night.

Evans, hot on the heels of a deal to acquire his show’s production company, First We Feast, from Buzzfeed along with a team of investors that includes fellow YouTube stars...