It’s ridiculously easy for Toronto movie-goers to forget how fortunate they are, largely because of the Toronto International Film Festival. Sure, the T-dot has loads of other excellent festivals – Toronto After Dark, Hot Docs, Rendezvous with Madness, Reel Asian, etc etc – plus a healthy independent and repertory scene.

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Well, folks, it’s finally over. It’s hard to believe that just eleven days ago I had never stood near Faye Dunaway, never sassed Ben Affleck, and never been turned away from a party. But now that I’ve officially retired my TIFF virginity, I have a better understanding of what it takes to create the world’s best film festival (you heard me, Cannes). And what is this festival made of? It is beholden to the labour of thousands of hardworking folks—actors, writers, photographers, PR reps, service industry professionals, film execs, and volunteers, all of whom willingly forgo sleep and sanity for the sake of cinema. TIFF is also generously flavoured with the pep and vigour of hundreds of pretterati—actors (famous and not), socialites, musicians, party-hoppers and hangers-on.

I’ve learned some sad truths—it takes more than a press pass to open the door on TIFF’s hottest parties, and some reassuring realities—Nicole Kidman is even more stunning off-camera than she is on.

I’ve suffered broken promises—when the posh Swarovski lending lounge made an appointment to gift me crystals for my red carpet interviews, I expected they would actually lend me the crystals, instead of just giving me an (admittedly interesting) tour and sending press photos of actors who DID get the jewels.

I've also been the recipient of fabulous generosity, courtesy The Essentials Lounge pampering suite for media, which made sure I had the eye cream I’d need to disguise my sleepless nights.

I've lived the Canadian dream—hearing Americans pontificate on what a special place Canada, particularly Toronto, is, and I’ve witnessed the underbelly of the American dream—that real celebrity is a tough mix of endless interviews, press conferences, and smiling till it hurts.  

I've seen big shots brought down—Xavier Dolan’s jacket has a rip at the armpit! Ben Affleck has grey hair!, and been awestruck by old heroes—I’m a happy newlywed, but Jason Priestley’s gaze still liquefied me. 

I've received advice from some of my most respected film heroes—screenwriting tips at a symposium with Dustin Lance Black, and tips from my new friends in the media—always bring a snack in your purse for back-to-back-screenings, and don’t hesitate if you get the chance to catch a screening at the Hazelton Hotel’s posh private cinema (I did, and it was awesome).

Next year I’ll know that the real TIFF action happens in the first weekend, so it’s best to be armed: expect no sleep, dose on vitamins to prevent sickness, buy some quality under-eye cream to minimize dark circles, and don’t wait until TIFF to break in cute new pumps—unless blisters and a sprained ankle sound appealing. I’ll also know that somewhere in between red carpets, press conferences and screenings I’ll need to pencil in time to write.

Most momentous of all, I’ve ridden an emotional rollercoaster courtesy the TIFF films that had me laughing, crying and philosophizing all week. The day I watched Rabbit Hole and Blue Valentine back-to-back was like being punched in the stomach while having my heart bludgeoned with a spoon, and although I didn’t get any work done after (because I was too busy crying), I still count those films among my TIFF 2010 favourites (Barney’s Version, too). While I didn’t get the chance to see all movies I’d hoped (Black Swan, The King’s Speech, Miral), my husband is at least happy there will still be films to see when we resume our movie date nights.

It’s been a great experience, but honestly, I am rushing to finish this post so that I can turn off my computer, turn on the bathwater and a take a long, well-earned soak. I’m tired, but somewhere the spark lives, telling me that the joys were well worth the pains, and that I’ll be ready to do it all again next year.

I hope you’ll join me in 2011, when I return to tell you all about it in my next installment of TIFF confessionals: Diary of a TIFF Vixen. 

Click here to read my TIFF journey from the beginning, and here to see my last post. 

TIFF is officially underway, and I can honestly say it’s a rollercoaster. First, the disappointments: my interview with David Suzuki didn’t come through, and it looks like Ryan Phillipe and Colin Firth aren’t going to happen either. I’m having a hard time getting agents to respond to my inquiries, and their reasons are less than satisfying. One, they don’t know me. That’s fair, I’m new—it takes time and effort to build contacts. Two, I write for the internet. The internet may be the future, but the fact is that print media is still more respected. Millions of readers? Check. Hundreds of interview opportunities? Uh-uh.

On the plus side, there are plenty of open access events for all accredited press—even newbie internet writers, and I have lots of opportunities to do the rounds of press junkets, and work the red carpet. I spent Saturday outside ET Canada’s Dipdive Nights party, and got to talk to Erin Karpluk of Being Erica, Colin Ryan and Justin McAllister of Colin and Justin’s Home Heist and supermodel Stacey McKenzie (who dissed Robert De Niro for dressing like a bum at her birthday party ten years ago). Tonight I’ll be back at ET's souped-up parking lot, covering the red carpet for The Spotlight Awards.

Best of all, I went to a press conference for Ben Affleck’s The Town, and got the chance to ask Affleck a direct question (I asked him for his take on his brother Casey Affleck’s controversial documentary, I’m Still Here). As far as firsts go, asking Ben Affleck a sassy question is not bad.  

Another bit of good news: I've been talking to a lot of foreign journalists, and their praise for Toronto is almost overwhelming. "Like New York, but cleaner and friendlier" said one American writer, while a Houston radio host was blown away by the multiculturalism, and a Boston PR rep raved about the Roots store on Bloor. The lesson? Be proud, Toronto. You are loved.

Click here to read my TIFF journey from the beginning, and here to see my last post. Next up: more movies, more press conferences, more fun!

For more exciting TIFF coverage, click here.

Looks like I chose the right year to start covering TIFF. Some very clever folks at Esther Garnick PR have decided that treating journalists like celebrities might be a good way to generate some press. And you know what? It is.

Thanks to Esther and Ra Sun Spa, I spent an hour yesterday getting pampered with a manicure and eyebrow threading at The Essentials Lounge, a one-stop beauty stop for tired writers. They also sent me home with a ton of John Frieda frizz control hair products, an ECCO shoe-shine kit so I can keep my dancing shoes shiny, and a bottle of glaceau vitaminwater to stay hydrated. But my favourite item in the schwag bag is an eye-care kit from Canadian makeup company Elizabeth Grant. Called The Socializer, it holds two eye pens: one for applying after a late night, so eyes can de-puff overnight, and another for illuminating eyes in the morning.  Whether I get into all the parties I’m hoping to attend, or end up outside on the red carpet, I have some late nights ahead of me, and will definitely be putting these eye pens to the test.

It already feels like I’ve been working long nights, but I suppose that’s the natural effect of spending all day in a dark theatre. Yesterday before my beauty break I watched It’s Kind of a Funny Story, and Barney’s Version. It’s Kind of a Funny Story was prep for an upcoming interview with its star, Keir Gilchrist. The coming-of-age story also features Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts, and truthfully, I was really gunning for an interview with Zach Galifianikis, who won my heart last year with his performance in The Hangover. But, who knows? Perhaps Keir Gilchrist was hoping to be interviewed by George Stroumboulopoulos or Ben Mulroney instead of me.

Speaking of Ben Mulroney, he was in the theatre for Barney’s Version too, and I overheard him discussing double baby strollers with CTV’s Seamus O’Regan. Ben’s wife, Jessica, gave birth to twins in August, and there were lots of congratulations going around. I wish I could tell you about the actual movie, but there’s an embargo on reviews until Saturday, so for now all I can say is this: it’s good. Really good. You should see it.

Only 1 day until TIFF officially begins! 

Click here to read my TIFF journey from the beginning, and here to see my last post. Next up: my first TIFF interview.  

It’s been a busy week! I started off by watching The Bang Bang Club, an excellent Canadian/South African production about a group of daring photographers documenting the bloody end of South Africa’s apartheid. You can read the review here, but I’ll say it again: this is definitely a film worth seeing.

Unfortunately there were a few scheduling changes this week that left me with a tough decision. Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie and The King’s Speech were both high on my list of films to review and talent to interview, but they ended up screening at the same time!

I weighed the benefits of each potential interview. David Suzuki has been a force in my life ever since his first Canadian Sesame Street appearance and I’m dying to shake hands with the man who introduced me to the wonders of science. But Colin Firth, who plays King George VI in The King’s Speech, is one of my mom’s favourite actors, and I know that doing an interview with him would make her really proud. I couldn’t bring myself to choose, so I asked my editor, who voted for David Suzuki. Sorry, Mom.  

About an hour after Force of Nature let out, I was back at the theatre to watch Stone, and was excited to find Canadian media celebrities George Stromboloupolous and Seamus O’Regan in the audience. Hollywood North, here I come! You can read my reviews of Stone and Force of Nature here.

Click here to read my TIFF journey from the beginning, and here to see my last post. Next up: more screenings, plus my first schwag bag.   

I’m starting to realize what a mammoth undertaking TIFF is. With TIFF staff, writers, editors, and my new best friends, PR agents, all jostling for each others’ attention and sorting through hundreds of emails and multiple movie listings, interview dates and event updates, it makes sense that a few details will get lost in the muddle. I suppose it’s to be expected that some of the press previews will a) not screen at their advertised times, b) get rescheduled or c) get cancelled altogether.

My very first screening, supposedly a Quebecois production, turned out to be a Swedish thriller. Thank goodness the reviewers sitting next to me were vocal in their surprise once the credits started rolling, because as green as I am, I figured I had just written down the wrong time. But their inquiries restored my confidence: turns out I had gotten the right time, and I can still distinguish French from Swedish. I never did get to see that Quebecois movie (it was re-scheduled to the next afternoon), but I quite enjoyed the Swedish thriller. You can read my review of Bad Faith here.

 Here’s to hoping next week’s screenings (The Bang Bang Club, Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie, The King’s Speech, Stone) go more smoothly. 

Click here to read my TIFF journey from the beginning, and here to see my last post. Next up: some hard decisions, plus my first celebrity sightings.  

It’s official: I am now a fully accredited member of the TIFF press. My approval email arrived today, and I’ve been jumping for joy all day! I’ve promised my editor that I won’t spend all my entries gushing about what I can do with my TIFF press pass, because that would just be jerk-y, but I do think it bears mentioning. Just this once, I promise.  

Here’s what media accreditation with TIFF will get me:

• Access to screeners (films that are shown a few weeks/days before they’re released to the public).
• Access to round table interviews and press conferences.

Here’s what it won’t get me:

• Guarantees. TIFF accreditation is a like a movie ticket: it can get me into the theatre, but I have to find my own way there. I will have to arrange my own private interviews, find and contact PR reps, and queue for films like everyone else (albeit, in a shorter, press line).


• Access to parties. If I want to get into any big events, then I’ll need to navigate the twisty landscape of PR agents, hosts, and security guards, in addition to rocking the frocks that will get me in the door.

I’m getting excited about what’s to come, compiling a list of films I want to see and celebrities I hope to interview (both lists are loooooong). I’m also working to build contacts with PR reps, and get my name on screener lists, so that I’ll be ready when the release and interview dates start rolling out. So far so good. 

Click here to read my TIFF journey from the beginning, and here to read my last post. Next up: I get organized.

Today I went to my first press conference. I’ve always had this image of press conferences that came straight out of political dramas set in the 60s, where all the journalists start their questions with “Mr. President…” The background is always stark, with the writers and photographers jostling to get to the front of the room. The writers raise their hands in unison every time they get an opportunity to catch the president’s attention.

Today was nothing like that. First of all, it was not stark, not by a long shot. The Imperial Room of the Royal York Hotel was as big and plush as its name suggests, and peppered with high tables devoted to deluxe arrangements of hors d’oeuvres. In addition to a sushi table, prosciutto stand, cheese plate and poutine table, there was an open bar! I cursed myself for my JFK-era press conference fantasies, which had led me to eat a big lunch before coming (I figured I would need strength to muscle to the front of the room.) As it turns out, I had a perfect view from the upholstered bench at the back, which was a good place to balance my notebook and pen with my poutine (I couldn’t resist! FYI, it was delicious.)

The press conference itself was quick and enjoyable. Aside from the free food, wine and schmoozing opportunities, there wasn’t a lot there that I couldn’t get later from the press release, but it was worth going just to feel the excitement in the room. The crowd of assorted media, PR reps, TIFF staff, and industry professionals were working (and working it), but most of the conversations I overheard were about movies. I got the impression people who end up in this industry get here through their love of film, and that made me happy.

The highlight of the conference, which was held to announce the Canadian selections at this year’s TIFF, was when director Mike Goldbach got up to introduce a clip from his entry, Daydream Nation. He joked that “whatever cachet you get from telling your friends you’re a director is immediately lost when you ask them to sleep on their couch” and mentioned that he was happy to debut his film at TIFF, because it meant he could take the TTC to all the events. I can relate: I arrived by public transit too, and like Mike Goldbach, am a newcomer to the TIFF scene. Furthermore, Daydream Nation takes place in a small Ontario town that sounds similar to the small, Ontario town where I was raised. It’s the kind of place where nothing ever happens, but Daydream Nation, which stars up-and-comer Kat Dennings, tells the story of the year when everything happened. Unfortunately for me, Hollywood North reporter Kim Hughes will be covering Daydream Nation, and that’s too bad because I officially have my first TIFF crush! I’m going to try and catch the movie anyway, just because I feel like me and Mike Goldbach have a bond: we both take public transportation to fancy schmancy movie events, and we both have a thing for small-town Ontario stories.

Anyway, I’m happy to report that I survived my first press conference—it was both fancier and more easygoing than I’d expected, and the only drawback is that I’m afraid it’s set the bar pretty high for all future press conferences. Will there be a poutine stand the next time? I’ll be sure to let you know. 

Click here to read my TIFF journey from the beginning. Next up: I get my press pass. 

My name is Devon Scoble. I am an entertainment writer, I live in Toronto, and I have never been to the Toronto International Film Festival.

It’s shocking I know, but there are two very good reasons for this. One, although I’ve lived in Toronto since 2006, there’s always been something to prevent me from attending TIFF: too jetlagged, too broke (but, worst irony, working too much to volunteer), too busy falling in love, or too far away on vacation.

Two, I haven’t always worked as an entertainment writer. For a long time I was writing on the side, teaching ESL by day and establishing a writing portfolio by night. Eventually, through luck and hard work, I scored a gig writing for inMovies. 

It’s basically my dream job, and I invite you to come along as I learn how to navigate press conferences, interview celebrities, gain access to events and nail film festival reporting. I’m not sure what will happen, but I am excited about the process, and about sharing it with you.

Next up: my first press conference.