TIFF Volunteer Stories: Julien and Sachin

I was asked to be in a video for the Toronto International Film Festival. I love volunteering for the Festival and I can't wait for this year's fest to begin (as soon as I get back from Burning Man).

Here is the video, Sachin and I spoke for almost two hours and it was edited down to this: 

baby steps though blogging

I should try and write a little bit every day. I have to write something everyday. I have been quite ill.

I spent the day volunteering at the Lightbox. It's the "Bell Free Weekend" and wasn't nearly as busy as it was last year, when thousands came for the free Tim Burton Exhibit and movies. They didn't screen any big name family titles that could draw crowds (although the older folks turned up for the Oscar-nominated Monsieur Lazhar) Hopefully next year they will have a little more going on for the kids.

It was great to see my friend Lars, who I haven't spoken to since before I went to Japan. He just got a job at the Lightbox, I'm very happy for him (and proud too). He's a film buff and a Jays fan, so we had much to discuss but only spoke a little (he's a responsible employee, after all). I'm headed back there now to meet up with him and watch the Nic Cage classic Con Air.

Kevin Smith announces Jay & Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie

Kevin Smith in Toronto

Kevin Smith announces new Jay & Silent Bob cartoon, hopes to premiere at tiff.

Last night Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes returned to the big screen for Kevin Smith: Live from Behind. A one night only live podcast and Q&A recorded at the Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto and simulcast in theatres across North America.

The podcast of Jay & Silent Bob Get Jobs will be available on Smodcast.com soon.

The big announcement of the night was the existence of Jay & Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, An animated feature with live-action elements. The animation will be produced by Starktoons (of Smodimation fame). Kevin said he hoped to screen it in September at the Toronto International Film Festival during Midnight Madness.

On the subject of Hit Somebody!

Big Week

My internet service provider, Teksavvy has let me down for the first time. I pay the big bucks for high speed but it went down on Sunday and it could take a Rogers guy 3 days to get out and fix it. So I'm back at the Ol' Second Cup across the street from my place. It's frustrating cause I have a lot of blogging to do and it's cheaper to do at home(I don't have to buy coffee).

I went to the medical clinic down the street since the dysentery I developed a few days ago has so far refused to abate. 

I'm excited for this week, even more than last week. Sure a 30th birthday and a trip to New York is a big deal, but this week I'm going to London Ontario to see TOOL (along with Jagger and Ashlie) and then Montreal for my annual Igloofest trip(w/Matt Ian and Brooke).

Before that I have a few volunteer shifts at tiff Bell Lightbox, which is one of the highlights of my life. I love the festival and the people I meet there. I'm stockpiling movie vouchers so I can see all the Studio Ghibli movies when tiff has a retrospective in March.

Nature calls, hope this imodium kicks in soon (says the guy drinking coffee). 

short n sweet

Just a quick one cause I'm busy.

I'm finally on the right track. I usually make my new year's resolution in late January and start working on it mid March.

Volunteering at the CNIB, and Tiff.

I'm cleaning up my room, finally.
Doing laundry.

I have a lot of big moves this year, making a lot of plays.
January is big and I'm gonna be blogging big.

Upcoming stuff this month include:
-Stephen Colbert in New York City (And my 30th freaking birthday!)
-TOOL in London Ontario
-Igloofest in Montreal

The Doom Generation at Tiff Bell Lightbox

When faced with the choice of watching the Blue Jays beat the Yankees again tonight or seeing Rose McGowan in The Doom Generation at the Lightbox, thankfully I can do a bit of both. I can go see the movie and after I will go watch the game since the Lightbox is so close to Skydome.  This was the first Gregg Araki movie I ever saw. I rented it at Quick Mart back in Timmins when I was a teenager. I met him at tiff when he debuted Smiley Face. His movies can get pretty fucked up. I love living in a city where I can see an awesome movie and a baseball game in a single night.

    

The High Cost Of Living @ Tiff Bell Lightbox

I vas volunteering at the Lightbox and I got to watch a great new Canadian film called The High Cost of Living. Shot in Montreal and starring Zach Braff (an American, playing an American) and a fantastic Quebecoise actress Isabelle Blais, this is the first feature for writer/director Deborah Chow. It preemed at tiff last year and it gets a Canadian theatrical release later this month.
The movie is about two people whose lives colide in a tragic accident. It was very good. If you only know Zach Braff as a prat-falling doctor on Scrubs then you should check this out. Both the Director and the two stars were there to introduce the film. Unfortunately I could not take pictures because I was working.

Lolita at the Lightbox

I was volunteering at the Lightbox, without the responsibilities of being a Captain, I was able to watch the movie (after performing my volunteer flashlight duties of course). The film was Stanley Kubrick's Lolita, as  part of tiff's Books on Film Series. The print was rather old and rough, a few minutes were skipped when the audio was blown out, but otherwise a great screening of a 49 year old film.

The audience was mostly women over 50, and there was an audible gasp when Richard Corliss, TIME magazine film critic and author of a book about Lolita for the British Film Institute suggested that the character, Lolita, was anything except a victim. The audience seemed to grumble at the idea that she held any power or control. The volunteer I watched the movie with wondered if they had watched the same movie as us. Peter Sellers is really great in it.

I Won a copy of The Art of Tim Burton, Autographed!

I have already said I love volunteering at the Tiff Bell Lightbox, I get to contribute to the festival's artistic vision while at the same time scoring free movie vouchers. Last week I entered a contest just for the tiff volunteers, and I won! It's an autographed copy of The Art Of Tim Burton. You may recall I met Tim Burton back in November at the Tiff Bell Lightbox, he was there to promote the opening of his awesome exhibit. I could never afford this book and had to settle for two much cheaper (still very cool) journals. I'm so lucky to have won this beautiful book. 

Click here for The Art of Tim Burton publishers website where you can order the book for yourself, or come buy one at the Tiff Bell Lightbox.

Incendies at the Tiff Bell Lightbox

My good friend Regimbal wanted to see Incendies. the Canadian film that was nominated for a Best Foreign-Language Film Academy Award on Tuesday. It's playing at the Lightbox (it opened at Tiff). I picked up the tickets early because some showings have been selling out. I finally got to use some of my massive Volunteer Voucher stockpile to get the tickets. When I told Regimbal that he would have to reimburse me for the ticket with his time, he said he would rather pay me in cash.

The movie was fantastic. It's no wonder it was nominated. I would recommend it for anyone who can handle some heavy subject matter. The movie is about a mothers dying request of her children and their journey to fulfil it. Thats all I'm gonna say. Go see it and support Canadian Cinema.

Man in black for tiff

I'm going to my first shift as a volunteer for the Tiff Bell Lightbox. I will be working at the theatre end, but I'm not sure what my duties will be. I'm up to dress code, all in black, wearing my nice new clothes (Thanks Gmo). I'm very excited about the opportunities this position could bring if I work hard and get noticed. I sure will get noticed if I'm late, so I had better be leaving now.

Tron Legacy to sneak at Tiff Bell Lightbox

So I was wrong. Tron Legacy will not be at the Scotiabank tonight. @catherinefaas tweeted I might try and look further south east. The Lightbox denied any knowledge of a screening, but anonymous commented that the Lightbox was the place. Roy Thompson Hall is full of old people so I know it's not there.

I'm at a Second Cup, heading back to the Lightbox to get some answers.

Tim Burton at The Bell Lightbox in Toronto

Tim Burton at Toronto's Bell Lightbox

I just met Tim Burton at the Bell Lightbox. The director is in town to promote the opening of his eponymous exhibition and film programme. He was really nice, taking the time to shake hands and share pleasantries with those who had waited all day in line. I'm broke, so I couldn't afford the beautiful Art of Burton book and settled on the much cheaper light-up journal. I'm not quite sure what to do with a journal with Tim Burton's autograph, since I obviously couldn't write in it myself. I guess it sits on my shelf and looks cool. Meeting the man was the real prize, and I'm looking forward to the Burton Blitz, in which Tiff will screen a marathon of Burton's work this Friday.

  

Tim Burton is coming to Toronto!

The Bell Lightbox is one of Toronto's newest and coolest cultural assets. The permanent home of Tiff will host the Tim Burton Exhibition and Film Programme beginning November 26th. The broody auteur will be on hand at the Lightbox for an autograph session on Monday November 22nd from 4pm-5:30pm. Before you dust off your Frankenweenie VHS be aware Mr. Burton will only sign copies of Tim Burton Dark Horse journals as well as these three other books: The Art of Tim Burton; Burton on Burton; and Tim Burton - Masters of Cinema Series,  All four items will be available on-site at TIFF.Shop. From the sternly worded press release:

"This event is open to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. No other books or collectibles will be signed at this event and the books must be purchased at TIFF.Shop. In order to ensure that the maximum number of people are able to get their book(s) signed, autographs will not be personalized and there is a limit of two items per person."

I will be there, of course. Along with the great opportunity to meet one of the most talented filmmakers of our time is a chance to explore his work in greater detail, and catch some of his better work on one of the Lightboxes state-of-the-art screens. Tiff Members get discounted tickets, so if you haven't already, pick one up.

Youth in Revolt

I know its still just the beginning of January, but Youth in Revolt will prove to be one of the funniest movies of the year. It's a big weekend for movies I missed at Tiff. If I had seen this back in September it would have made my 2009 list for sure.

HP and I went to check it out after Hollywood's birthday breakfast. His Bday was on the 6th but he is so busy working on the PreThingy he had no time to party.

H-wood dropped us off at the AMC, he could not come with cause he committed to seeing it with someone else later in the week.

Michael Cera plays lovably awkward virgin Nick Twisp, he also plays Francois Dillinger, his suave but trouble-making alter ego. Francois exists only to commit the acts Nick could never do himself in order to be with the girl he loves. Cera is going to be huge this year, with Scott Pilgrim coming in August, and he deserves it cause he is fucking excellent. All the supporting cast is great, especially Ray Liota, and Zach Galifianakis.

I loved this movie so much, I'm going to put it in my top ten of the year, already! Now it could get crowded out later but I doubt it. Go see Youth In Revolt and let me know what you think.

Back to the gym and then Daybreakers

I made it back to the gym for the first time in 2010(and since November!). I eased myself into it, so as not to put myself off so quick. I love how my body reacts to working out, I can be super fit in no time if I just stick to it. I love how my body responds to the exercise, and just have to remember to keep fueling it.

I went to see Daybreakers at the Scotiabank Theatre (my aunt gave me a gift card for Christmas, good thinking). It's the vamp-ocalypse movie that I missed when it preemed at the festival back in September. I waited for it so long I couldn't wait any longer, so I went alone when no one else could make it. It was really cool, Ethan Hawke Sam Neill and Willem Dafoe were great and the design of the vampire world was so cool. I would see this again in a heartbeat.

Fox is, dare I say, Fantastic!

Fantastic Mr. Fox was excellent. One of the best films I've seen all year. George Clooney's voice talent is undeniable. Wes Anderson brings the Roald Dahl story to life with brilliant stop motion and his fine stable of talented animals, such as Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and especially Meryl Streep as Mrs Fox.

Also out this weekend is Cooper's Camera. I saw it last year at tiff and really liked it. I would love to see it again this holiday season. The Canadian Christmas comedy stars The Daily Show's Samantha Bee and Jason Jones. It's a dysfunctional family Christmas set in 1985.

End of the Fest, Last of the Playa Boogers

So my video of Jack White at tiff is the most popular video I've ever put up on YouTube. A bunch on online news sites linked to it, and in 3 days it's at 49000 views. It's funny because someone else put up a better quality version (closer and in HD) but I was fast and I was first, so I win.

I'm glad Tiff is done with, I had a great time, but it's hectic and crazy just after I return from Burning Man. I think the highlight of this year was meeting Diablo Cody and getting my Juno screenplay autographed. I hope to go to Japan after next years Burn, so I think I'm gonna miss the festival. The new Festival Center and Bell Lightbox will be so cool when they open.

My sinuses have aborted the last of the Playa dust, looking forward to Decompression in October (and getting my plan on for next years burn).

Weezer released the "Raditude" tracklisting, it is as follows:

Standard album:
1. (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To
2. I'm Your Daddy
3. The Girl Got Hot
4. Can't Stop Partying
5. Put Me Back Together
6. Trippin' Down The Freeway
7. Love Is the Answer
8. Let It All Hang Out
9. In The Mall
10. I Don't Want To Let You Go
(11. The Story Of My Life - iTunes bonus)
(12. Kids/Poker Face - iTunes pre-order bonus)

Deluxe also includes:
11. Get Me Some
12. Run Over By A Truck
13. The Prettiest Girl In the Whole Wide World
14. The Underdogs
(15. The Story Of My Life - iTunes bonus)
(16. Kids/Poker Face - iTunes pre-order bonus)

The Imaginarium of Dortor Parnasus & Up In The Air

My last two Tiff screenings for 2009:

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnasus is the new film by Terry Gilliam (Monty Python, Fear & Loathing). You probably heard about it in the news, as Heath Ledger died before filming was completed. It is a fantastic fantasy film, with amazing performances and spellbinding visuals. Go see this trippy movie.

Up In The Air was fantastic. Jason Reitman (Juno) is so talented. George Clooney is a guy who spends his life in transit, and I totally relate, I love to fly.

Today was the last day of the Toronto International Film Festival, and I am so fortunate to have been able to experience al the excellent films and Q&A sessions. I hope to be in Japan next year, so this was the last time for a while. I am very excited for the future of Tiff, and its new home Bell Lightbox.

White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights World Premiere

The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights is one of the best rock docs I've ever seen. The film follows the band on their tour across Canada (all across, every Province and Territory) Director Emmett Malloy (We often played his Jack Johnson surf doc Thicker Than Water at Sam the Record Man) presents an intimate view into the workings of the red & white motif-ed duo. Jack White has a blast, and explores like Samuel Champlain with a guitar. Quiet "sister" Meg White is subtitled, even when audible.The performance footage was stellar, and totally captures the raw energy of the live Stripes experience. The choices of towns and venues is so cool, from the one note show, to the amazing scene with tribal elders in Nunavut.

I have to start listening to White Stripes again, I don't even have them in my iTunes anymore (got to dig out the cds). I've seen them live a few times and am looking forward to the next time they tour.