CBC celebs abound, so I knew it was just a matter of time until one of the stars from Little Mosque on the Prairie showed up, and Zaib Shaikh didn’t let me down.
You’re going into your last season, what happens next?
“Life after Little Mosque? What does that stand for? LALH?? I don’t know. Ah, it’s a beautiful world. Little Mosque is in its final season and we’re going to enjoy that. And you know I think we all have all our aspirations and plans and Little Mosque has been a great Springboard in Canada but I think internationally too. So I think everyone’s going to have a good time post-Mosque.”
So are we going to keep you as a home-grown talent or are we going to lose you down south?
“No, I don’t plan on going anywhere. You can’t get rid of me now.”
Then he adds: “You gotta do it for the love of it, you can’t do it to be famous. Or get a job even.”
I thank him for his candour as screenwriter and producer Marla Black stepped on to the carpet.
“I feel so awkward.”
Why? You’re doing great! By the way, what brings you here tonight?
“I’m the recipient of the Deluxe Producer Internship, so I get to spend some time in house learning the editing process, colour correct and all that stuff, and why you should have it all corrected before you ever get to post. It’s really exciting.”
Do you have any advice for young filmmakers?
“Do everything you can. Say yes to every experience, within reason. And enjoy it.”
Stunning.
“Oh thanks!”
Any Canadian Idols?
“Sarah Polly. She’s pretty impressive. Especially since she’s been able to do so many things within the industry. I mean there are many…”
Though I’m dying to say “like having a baby?” I bite my tongue and turn to take the next photograph…