Where’s the popcorn? And coffee? So, I arrive to a press screening a little early (half hour be exact) and a looking a little too keen and probably slightly over dressed. Hey, I’m excited, what can I say, to be in the company of some of the most notable film critics in the country. But reality check….it’s 10 am and I’m sitting in a dark theatre with about 20 others. No one talks to each other but the occasionally “hey”.
I realized at that moment that this is a job. One that can make or break a movie. I also realized that security is tight. This particular movie required me to sign in, and sign a contract (there are often strict rules about not reviewing a movie until a specified date). I was looking forward to having popcorn for breakfast after shuffling off hubby and the kids to their beautiful summer day of golf and grandma’s house. But no popcorn. No coffee. But I could bring in my own. Note for next time.
As the movie starts I notice that it’s all business. No commercials…let’s just cut to the chase. Then I realized that there are two security guys at the front of the theatre. Watching us…watching the movie. Ah! With the this day of easy pirated movies plus the embargo I am completely aware that I am closely watched with the night vision beaming on me. Each time I move in my chair the red light is pointed right at me.
In some ways, I’m feeling creeped out but at the same time it’s go to know that with huge investments at stake, TIFF takes their international staging quite seriously. Especially when many major films are launched at this event to the world.
When the screening is over…I hear the rustling of paper pads and clicking sounds of mobile phones. Everyone just gets up and goes..no jolly banter of “so what did you think”. That’s the business they are in. Their opinions of the movies will come out at the appropriate time. Lots of respect for these people.
I’m looking forward to attending several press screenings at 10 am each morning. But I will still be dressed up as the days are filled with screenings and interviews. And the nights melt into events and parties without time in between to do a change up. Now I hope I remember to make the boys their lunches for school!
Follow Sonya as the Toronto International Film Festival 2011 (TIFF) mayhem collides with back to school. This mom of two boys dubs herself as “the right place, right time gal” and will be hitting the circuit running from movie screenings to events for our readers. Sonya will get chatty with tweeps and peeps in the industry and report on celebrity sightings. Follow us on twitter and facebook to find out! @urbanmomsca #TIFFmoms