#FIRSTLOOK: CINÉSTARZ DELUXE WOODBINE CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Ciné Starz Cinemas rolled out the red carpet for the one-year anniversary of its CinéStarz Deluxe Woodbine movie theatre location for a cinematic celebration like no other.

On November 27, 2024, this exclusive event was an unforgettable experience for movie lovers, influencers, media, and celebrities alike, featuring a star-filled Red Carpet, interactive photo ops, cinematic activations, themed food and beverage stations, and tons of special prizes to win.

Attending Talent:

-Actress/Pre-Show Host/Producer Melissa DiMarco (Degrassi: The Next Generation, Out There with Melissa DiMarco)

-WWE Hall of Famer/Actress Trish Stratus

-4x JUNO-Nominated Singer Karl Wolf

-Team Canada Gold Medalist Jerome Blake

-Hall of Fame Canadian Boxer Troy Ross

-Actor/Comedian Christian Potenza (Total Drama, 6teen)

-JUNO-Winning R&B Artist Dru

-Actor Matt Murray (Rookie Blue, In the Dark)

-JUNO-Winning R&B Artist Sean Jones

-TV Presenter/Comedian Ward Anderson (The Weather Network)

-Actor/Comedian Robert Fulton (Pretty Hard Cases, Murdoch Mysteries)

-Actress Kim Roberts (Paw Patrol)

-Pop Singer Dani Doucette

-Comedian Simon Rakoff

-Actor Xavier Schoppel (Murdoch Mysteries, Schitt’s Creek)

Capping off the experience, attendees were treated to VIP screenings of Wicked, Gladiator II, or Moana 2, featuring Ciné Starz’s one-of-a-kind fully reclined seats, state-of-the-art screens and sound, in complete luxurious comfort.

Canadian celebrity and pre-show host Melissa DiMarco (Degrassi: The Next Generation, Out There with Melissa DiMarco) performed hosting duties.

See a sizzle reel of highlights here!

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK:

Unveiling at the event was the official launch of Out There @ the Movies, an exciting pre-show showtime segment hosted by Melissa DiMarco, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, surprises and celebrity interviews.

The evening will also feature a sneak peak of the exclusive new segment launching in 2025, featuring personal movie-going stories from Canadian celebrities Jason Reitman, Evangeline Lilly, Trish Stratus, Gabriel LaBelle, and many, many, more.

“I am touched by the incredible responses from top Canadian talent who have stepped up to share their personal heartwarming stories on the power of seeing movies on the big screen and how it impacted their lives,” says Spokesperson Melissa DiMarco, “I’m thrilled to share these segments exclusively on Ciné Starz screens.”

Red Carpet Arrivals: Celebrities and VIPs walked the red carpet, snapped by renowned celebrity photographer George Pimentel who has captured the likes of Taylor Swift, Robert DeNiro, Ryan Gosling, and many more.

Exclusive Movie-Themed Experiences: VIP Guests enjoyed themed food and beverage stations, interactive photo ops, and immersive activations that transport you into the worlds of your favourite films.

VIP Prizes: Attendees got a chance to win incredible giveaways, including Free Movies for a Year, movie swag, gift certificate experiences, TVs, tablets and much more!

Official Pre-Show Launch: Attendees were the first to see Out There @ the Movies, an exclusive 5-minute pre-show showtime segment with Melissa DiMarco, showcasing the movie-going stories of top Canadian talent and behind-the-scenes Movie Moments.

About Ciné Starz and CinéStarz Deluxe Woodbine

CinéStarz is one of Canada’s leading movie theatre chains with locations across Ontario and Quebec, and a two-time award-winner of the prestigious Best of Montreal award for their Deluxe Cavendish location.

Adding to their lineup of premium theatres is their newest location, Ciné Starz Deluxe Woodbine, in Etobicoke, Toronto. Newly renovated, the cinema is conveniently located in Woodbine Mall. The Deluxe movie theatre offers a luxury VIP movie experience with its one-of-a-kind, comfortable fully reclined seats and state-of-the-art screens and sound.

About Exclusive Pre-Show Out There @ The Movies

Exclusive to Ciné Starz, Out There @ the Movies, is a 5-minute pre-show Showtime segment, showcasing the personal movie-going stories of top Canadian celebrities, and exclusive movie content hosted by Melissa DiMarco.

About Melissa DiMarco

Melissa DiMarco is an award-winning Canadian actor, comedian and TV personality. She stars in the scripted comedy series Out There with Melissa DiMarco, which is one of Canada’s longest-running comedy series.

Melissa is known internationally for starring as Principal ‘Ms. H.’ on acclaimed series Degrassi: The Next Generation, which is syndicated in over 150 countries. On the big screen, she has starred in films like Hustle: The Pete Rose Story, and Duct Tape Forever, the film adaptation of the beloved Canadian comedy series, The Red Green Show.

She is also an accomplished entertainment journalist, covering the Oscars, GRAMMYs, and film festivals around the world, and interviewing over 10,000 A-List Celebrities and Public Figures.

Melissa can be seen before every movie on every screen across Canada as the exclusive Pre-Show Host and Producer for Ciné Starz Cinemas

#TIFF14: ENTER TO WIN ADMISSION TO MELISSA DIMARCO’S “OUT THERE” TIFF INTERVIEW STUDIO AND HOSPITALITY SUITE

We can always count on Melissa to take care of us when we forget to take care of ourselves during TIFF!  It always is a treat visiting the Oasis that is Melissa DiMarco‘s Out There TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite.  Situated at the Intercontinental Hotel, don’t be surprised if you might see a Celeb or four milling about there during the Festival!

Once again this year, we’re honoured the bubbly and gorgeous Television Personality is inviting one of my lucky Readers and their Guests to relax amidst the craziness of TIFF at her popular Hospitality Suite.  The Winner, depending on time, personally may get a Meet & Greet with our dear Melissa!  Feel free to come say “hi” to me also if you see me around. I know I’ll be there at some point!

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post on Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/outthere14 @MRWILLW & @MELISSADIMARCO want to give us a chance to visit the #OUTTHEREVIP Hospitality Suite during #TIFF14!

Good luck.

Learn more about the amazingly entertaining Out There with Melissa DiMarco if you haven’t discovered it yet!

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW SEASON OF “OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DIMARCO”

Now celebrating its tenth year on-air, the new Season of OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DIMARCO premieres this weekend!  Melissa is a dear Friend of ours and her quirky sense of humour, magnetic personality and sharp sense as an Interviewer have made for a successful, lasting Career in a Business which often sees quick highs and lows for many.

The Season Premiere is a star-studded one and this Season the Series features Interviews with the likes of Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney and many, many more!  The Series is based off of real-life experiences for Melissa and has built a loyal following both north and south of the Border.

OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DIMARCO premieres Saturday, April 26, 2014 at  7:00 PM EST on Biography and 7:30 PM EST on CITY. Don’t forget to tune-in!

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF13: THANK YOU TO ALL OFFICIAL MR. WILL TIFF ’13 PARTNERS!

TIFF ’13 certainly was one of our most star-filled Festivals yet and we wouldn’t have made it through without the generosity of our Partners.  A warm-hearted thank you goes to Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre, Honda Canada, Out There with Melissa DiMarco, Grosch Film Works Open House, eOne Live, Mongrel Media, Touchwood PR, Remstar Films, CP24, George Stroumboulopoulos’ Made in Canada Lounge, Olympus, Samsung Canada, Nella Bella and H&M Canada for their amazing generosity.

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE – with a classic European charm and situated right in the heart of Downtown Toronto (close to the action of the Film Festival!), I enjoyed my stay immensely in my Executive Suite.  The Staff were amazingly-attentive and friendly and the biggest plus of all is that they are Dog-friendly, alleviating a lot of my stresses as it enabled me  to check-in on Billy throughout the day.  Billy and I already miss our spacious suite, extremely-cozy bed, large-screen Television at our desk. We  hope certainly to visit again soon!  And did I mention the amazing Breakfast Buffet?  They understood fully my need for Caffeine, giving me my own Coffee Carafe! I soon discovered for myself why it is that  Café Nicole is known for having the “best bread in the City” and once you see for yourself their  Bread Counter, you too will know why!

HONDA CANADA – this was my first opportunity driving the 2013 Honda Accord Touring and it was amazing. I made full use of its Econ button and made it through the Festival on less than $30 in gas. Comfy leather seats, a USB port to charge my phone and listen to my MP3s through the superb sound system, plus lightning quick response places this Vehicle at the top of its class. The customizable temperature for Driver and Passenger also came in ultra-handy. And did I mention it’s quite a Looker too?  Stunning.

OLYMPUS – although I struggled with the Selfies on this slippery and fast, state-of-the art Camera, several were happy to help me snap my Photos with the Stars.  Of the Photos I did take on it, the resolution (16 MP) and clarity were astounding.  It was remarkably quick to get the Shot under every varied degree of lighting in which it was tested. I am proud of the Photos the Olympus PEN E-PL5 took for me during TIFF ’13 and it is a great median for those of us who demand more than the quality of a Point-and-Shoot, yet are turned off from the lack of discreteness of a full-on SLR.  Review some of my awesome Snaps here.

H&M CANADA – it definitely was chilly this TIFF on the whole, but I managed to be dressed for the weather in my Cardigans from H&M’s Fall 2013 Collection. I am proud to say that in one of my appearances on CP 24, super-popular Television Personality Stephen LeDrew took a moment to praise my style on- air and I definitely couldn’t have earned that without H&M!

MONGREL MEDIA – for the first time, my Readers were given a chance to get the VIP Experience including Passes to their Premieres and annual TIFF Party, thanks to one of Canada’s most important Film Distributors. John Curran‘s Tracks easily was one of my fave TIFF ’13 Films and I look forward to supporting some of their exciting new releases!

SPOKE AGENCY & eONE LIVE – having just launched in time for TIFF, eOne Live takes Film Fans on a digital experience behind the scenes at TIFF unlike any other. Where else can you snoop what Celebs took in their Tim Hortons’ Coffee? Thanks to eOne Live, Mr. Will Readers got into the Red Carpet Premiere of Enemy seeing Jake Gyllenhaal up-close and personal and also the well-received Documentary One Chance! We love eOne Films and are mega-excited about eOne Live!

TOUCHWOOD PR & REMSTAR FILMS – Mr. Will Readers went berserk for the chance to attend the Red Carpet Premiere of Don Jon with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson and we owe them a huge thanks for the opportunity! We are thrilled to partner and spread the word about their exciting slate of Films including TIFF-premiered Oscar Contender Dallas Buyers Club!

NELLA BELLA – my one trusty Sidekick this TIFF was my amazing and spacious Stockholm Bag by Nella Bella. The Canadian-made, Vegan-material Bag endured super-long days, gruelling wear-and-tear, plus torrential rainfall, protecting my all my important gear.  It also saw its share of  Stars along the way! Stockholm, you’ve been promoted to my permanent Bag of Choice!

OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DiMARCO – we were extremely well-cared for by the Team behind this wonderful Entertainment Staple (now seen on FOX in the U.S.!) during TIFF ’13, an Oasys amidst the chaos. Thank you Team Out There for your hospitality and thanks for giving Mr. Will Readers a chance to be on the inside at your amazing Hospitality Suite!

SAMSUNG CANADA – A big part of the Mr. Will TIFF Experience is the Social Media aspect and if you spotted me at some point during the Festival, I probably was buried in my Smartphone Instagramming and Tweeting away. I wouldn’t have been able to survive the long 20-hour days with any less a Smartphone than the Samsung Galaxy S4.  When I didn’t have enough time to grab for my Camera, the S4 was there to get the Snap in amazing 13 MP-resolution! Its remarkable style, large touchscreen and super-fast processing speed make it the only possible go-to for days as draining as TIFF.  It certainly has the goods to back-up its self-proclamation as a “Life Companion”!

GROLSCH FILM WORKS OPEN HOUSE – Although I’m not a huge Beer Drinker, there is only one thing and one thing only htat I wanted after standing on-foot for hours on-end in the sun… some ice-cold Grolsch Lager – the official Beer of TIFF. Thank you Grolsch Film Works Open House for the refreshment and some relaxation away from the bustle!

GEORGE STROUMBOULOPOULOS’ MADE IN CANADA LOUNGE – It’s always been a dream of ours to visit a TIFF Gifting Lounge and this year we went straight to the top, getting an exclusive invite into Canadian Icon George Stroumboulopoulos’ highly-coveted Made in Canada Lounge where we got to enjoy some of the amazing homegrown products which several A-Listers like Joseph Gordon-Levitt took home.  We will never forget.  Thank you Best PR Boutique for the hospitality.

CP24 – Last but not least, thank you to the Team at CP24 for having me again this year, providing me an Outlet to share my TIFF Excitement with all of Southern Ontario!  I look forward to TIFF ’14 already!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all official Mr. Will Partners.

…until next TIFF!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF13: MR. WILL THANKS HIS OFFICIAL PARTNERS!

Together over the years we’ve built a Brand which has become synonymous with Celebrity Culture, Entertainment and Toronto.  We’re thrilled about all the possibilities which this year’s Toronto International Film Festival holds and with the enthusiasm of a Child, we count down the hours till it all kicks off.

Having already previewed a fair number of this year’s Marquee Films receiving their Premieres here including hotly-tipped Opening Night Gala The Fifth Estate, I can say this is definitely one of the strongest Festivals in recent years not only in terms of quality of Films, but also the Star Power.  And you know how much we love those Stars!

Please join us here at Mr. Will Wong over the next two weeks  as we preview and review some of the most buzzworthy Films to make  a splash at TIFF ’13.  In addition, you know you can count on us to spot both A-List and Up-and-Coming Talent in town in their most candid moments with Fans.

In addition to being present and visible here, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, I will be allover your Television Screens as I partner once again with CP24 as their TIFF Correspondent before upwards of three-million people in Ontario who watch the Channel on a weekly basis.  Be sure to follow my every step online as you won’t want to miss a beat!  My first appearance is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 12:15 PM EST, followed by various appearances throughout the Festival to be looped throughout the day.  I will be capping it all off with an appearance on CP24 Breakfast Live on Saturday, September 14, 2013.

 

I would not be able to survive the grueling 18-20 hour days that come with TIFF without the generosity of  our official Partners. With gratitude I thank our Friends who kindly have shown their support:

 

MONGREL MEDIA who for the first time are giving Mr. Will Wong Readers a chance not only to win Red Carpet Premiere Passes, but also access to their mega-exclusive TIFF Party.  I look forward to partying with my lucky Readers!  And just so you know, it’s still not too late to enter here.  Mongrel Media‘s Line-up is fantastic this year, including Only Lovers Left Alive (Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston), The Past (Bérénice Bejo), Tracks (Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver) and The Face of Love (Annette Bening, Ed Harris).

OLYMPUS who generously have provided me their state-of-the-art E-PL5 to photograph with this Festival. That tiltable Monitor excites me and I can’t wait to capture some unforgettable Selfies and candid moments with the Stars. Its Small Target AutoFocus and Fine Detail Processing will ensure that I get that Snap with great precision.  Did I mention it also photographs in phenomenal 16 MP quality?  More on the E-PL 5 here.

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE who amazingly are sponsoring my stay for the most hectic part of the Festival.  I know extremely well the importance of a good night’s rest if even just a Power Nap to recharge just in time to capture more of the Celebrity madness.  Located right at the heart of Downtown Toronto and only a short distance from some of the most glamorous Red Carpet Premieres in the City, I will make a point of making time for their Indoor Pool, Gym, Restaurant and free WiFi!  Cannot wait to see the beautiful scenic view from my window, the Hotel overseeing the bright lights and heights of our fabulous City.  If you’re looking for an affordable option with charm and convenience, there is no better value  than Hotel Novotel.  More here.

HONDA CANADA who as always are wonderfully supportive.  This TIFF, I will be driving the gorgeous and amazing 2013 Honda Accord Sedan which not only boasts superb Fuel Efficiency but also exciting Performance, much needed as I’ll be zooming from venue to venue effortlessly. Its compact style is perfect from City Living (…and parking!). Learn more about the Accord here.

SAMSUNG CANADA who graciously are empowering me with a Samsung Galaxy S4 this TIFF!  Its full HD 1080p Display gives me something to look forward to with great excitement as does its dual front (2 MP) and rear (13 MP) Cameras which give me no reason to  not snap that perfect Selfie with a Celeb!  Its spacious 5″ Display will equip me with the ability to properly type, text and navigate as I communicate with my Readers and Followers throughout the Festival!  More importantly, its extended Battery Life of up to 17 hours Talk Time and 8 hours Internet Usage on the LTE Network will help me get through each long day where others before have failed me.  More on the Samsung Galaxy S4 here.

H&M CANADA who have been amazing these past few TIFFs in fashioning me with some of their latest looks. The Mr. Will Look generally is low-fuss and more about comfort and practicality, especially with the unpredictable weather we get in September. I know I’ll be Camera-ready for TV and my moments with the Stars with my Pieces (especially excited about my Cardigans!) from the H&M Fall 2013 Men’s Collection. Nobody understands the synergy between Celebrity and affordable Fashion like H&M with several exciting Collaborations in recent memory with the likes of Beyoncé, David Beckham, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Lana Del Rey, Joel Kinnaman and more!

NELLA BELLA who are so thoughtful to provide me with one of their signature Bags to use this Festival.  How else would I survive the day without sophisticated, sturdy and stylish storage for all my gear?  This Canadian Handbang Maker offers sleek looks and durability. Above all else, they are made with Vegan Materials!  I look forward to my treasured Accessory this TIFF, the Stockholm Bag (see above). Check-out their entire Collection here.

OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DIMARCO who so kindly is giving my Readers a chance to visit her TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite at InterContinental Centre Hotel this year.  We all know her on Television  for her stunning beauty and big heart! I myself look forward to visiting her Oasis amidst all the bustle and am excited for my Readers to get to mingle with Industry and Media Types, not to mention some awesome Food and Drink.  Learn more about the Contest here.

GROLSCH OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC FESTIVAL LOUNGE who are giving Festival Goers an opportunity for refreshment from Friday, September 6 – Monday, September 9, 2013 with amazing Eats, Art Installations, intimate Musical sets from DJs and emerging local Acts… and of course,  Grolsch Premium Lager – the official Beer of TIFF. Do not forget to check it all out at the corner of  Pearl x John!   We’ll definitely see you there. More here.

 

Bookmark Mr. Will Wong in your Browser and remember to follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for frequent exciting updates this TIFF.

See Mr. Will‘s most Must-See TIFF ’13 Film List here.

See which Stars will be in the City for TIFF here.

 

Happy Movie-watching and Star-spotting, Wongsters!

 

(Photo credit: Hotel Novotel/Honda Canada/Samsung Canada/Melissa DiMarco/Olympus/Nella Bella/Grolsch Film Works/H&M Canada/Mongrel Media)

 

 

For advertising opportunities, e-mail: mrwillwong@mynkmediagroup.com

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ACCESS TO MELISSA DIMARCO’S “OUT THERE” TIFF HOSPITALITY SUITE

Amidst all the bustle of TIFF last year, we had the pleasure of being invited to the Oasis that is Melissa DiMarco‘s Out There TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite.  We had a wonderful time mingling with Industry and Media Types and did I mention there was Food, Beer, Cocktails, Wine and most importantly, Coffee?

We love Melissa DiMarco and her big heart. This TIFF, we’re honoured that she’d like to invite one of my lucky Readers and their Guest to come chill-out at her Hospitality Suite.  With the amount of Star Power that she draws, don’t be surprised if you spot a Star or two milling about.  Winners also get a personal Meet & Greet with our dear friend Melissa!

Melissa’s Out There TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite sets-up shop at the InterContinental Centre Hotel throughout the Festival.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post on Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/outthere @MRWILLW & @MELISSADIMARCO want to give us a chance to visit the #OUTTHEREVIP Hospitality Suite during #TIFF13!

Good luck.

Learn more about the amazingly entertaining Out There with Melissa DiMarco if you haven’t discovered it yet!

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)