As is the case every year, Alliance Films and eOne Films are a great presence at the Toronto International Film Festival, where we get a chance to see first some of their most prized Films which see a release throughout the year thereafter.  For the first time, together they are uniting as a giant force at the Festival, with an impeccable Line-up of Films headlined by the likes of Rush and August: Osage County, premiering here in just two weeks’ time!

See eOne Films‘ Complete Roster of Films at TIFF ’13 below:
12/12/12
Afflicted
Amazonia
The Art of the Steal
August: Osage County
Blue Ruin
Le Démantèlement
Enemy
The F Word
Gabrielle
The Grand Seduction
The Green Inferno
How I Live Now
Kill Your Darlings
The Love Punch
Man of Tai Chi
Mandela Long Walk for Freedom
Metallica Through the Never
One chance
Our Man in Tehran
Philomena
Rhymes for Young Ghouls
The Right Kind of Wrong
Rush
Sarah Préfère La Course
Stay
Tom à la Ferme
Tryptyque
The Unknown Known

Also today, eOneLive.com has officially launched giving Fans a chance to interact with Celebrities and Media alike, with a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at the Distributor’s TIFF Headquarters are Intercontinental Toronto Centre!  There also are chances to win Passes to Movies and some awesome Prizes!

The Website will feature:

• Photos, videos and interviews capturing the entire eOne TIFF Experience.

• An opportunity to submit questions to eOne‘s visiting Actors and Filmmakers and a chance to receive a personalized Video answer through a partnership with Carlton Cards called ‘the envelope.’

• Details on where to spot the Smart fortwo x BlackBerry. eOne‘s Smart fortwo will travel through downtown Toronto entertaining film fans with festival trivia and offering chances to win BlackBerry® 10 Smartphones, Dell Tablets, Tim Hortons Gift Cards and Screening Tickets.

• Entertaining tips and recipes featuring the President’s Choice^® Black Label Collection and festival-inspired cocktail ideas from SKYY Vodka

Don’t forget to check it out!

See who’s coming to town and how you can start planning your schedule right here!

(Photo credit: eOne Films)

At long last the TIFF ’13 Guest List has been announced and among the Marquee names we can expect to see in Toronto in two weeks are phenomenal!  Although speak of Brad Pitt and George Clooney making appearances here didn’t amount to much more than rumour, this year the Female Contingent shines brightest with several of Hollywood’s A-List set to present their latest Oscar Vehicles here.

Among the Celebrities expected this year are:

Emilia Clarke, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Tom Felton, Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey, Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Sarah Gadon,  Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, James Franco, Marion Cotillard, Mike Myers, Emma Thompson, Kristen Wiig, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, Amy Poehler, Keanu Reeves, Kate Winslet, Adam Driver, Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Owen Wilson, Ralph Fiennes, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Gyllenhaal, JudeLaw, Jessica Chastain, Jai Courtney, Mila Kunis, Pierce Brosnan, Sandra Bullock, Jason Bateman, Zac Efron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth, Idris Elba, Ed Harris, Michael C. Hall, Annette Benning, James McAvoy, Liam Neeson, Steven Soderbergh, Ben Foster, Anton Yelchin, Maria Bello, Jennifer Garner, Nicolas Cage, Daniel Brühl, Tom Hiddleston, Jack Huston, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Lange, Melissa Leo, Adam Levine, Catherine O’Hara, Kurt Russell, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Berenger, Tom Wilkinson, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Clive Owen, Zach Galifianakis, Emily Watson, John Hawkes, Alan Rickman, Toni Collette, Josh Brolin, Alice Cooper, Tiger Chen, Rebecca Hall, Will Forte, Kevin Zegers, Taylor Kitsch, Juliette Binoche, Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Thandie Newton,  Terrence Howard, James Hetfield, Thomas Haden Church, Tim Robbins,  Glenn Close, Dakota Fanning, Philip Glass and several more!

Keep checking back here as the Toronto International Film Festival makes additions as we get closer to Thursday, September 5, 2013 when TIFF ’13 kicks-off!  The Festival runs till Sunday, September 15, 2013.

The official Schedule has been announced and you can now start planning your Festival right here. Download the Official Schedule right here!

Single Tickets go on sale on Sunday, September 1, 2013 on TIFF‘s Website here.

Things are about to get real exciting around here!  Happy TIFF, indeed!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

With TIFF ’13 just two weeks away, a brand new Poster for Opening Night Gala Film, The Fifth Estate has just been released.  After having reviewed it just last week, I’d say it just about captures its mood perfectly – chilly, gray, modern and industrial.  The Fifth Estate is directed by Bill Condon (The Twilight Saga, Dreamgirls) and sees a release on Friday, October 18, 2013.

Official Synopsis:

Triggering our age of high-stakes secrecy, explosive news leaks and the trafficking of classified information, WikiLeaks forever changed the game. Now, in a Dramatic Thriller based on real events, The Fifth Estate reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organization. The Story begins as WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Brühl) team up to become underground watchdogs of the privileged and powerful. On a shoestring, they create a platform that allows Whistleblowers to anonymously leak covert data, shining a light on the dark recesses of Government secrets and Corporate crimes. Soon, they are breaking more hard news than the world’s most legendary media organizations combined. But when Assange and Berg gain access to the biggest trove of confidential intelligence documents in U.S. history, they battle each other and a defining question of our time: what are the costs of keeping secrets in a free society—and what are the costs of exposing them?

A Dramatic Thriller based on real events, The Fifth Estate reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organization.

See the brand new Official Poster below:

If you are looking to see The Fifth Estate (a term used to describe Citizen Journalism) at TIFF ’13, you have two chances on the evening of Thursday, September 5, 2013 at both Roy Thomson Hall and Elgin Theatre (VISA Screening Room).

See who’s coming to town this TIFF, in addition to Cumberbatch and Brühl, right here!

(Photo credit: DreamWorks Pictures/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

A brand new Teaser Trailer has just been released for the upcoming third season of HBO‘s Girls.    Told through a series of Instagram Photos and Robert ToTeras’ Track Break Out The Boom Boom, we see lots of smiles and happy times on the Beach among the Cast. Is that Hannah‘s (Lena Dunham) scorned Ex-Roommate Elijah (Andrew Rannells) we see making a return? Love that.

Watch the Trailer below:

Season Three of Girls is set to air January 2014.

(Photo/video credit: HBO)

Twitter Drama aside, Lady Gaga unleashed her new Video for Single Applause earlier this morning on ABC‘s Good Morning America and soon after it surfaced online. There’s something unmistakably ’90s and Madonna-esque about the Clip which blends Fashion, Art, the Circus and Broadway together into a grand Spectacle.

Directed by Photographers Inez and Vinoodh give us elegance and flash. Not sure that the Public generally can access what Gaga is going for here, but that always has been her way. Bottom line, we need to look at it over and over.

Watch the Clip below:

Universal Music Canada releases Artpop on November 11, 2013, giving us something remember on Remembrance Day.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

After having filmed its Pilot in Toronto last Fall, King & Maxwell soon gets its introduction to Canada premiering later this week on Showcase.  Its two Stars Rebecca Romijn (Michelle Maxwell) and Jon Tenney (Sean King) are in the City today promoting the TNT Series centering on two disgraced former Secret Service Agents who solve crimes privately as Private Detectives.

Beginning with an appearance on KISS 92.5‘s The Roz & Mocha Show both Actors looking impeccable, were all smiles greeting Fans upon arrival, kindly taking their time to stop to pose with Fans before later heading to Global Television’s The Morning Show (National Edition).  On the latter, Tenney describes the Series’ two main Characters, stating  “I’m a Man of Words, she’s a Woman of Action”.  The Duo electrified during a Chemistry Read together, him getting cast first and her next.  Romijn praises her Co-Star for being wonderful to work with, revealing that he quickly has become her Childrens’ favourite person. “I think they like him (Tenney) more than they like cake.”, she jokes.  On the most challenging thing about filming the Series, both Stars recall long 18-19 hour work days. “Working out-of-town away from the Family, that’s definitely the hardest thing”, admits Tenney.

Last Fall we were lucky enough to run into Romijn‘s Husband, Jerry O’Connell out and about while she was filming.  More on that here.

King & Maxwell airs Thursday, August 22, 2013 on Showcase in Canada at at 10:00 PM EST.  More details on that here.

See our Snaps below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Shaw Media)

Never under-estimate the power of Oprah. In her first Film Role in over 15 years, the Multimedia Magnate finds herself atop  the Box Office with Lee Daniels’ The Butler, opening in 2,933 theatres across North America at number one with $25 million. Starring Academy Award Winner Forest Whitaker, Audiences loved the Film giving it a coveted A CinemaScore, while Critics gave it 73% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to its two Stars the Historical-Drama features a plethora of Stars including Mariah Carey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, James Marsden, Lenny Kravitz, Robin Williams and more.

After a solid debut in second spot last weekend, We’re The Millers remains in second spot with $17.8 million for Warner Bros.  In two weeks, the Comedy has grossed over $70 million domestically.

Last week’s Champ, Elysium lands in third with $13.6 million for Sony Pictures, a total of $55 million grossed in two weeks.

Kick-Ass 2 opens in fourth spot with $13.6 million from 2,381 theatres, just shy of the $19 million its Predecessor made in 2010. The Superhero-Action/Comedy shot in Toronto, earned a B+ CinemaScore from Audiences, although Critics didn’t think much of it with a harsh 26% rating on the Tomatometer. Like the first Kick-Ass Film, it is expected to recoup costs also in Rental and DVD Sales.

jOBS, based on the life of Apple Creator Steve Jobs and starring Ashton Kutcher debuts in seventh spot with $6.7 million from 2,381 theatres for Open Road Films/Remstar Films, earning a B- CinemaScore and 25% on the Tomatometer.

Rounding out the Top Ten is The Wolverine with $4.4 million for 20th Century Fox, for a total $120.4 million to date.

One of 2013’s most eagerly awaited Debut Discs comes from New Zealand’s LORDE (née Ella Yelich-O’Connor), who at the age of 16 is stirring-up just the right amount of buzz in anticipation of her debut Disc Pure Heroine, set for release October 1, 2013 domestically via Universal Music Canada.

Just this past week, she became the first Woman since 1996 to top the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart with her debut Single,  a minimalist Electro-Pop Moment titled Royals. She also accomplished the same feat on the Canadian Alternative Rock Charts, performing well also on the Canadian Hot 100 and US Billboard Hot 100 Charts, meaning the Track successfully has crossed-over to Pop Radio.

The harmonies are Freddie Mercury-esque, the Lyrics are Hip-Hop, feeling oddly familiar yet certifiably fresh.  I won’t deny there’s a bit of Lana Del Rey there, but LORDE definitely has an accessibility that will gain her potentially more Fans Stateside.  I’m awful excited to hear what’s coming next as she is quoted as crafting a “cohesive” Disc. 

ALl I have to say is that it’s about time Maria Bello got cast in Movies again! One of the Films entering TIFF ’13 with the most buzz is Thriller, Prisoners, which centers around an investigation in the disappearance of two girls. Hugh Jackman stars as a Boston Man who takes matters into his own hands when he thinks he’s found the Man behind the disappearance of his Daughter and her Best Friend.

Directed by our v. own Denis Villeneuve (Incendies), Prisoners also stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano,Viola Davis and of course, Maria Bello. Phenomenal Cast.

Watch the Trailer below:

Warner Bros. releases Prisoners on September 20, 2013.  It debuts at TIFF ’13 on Saturday, September 7. 2013.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

Tipped hotly as the next Young Adult Franchise to break, The Mortal Instruments, adapted from Cassandra Clare‘s Series of bestselling Novels, soon will see a release on the Big Screen with first installment City of Bones having been shot in Toronto last Fall.  Hence, it is absolutely full circle that Director Harald Zwart and Stars Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan and Kevin Zegers returned to where it all began last night, this time to promote the Blockbuster set to open next week.  If the fact that a second installment already has been green-lit, beginning production in just five weeks’ time, we can expect nothing but for these Films to be a massive success.

The stage was set as a strip of Richmond Street was closed for the Canadian Red Carpet Premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones at Scotiabank Theatre, where Fans lined the barricades all day to get a glimpse of the Talent and perhaps maybe even get their books signed… and several succeeded!

Director Zwart has built an eclectic Résumé which has seen Box Office Hits like 2003’s Agent Cody Banks and 2010’s The Karate Kid Remake.  The Norwegian Native was first to walk the Carpet tonight and I asked him what drew him most to the Franchise and he admits, “I think this is the Movie I’ve been looking for all my life – a bit of Fantasy and Sci-Fi. That’s really my favourite genre.”.  On which Character   he identifies most with, he reveals, “I think I like Luke (played by The Hobbit‘s Aidan Turner). He’s the Outsider who’s watching everyone from a distance, but still protecting them.”.  Traveling solo last time around, he says “This time around I’m actually gonna bring my Family – my Kids and Wife  – and it will be a great experience having them around!”.

BAFTA-nominated Robert Sheehan has risen to prominence in the UK for his work on the Series Misfits.  Tackling the role of the nerdy but loveable Simon Lewis – Best Friend to Lily Collins‘ Clary Fray – the Irish Actor graced the Red Carpet in style tonight in a fitted suit with 3/4-length pants, complete with leopard-print shoes.  On Simon‘s grappling with his unrequited feelings for Clary, I ask what romantic advice Sheehan would give his own Character.  He jokes, “I’d tell him find the nearest table jump up on it, take your shirt off and claim your love as quickly as possible, because in 50 years’ time you might have a Hernia!”. In addition, he has nothing but praise for Torontonians, stating “People here are enduringly content with themselves. It’s infectious!”.  His one regret?  Sheehan wishes he got to do more “touristy” things during his last stay.  “I’m gonna take my weekends and see some sights like Niagara Falls and Montreal”, as he gestures teasingly at an attractive female Journalist beside me, making a pretend date with her.  Charming, indeed.

Despite being from Woodstock, Ontario originally, Toronto practically has become a second home for recently-wed Kevin Zegers.  The Actor stars as Alec Lightwood, a Character who comes to be defined in this installment for his own struggles with his sexuality and jealousy towards Clary Fray, as she captures the attentions of Jace Wayland (Jamie Campbell Bower).   I ask him what he drew upon in his own life for the role and he states, “I’m not a terrifically jealous person. I’m a little judgmental of people at first and I think that was one of my focuses – to be more renascent and distrustful rather than focusing on the jealousy and whether Clary‘s attached to Jace or not.”.  And for those curious, his lovely Wife Jaime Feld walked the Carpet together with him, standing by his side supportively as he greeted Fans and Press.

Although we’ve seen him in both The Twilight Saga and Harry Potter Franchises, British Actor/Musician Jamie Campbell Bower finally gets his moment to shine in The Mortal Instruments in a Lead Role, which actually is rather physically-demanding especially late in the Film in some highly choreographed action sequences with Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Valentine Morgenstern.  Bower‘s Jace is seen widely as a bit of a “Bad Boy” and I asked him what influences he drew upon in crafting the role.  He lists for me some of his influences – some more surprising than others, “James Hetfield (Metallica), Kurt Cobain, young Johnny (Depp), young Heath (Ledger) and River (Phoenix) as well”, he says. “I’ve always been interested in Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) also.”.

It’s always a pleasure seeing Lily Collins, one of Hollywood’s most promising new faces.  I still recall my shock spotting her out and about in the City last Summer while prepping for filming and to see her star rise so quickly fills me with a great sense of pride.  Upon seeing each other on the Carpet, she came over gave me a big hug.  An absolute vision in her white Houghton Dress, I had only a quick moment to chat, but asked her where in Toronto she’d take Clary Fray out on a date.   “Oh my God! Well, it’s funny because I went bowling in that Bowling Alley (pointing down the road to The Ballroom Bowl) when I was creating Clary. I’d  definitely have to go to Yamato for Sushi because Yorkville‘s my ‘hood’.  We’d also just go hang-out on Queen Street and go Vintage Shopping.”.   Reflecting on her meteoric rise, she says “Last time we came here no one knew who we were except you!”.  I invite her to look behind me at her hoards of adoring Fans and she flashes  a brilliant, animated smile. “I’m so thrilled to be here!”.

Watch Video Clips of my Chat with the Director and Cast of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones below: