History, design, and innovation continue to intersect at the newly transformed, world-class event space, the Design Exchange (DX). Purpose-built in 1937 as the original Toronto Stock Exchange, the DX has cemented itself as a go-to venue for corporate and social events, with a legacy spanning over two decades, and proudly pulls back the curtain on dynamic new upgrades revealing a contemporary venue fueled by events and catering partner Eatertainment, and powered by Elevate. The DX provides clients with turnkey solutions for corporate events, weddings, galas, tradeshows, conferences, and more as the 40,000 square foot space features modern interior upgrades that preserve the building’s historic elements while adding a modern atmosphere with the contemporary re-design. The most exclusive new feature of the venue is Canada’s first dedicated fully immersive projection mapping system featuring 45-foot tall by 230-foot projections, providing event clients access to a state-of-the-art system with fully customizable content to bring immersive, virtual, and interactive elements to meet their event needs.

“The newly transformed event spaces at the historic Design Exchange is a first-of-its-kind venture in Canada, with only a handful of venues around the world offering similar tailored edge-to-edge experiences,” said Liz McKenna, Director of Events at Design Exchange. “The remarkable renovations serve our clients a bridge between virtual and live events, providing the means to flawlessly broadcast gatherings to a wider audience while those attending on-site enjoy an unparalleled immersive event experience.”

DX offers over 40,000 square feet of event space made up of five primary areas that can be rented individually or collectively, including:

The ‘Lobby’: 3,500 square foot area perfect for receptions and cocktails.
The ‘Trading Floor’: this historic 6,500 square-foot space is designed for impactful events, conferences, and trade shows.
The ‘Gallery’: with 4,000 square feet, this space is suitable for dining, smaller events, or experiential activations.
The ‘Library’: the 1,200 square foot space, overlooking the bustling King and Bay strip, is ideal for product launches or presentations.
The ‘Boardroom’: a 600 square foot meeting space equipped with hybrid technology, is ideal for executive meetings or client dinners.

“The contemporary renovation of the Design Exchange pays homage to its iconic architectural heritage while harmonizing it with the new fully immersive environment, state-of-the-art in-house AV from CCR, exquisite catering and service, and dedicated vendor partners to help bring any vision to life.” Offers Sebastien Centner, Founder & Creative Director of Eatertainment Events. “History, design and innovation come together in this venue and our team is already welcoming clients from all over the world who have been drawn to this groundbreaking immersive environment for their events.”

The Design Exchange’s in-house AV and technical teams, along with Eatertainment’s planning expertise and catering solutions, offer a truly unique and convenient solution for a premium, hassle-free client experience. DX’s advanced immersive projection mapping system creates seamless experiences for every occasion, regardless of the event or theme. With the ability to project custom images and videos onto the towering walls of the trading floor, the system covers an impressive canvas, spanning an incredible 45 feet in height and 230 feet in width with a 270-degree viewing angle.

Sebastien Centner adds: “The immersive boom is revolutionizing live experiences, and with innovations like the MSG Sphere leading the way, we are going to see the event landscape change dramatically as venues like The Design Exchange offer in-house and turn-key projection mapping at a fraction of what it used to cost to create these types of environments.”

The Design Exchange is located at 234 Bay Street, Toronto, ON and is currently accepting bookings through F24. For more information visit www.designexchangetoronto.com and for booking inquiries, please contact info@designexchangetoronto.com. In-person media tours, interviews, and features are available upon request.

Velvet Code, (Marlon Wurmitzer) is a Toronto, Canada International award-winning genderfluid Electronic Music DJ, producer, songwriter, radio show host and entrepreneur.  In 2022 Velvet launched the “You Do You Foundation”, (https://youdoyoufoundation.org) to help underprivileged and financially compromised 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians utilize music on their road to wellness.   Today it is the foundation’s honor to announce the creation of the “You Do You Foundation” Mentorship Program supported by TD Bank Group (TD).  The six-month Mentorship Program will provide 2SLGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual) and QBIPOC (Queer Black, Indigenous, People of Color) music artists and musicians struggling with mental wellness, addiction and financial hardship with the skills and opportunities that are essential to advancing their careers.  You Do You Foundation will provide six emerging 2SLGBTQIA+/QBIPOC musical artists who are struggling with their mental health, stable housing or financial hardship with professional development workshops in various aspects of the music industry, including music production, songwriting, grant writing and life skills to ensure their continued engagement and success in the music industry and in life.  You Do You Foundation believes assisting underprivileged and financially compromised young artists that fall in the 2SLGBTQIA+ / QBIPOC spectrum is a vital factor in expanding the voices and artistry in the music industry.

Velvet Code, an established producer and songwriter in the electronic and pop music scene has been called “The Drag Hit Maker” because of their work with Drag Recording Artists around the world. In 2020 Velvet was chosen to be a part of Lady Gaga’s Chromatica Billboard remix team, with notable remixes of Stupid Love and Sour Candy.  That same year, Velvet launched their own label, So Fierce Music (https://www.sofiercemusic.com) currently with a talent roster of 40+ up and coming LGBTQIA+ artists including winners of Canada’s Drag Race Icesis Couture, Gisele Lullaby, and winner of Queen of the Universe Season 2, Taiga Brava. Velvet primary mission is to work with up-and-coming artists to help them grow and succeed at becoming successful recording artists.  There are many barriers to establishing a successful musical career for young 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC artists who lack financial resources, stable housing, access to contacts, networks, professional recording equipment and mentorship.

Velvet has dedicated much time & support during his career to the existing problems of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and QBIPOC community.  There is an urgent need for professional development and wrap-around support for emerging 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians. Each week, 75-100 2SLGBTQIA+ musicians apply for representation from So Fierce Music. The personal stories are heartbreaking. Precarious housing, discrimination & poverty, resulting in mental health challenges that keep them from creating and producing music. The “You Do You Foundation” Mentorship Program supported by TD will begin the process of addressing this extreme need and will provide 2SLGBTQIA+ artists with opportunities for emerging music artists to engage in professional development, understand the industry, and establish professional relationships with support from a team of industry leaders and partners.

“We have come a long way, and the journey continues, but it doesn’t have to be alone.  As a queer artist, I intimately know the struggles of this community.  I’m fortunate to have the ability to speak about human rights, to a large audience and I feel it is my duty to do so.”      Velvet

Paramount+ today debuted the teaser trailer for the highly anticipated original series LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, which will premiere exclusively on the service with two episodes on Sunday, November 5 in Canada, the U.S., and all Paramount+ international markets. The anthology series stars executive producer and Emmy Award nominee David Oyelowo, Lauren E. Banks, Demi Singleton, Forrest Goodluck, Canadians Barry Pepper & Honorary Oscar recipient Donald Sutherland, and Emmy Award nominee Dennis Quaid. 

Revealing the untold story of the most legendary lawman in the Old West, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES follows the journey of Reeves (Oyelowo) and his rise from enslavement to law enforcement as the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Despite arresting over 3,000 outlaws during the course of his career, the weight of the badge was heavy, and he wrestled with its moral and spiritual cost to his beloved family. LAWMEN: BASS REEVES is an all-new, standalone anthology series and future iterations will follow other iconic lawmen and outlaws who have impacted history. 

The cast includes Shea Whigham and Garrett Hedlund as guest stars, and, in recurring roles, Joaquina Kalukango, Lonnie Chavis, Grantham Coleman, Tosin Morohunfola, Dale Dickey, Rob Morgan, Ryan O’Nan, Margot Bingham, Mo Brings Plenty, Justin Hurtt-Dunkley and Bill Dawes. 

Created for television by executive producer and showrunner Chad Feehan, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES also is executive produced by Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan, David Oyelowo, David C. Glasser, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, Christina Alexandra Voros, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari and David Hutkin. The series is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions and Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon and is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ international markets.

LAWMEN: BASS REEVES is the latest addition to Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+, which includes 1923, 1883, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, TULSA KING, SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS and the upcoming series LAND MAN.

This year, the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte turns 20 and we’re ready to pumpkin like it’s 2003!

HBD PSL Temporary Tattoos

To get the PSL party started, customers who purchase a Pumpkin Spice Latte (hot, iced or blended) on October 10 at participating stores in Canada will receive a sheet of temporary tattoos, while supplies last. Fans can deck themselves out with a PSL-themed temporary tattoo sleeve or share their ink with family and friends so the whole squad can flex their love for Pumpkin Spice.

KidSuper + Starbucks Team PSL Limited-Edition Varsity Jacket

In the spirit of sentimentality, Starbucks has also teamed up with KidSuper Studios to drop a limited-edition Team PSL Varsity Jacket. The jacket is a true celebration of PSL fandom, featuring top expressions of fan love, and will be available to pre-order at KidSuper.com/TeamPSL beginning October 10, 2023 at 8 a.m. PT/11 a.m. ET, while supplies last. Read more about the collaboration here.

Jam Out to Iconic 2003 Tunes In Stores

And what’s a party without some tunes? On October 10, Starbucks stores will also be playing a curated playlist of 2003’s most popular hits, transporting customers to the year PSL was born.

PSL Fun Facts

Over the years, the PSL has developed into a cultural phenomenon, and we wanted to share 20 fun facts (link live at 9am ET on Oct 9) in celebration, with a few highlighted below:

·       Canada was one of the first markets to trial the PSL. The PSL started out as a trial run in about 100 stores across Vancouver, B.C. and Washington, D.C. in 2003, before officially launching across the U.S. and Canada the following year.

·       Customers want ice with their Pumpkin Spice. To address the ever-growing popularity of PSL, Starbucks released different variations to keep up with the love of the fall flavour. In 2019, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew joined the roster, and just this year the customer-inspired Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte was released.

·       Yes, there is real pumpkin in the sauce. In 2015 Starbucks began including pumpkin sauce from real puree made from sweet little kabocha pumpkins, making the PSL what it is today.

·       FHL who? The name that never was. The Pumpkin Spice Latte was almost known as the Fall Harvest Latter (FHL).

You can enjoy Starbucks PSL and other Fall Menu offerings all season long!

THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER has converted Moviegoers, taking top spot at the Box Office this weekend in its debut with $28 million from 3,663 theatres for Universal Pictures. This latest installment in the Franchise which brings back Ellen Burstyn from the 1973 original film, gets 26% on the Tomatometer.

Second is last week’s champ, PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE, taking $11.5 million from 4,027 theatres for Elevation Pictures/Paramount Pictures. It totals $38.6 million over two weekends.

Third goes to SAW X with $8.6 million from 3,262 theatres for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures, a tally of $33 million weekend over two weekends.

In fourth we’ve got THE CREATOR with $5.3 million from 3,680 theatres for 20th Century Studios, bringing its run to $24.1 million in its second weekend.

THE NUN 2 caps things off with $2.6 million, a total $81 million for Warner Bros. in North America.

Renowned as one of the world’s most powerful Sports Agents, Rich Paul is in Toronto to promote his upcoming Memoir, “LUCKY ME“. Paul has repped greats including the likes of LeBron James, Fred VanVleet, Anthony Davis, Zachary LaVine, Odell Beckham Jr. and more. He actually knows Toronto quite well having owned a property near the Harbourfront. The Memoir is being published under Jay-Z’s literary imprint ROC LIT 101. Above this, he is the partner of one of our favourites of all time, Adele.

Paul launched his Book tonight, an invite-only affair at Holt Renfrew on Bloor, presented by Uninterruped Canada. The event was moderated by Actor/Filmmaker Vinay Virmani who also is the CEO and Head of Content at Uninterrupted Canada. Paul reflected on his humble beginnings in Cleveland where he sharpened his business skills working at his family’s convenience shop, to building relationships and trust with some of the greatest athletes of our time, to eventually building his own empire with his Klutch Sports Group which represents a roster of top atheletes in the NFL and NBA.

He revealed that this secret to his success was not to celebrate his victories, stay humble and to keep moving, a recipe which has kept him going all these years, already being a multi-hyphenate mogul at age 41. He appears this weekend on 60 Minutes.

LUCKY ME arrives October 10, 2023.

See a Reel of highlights from the event:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Iconic Filmmaker John Woo returns with SILENT NIGHT, coming to theatres December 1, 2023 via VVS Films.

Synopsis:

From legendary director John Woo and the producer of John Wick comes this gritty revenge tale of a tormented father (Joel Kinnaman) who witnesses his young son die when caught in a gang’s crossfire on Christmas Eve. While recovering from a wound that costs him his voice, he makes vengeance his life’s mission and embarks on a punishing training regimen in order to avenge his son’s death. Full of Woo’s signature style, Silent Night redefines the action genre with visceral, thrill-a-minute storytelling.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

Varda, TIFF’s new café-bar and lounge, officially opens Friday, October 6 at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Designed as a welcoming and inspiring space to gather, TIFF is inviting people from all over the GTA to join the opening-day celebrations from 5pm to 7pm; sample Varda’s snack menu, prepared by Toronto-Chef Trevor Lui; and toast the French director Agnès Varda, who inspired the space and concept.

“In re-imagining this third floor space, we looked to the visionary Agnès Varda for inspiration ― her spirit of creativity and exploration informed not just the look and feel of the space, but the atmosphere and energy that a space like this could provide,” said Cameron Bailey, TIFF CEO. “Just as Varda’s films captured the essence of life and humanity, our café aspires to create a space where people can come together, share stories, and forge meaningful connections.”

A destination for delicious drinks, a place to stop by and meet with friends, and a hotspot to take in the bright lights of King Street, Varda is open Wednesday to Friday, 9am–10pm and Saturday to Sunday, 11am–10pm, with special cinq à sept offerings throughout October in homage to Varda’s beloved classic film, Cléo de 5 à 7. During opening weekend, audiences can catch special screenings of this film, as well as Jane B. par Agnès V. and a performance by pianist Jennifer Lo.

Varda’s seasonal snack menu, designed by Chef Lui, features small bites from guacamame dip (a blend of pulsed edamame and avocado dip) with wonton chips to Chinese charcuterie. For drinks, an assortment of the late director’s favourite teas from Genuine Tea and coffee from local roaster De Mello will be on offer. The spirits menu features signature cocktails like the French 75 and the Rosalie Royale, named after Varda’s daughter Rosalie, which is punctuated by crème-de-cassis, sparkling wine, Angostura bitters, and floral bitter. In the mornings, a rotation of decadent and buttery French pastries from De Mello.

Varda is one part of a full-scale transformation of TIFF’s third-floor renovation. Designed by Toronto-based creative studio DesignAgency, the sprawling corridor and its adjacent spaces are highlighted by new seating areas throughout, creating the star of the transformed third floor. An elegant marble and cork bar, topped by a polished brass gantry, draws guests into the lounge and sets a glamorous mood. Intimate seating, acoustic wall panelling, and layers of plush textures ensure a quietly luxurious experience.

Varda Opening-Weekend Programme at TIFF Bell Lightbox

October 6, 5–7pm: Complimentary celebration ― open to all, featuring a performance by pianist Jennifer Lo.

October 7, 4pm: Cléo de 5 à 7, Varda’s second and arguably her most well-known feature is the only work by a woman filmmaker recognized as part of the nouvelle vague canon. Following Cléo (Corinne Marchand), a coquettish cabaret singer, as she wanders the streets of Paris while awaiting the possibly dire results of a medical test, Varda traces the inner growth of her female flâneuse from constructed feminine ideal to more fully realized person over the course of an eventful afternoon. Ticketed event. Free to Members.

October 8, 3:45pm: Jane B. par Agnès V.,a portrait of the iconic actress, singer, model Jane Birkin as “an imaginary biopic,” is a barrelling succession of fantastical scenarios and roles that sprang from the minds and musings of both the director and her subject. A playful exploration of the magical inner lives of both women, which makes bedfellows of fact and fantasy as it ruminates on the nature of performance with a candour of spirit (if not situation) that transfixes and enchants. Ticketed event. Free to Members.

October also marks the introduction of Member Tuesdays at TIFF Bell Lightbox, which offers exclusive access to Varda for Members from 5–10pm complementing a full slate of programming curated with Members in mind. This includes 5 à 7 drink special year-round, the return of Secret Movie Club, Member-exclusive events, additional free Cinematheque screenings, and more to be announced.

Today, Apple TV+ unveiled the first images from its upcoming World War II drama, “Masters of the Air,” and announced that the nine-episode limited series will make its global debut on Friday, January 26, 2024. Reuniting the award-winning team of Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman who also produced “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” “Masters of the Air” is an action-packed drama that follows the true story of an American bomber group in World War II. The series will premiere on Apple TV+ with two episodes, followed by one new episode every Friday through March 15, 2024.

The series is executive produced by Spielberg, Hanks, and Goetzman, and features a stellar cast led by Academy Award-nominee Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Nate Mann, Rafferty Law, Academy Award-nominee Barry Keoghan, Josiah Cross, Branden Cook, and Ncuti Gatwa

“’Masters of the Air’ is a salute to the brave men of the 8th Air Force, who, through their courage and brotherhood, helped defeat Nazi Germany in World War II,” said executive producer Gary Goetzman. “Tom and Steven have always wanted to visualize cinematically what our author Don Miller has called, this ‘singular event in the history of warfare.’ We’re thrilled that Apple TV+ has given us the opportunity to combine the efforts of so many talented people, on-screen and behind the camera, to tell this important story.”

Based on Donald L. Miller’s book of the same name, and scripted by John Orloff, “Masters of the Air” follows the men of the 100th Bomb Group (the “Bloody Hundredth”) as they conduct perilous bombing raids over Nazi Germany and grapple with the frigid conditions, lack of oxygen, and sheer terror of combat conducted at 25,000 feet in the air. Portraying the psychological and emotional price paid by these young men as they helped destroy the horror of Hitler’s Third Reich, is at the heart of “Masters of the Air.” Some were shot down and captured; some were wounded or killed. And some were lucky enough to make it home. Regardless of individual fate, a toll was exacted on them all.

Ranging in location from the bucolic fields and villages of southeast England, to the harsh deprivations of a German Prisoner of War Camp, and depicting a unique and crucial time in world history, “Masters of the Air” is enormous in both scale and scope, and a genuine cinematic achievement.

Hailing from Apple Studios, “Masters of the Air” is executive produced by Spielberg through Amblin Television, and Hanks and Goetzman for Playtone. Amblin Television’s Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey co-executive produce alongside Playtone’s Steven Shareshian. In addition to writing, Orloff co-executive produces. Graham Yost also serves as co-executive producer.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release THE HOLDOVERS in Toronto on November 3, 2023 and & in theatres nationwide on November 10, 2023. Today we get a new poster for this TIFF ’23 selection.

Director: Alexander Payne
Writer: David Hemingson
Producers: Mark Johnson p.g.a, Bill Block, David Hemingson
Executive Producers: Andrew Golov, Thom Zadra, Chris Stinson
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, introducing Dominic Sessa
Story: From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, THE HOLDOVERS follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually he forms an unlikely bond with one of them — a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic Sessa) — and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)