It’s been ten years since we’ve done a TIFF Panel with our industry friends and experts. What better way to ring-in what is being touted as a huge Festival this year, than with those who know best?
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of friends we’ve made over the years. In starting out back in 2009 without any other vision for our little Blogspot page other than sharing our love of Film, Stars and the Toronto International Film Festival, the biggest reward from all of this has been the friendships and partnerships we’ve built.
With the help of our friends in the Film Distribution community here in Canada, we’ve been able to grow, gaining access to the opportunities and content that enables us to build those connections with Readers and Followers, existing and new. How else would we know about upcoming titles and initiatives if it weren’t for well-executed Publicity and Promotion strategies? Those in Communications, Publicty and Promotions are an integral part of a title reaching its eventual audience. It’s not only about having a strong product. That’s only a part of it. It’s about creating that awareness and buzz so that the product gets seen and connected with audiences.
In the thick of those TIFF junkets, red carpets, press stops and star sightings are those in Communications, Publicity and Promotions, who orchestrate the execution behind the scenes. But what is it really like behind the scenes? And how do these talented, hardworking individuals behind the talent survive the madness that is the Toronto International Film Festival?
We’ve witnessed so many changes in the landscape of Film since we got our start in Blogging. And it is a continual evolution. We’ve been through a pandemic and navigated it, seen the emergence of streaming and even the migration of the Festival to a central hub in TIFF Bell Lightbox and Entertainment District. So many memories.
We survey our Insiders, who come into TIFF ’22 with a variety of experiences, backgrounds and tenures in the industry. We ask them about some of their most memorable TIFF experiences of the past, panic-inducing moments, what they’re working on at this year’s Festival and more.
We learn what it feels like to learn the star you’re working shows up to a premiere unexpectedly; what to do when you have scheduling challenges, or a star is already late for their next obligation but hasn’t even met with all the outlets and interviews you secured. Also, what does it feel like to be sandwiched in an elevator between Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman? Or how do you sneak Brad Pitt out of a building?
Read on of this sounds intriguing to you! I know you’re staying put!
Please tell us about yourself and your background in the industry.
Robyn: Robyn Mogil, 23 years in the Entertainment Industry and Partner and Co-founder of TARO PR & Communications. I started my career in production on movie sets, moved in house to manage the Publicity for Walt Disney Studios (eight years), moved onto Warner Bros. Pictures Canada (three years) in Publicity, and then co-founded TARO with Tamar Gibbert in 2013. Nine years later, with many staff and studio and independent clients, we are now one of the largest Entertainment Communications firms in Canada (with a focus on all Communications/Traditional Media, Personal, Publicity, Entertainment Recruiting, Digital, Social). We have executed hundreds of campaigns for leading Movies, Actors, Television, Streamers, Immersive experiences, Film Festivals. The list goes on.
Tamar: I’ve been connected to and working in film and television in some capacity on and off, for over 30 years. As a child actor, I spent a lot of time on film and television sets and was amazed by the undertaking of bringing a script to life. Years later, after an honours degree from the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western University, I began a career in corporate events, eventually moving into marketing and publicity. Robyn and I connected, clicked instantly and decided to collaborate on a freelance client through a film partnership opportunity. Nearly a decade later, and literally hundreds of film/television/events campaigns later, here we are, running one of the most successful entertainment focused communications agencies in the country.
What was your most memorable TIFF moment of all time?
Robyn: I personally love watching our team grow and have experiences of their own but I know this piece is about my actual TIFF experiences. There are so many after doing what I do for so long. Ones that stand out are working with such excellent talent in the industry (Ryan Reynolds, Claire Danes, Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee, John Goodman, Kenny Ortega, Hugh Jackman etc). Kenny Ortega taught all of us to dance at a dinner party. Also watching this small little film called Moonlight (which was a small little film during TIFF) go on to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
Tamar: There are SO many, but one stand out was The Sisters Brother premiere in 2018. The stars of the Film decided they didn’t want to wait for the barricade to open for us on King Street, so they decided to get out of the car and walk through it, the other ten cars worth of talent we had behind us followed suit and we all walked up to the red carpet of the theatre together on-foot. The street was packed with fans but they didn’t notice that we were walking up the street until we hit the door, the crowds went wild. It was certainly an unconventional arrival to the red carpet but it was certainly fun and definitely unforgettable!
Tell us about one of your ‘scariest’ behind-the-scenes TIFF moments ever.
Robyn: The general public sometimes gets wacky when they see people who are famous. What stands out is almost being run over by a car during one of our world premieres. Also a woman raising her baby in the air, and cars running by just to get close to an A-list actor. Fans trying to showing up in places where we never thought they would. The security is very tight to protect everyone involved.
Tamar: We were working with a very talented actor who was being a little bit more difficult. They did not want to do a press photo that was important for the Film. He had changed representation a few days prior to TIFF and we’d had the photo pre-approved by their Publicist. In the middle of a film party, we renegotiated the photo op with their new publicity team, but had to change locations on the fly. Within minutes, our mighty team had to move a backdrop, lighting and red carpet to the back entrance and grab two police officers to temporarily hold traffic so we could get them in and out as quickly and safely as possible. We got the photo!
What survival snacks or essentials do you carry with you?
Robyn: A wrapped boiled egg (protein, easy and quick), Lara Bars, my mobile phone with two chargers, Heili Rocks Jewellery to go from day to night, red lipstick to help the look of not being tired, Listerine dissolvable as there are a lot of conversations, and a photo of my hubby and children to keep me in line and in-check.
Tamar: Protein bars, gummy vitamins, eye drops, breath mints, mascara, lipgloss & cover-up, safety pins, Sharpies, phone charger!!!
Tell us about what you’re looking forward to most at TIFF ’22?
Robyn: Everything. Being back in person. Seeing all of our clients face to face (for those who travel from outside of Toronto, US and International), building the strategies, watching our whole team shine from months of work they have prepared for, the actual movies, the red carpets, press conferences, the parties. The whole experience and then watching some films go on to win awards. The big studios and independent films.
Tamar: We have a strong and talented team at TARO and watching the months of hard work and planning pay off ten-fold is always exhilarating as an agency owner.
Please tell us about yourself and your background in the industry.
Claire: I have been working in Film for over 15 years. I began my career at TIFF and The Kingston Canadian Film Festival and was later lucky enough to get an internship in film publicity at Odeon Films. I have been in the field ever since. I’ve always worked with Canadian Distributors because I love that side of the industry. I’ve had roles at Odeon Films, Alliance Films, eOne and now VVS Films where I’ve just accepted an expanded role of Head of Public Relations and Canadian Content Development.
What was your most memorable TIFF moment of all time?
Claire: I’ve been fortunate to work on some amazing World Premieres at TIFF. Every now and then a high-profile film arrives at TIFF and just a handful of key people have seen it, and are often sworn to secrecy. The energy that fills a theatre on the night of these premieres is something you never forget. It’s a perfect blend of excitement to see something ground-breaking with a hint of fear that it won’t live up to expectations. INSIDIOUS and I, TONYA are premieres I will never forget. When those films finished playing, the audiences went wild. You feel like you are a part of a major cinematic moment.
Tell us about one of your ‘scariest’ behind-the-scenes TIFF moments ever.
Claire: Publicists are juggling many films and talent at one time. Our brains can get a little foggy and sometimes self-doubt creeps in!
One year I was at a red-carpet premiere at Princess of Wales and a car pulls up and out steps an actress I had in town…an actress who had a premiere at the Princess of Wales the NEXT DAY. She was in full glam, evening gown, the whole nine yards. When I saw her, my heart stopped thinking I had mixed up the dates on her schedule and sent her to the wrong premiere. She posed for photos on the carpet, and as she passed by me, said “so and so (the lead actor of the film playing that evening) invited me so I decided to come”. I think she could see the fear on my face.
Truly the scariest is what we Publicists can’t fully control (although we try!) – flight delays, traffic delays, Rotten Tomatoes ratings, and talent that won’t get out of bed.
What survival snacks or essentials do you carry with you?
Claire: Water and a cell phone charger are really all you need!
Tell us about what you’re looking forward to most at TIFF ’22?
Claire: Film wise, absolutely The Fabelmans. Steve Spielberg is the reason I love Film. I even named my son Elliott after the boy in E.T.
Mainly though, I am so excited to see my friends and colleagues back in their happy place. Us Publicists come to life during this time of year and I can’t wait to see everyone shine!
Please tell us about yourself and your background in the industry.
Kate: I have been working in Film since 2008, my first PR and Promotions job was at Walt Disney Canada and the first film I worked on was Spike Lee‘s Miracle at St Anna. After the first day, I was hooked. Since then, I worked at Alliance Films, eOne, Rock-It Promotions, and now work for amazing Canadian Distributor, Elevation Pictures.
What was your most memorable TIFF moment of all time?
Kate: One of the first talent whom I walked solo with, was the Director of THE KING’S SPEECH. The premiere was at Roy Thomson Hall and I remember clearly sitting in the front of the SUV and rounding the corner to the massive crowd of fans and photographers. I helped his door open and assisted him with where to go and helped him navigate the carpet. It was great. It was amazing and unforgettable.
I would also say securing the one exclusive Canadian J.Lo interview with Etalk when Hustlers premiered here was epic as well.
Tell us about one of your ‘scariest’ behind-the-scenes TIFF moments ever.
Kate: When at Alliance Films, I was working a press day with Laila Rashwan (now at Touchwood PR) for the film Silver Linings Playbook. We were an hour behind and Bradley Cooper had to leave for his Place Beyond the Pines press day, and we had to come up with a quick solution – which ended up compiling all of the press for a mini press confernece. I ended up moderating and then realized how hard that is. It was both thrilling and scary a the same time!
What survival snacks or essentials do you carry with you?
Kate: Greenhouse Juice Co. juices are my go-to drinks when I am at TIFF. So many charcuterie boards during the Fest and it’s one way to get your veggies and fruit.
Tell us about what you’re looking forward to most at TIFF ’22?
Kate: First off, thrilled that TIFF is back in-person! We have 11 titles this Fest and really exicted to get back into it. Its always great to show our Canadian titles and this year Alice Darling, Brother, Black Ice, Bones of Crows, North of Normal and Something You Said Last Night are all Canadian features that will have their world premieres!
Please tell us about yourself and your background in the industry.
Jensen: I’m Jensen, a Creative & Digital Marketer working in the distribution game — this will be my 14th TIFF working in this industry. I’ve worked with several of the largest independent film companies in Canada including eOne Films, Mongrel Media, Vortex Media and Elevation Pictures. I started as a Graphic Designer at Maple Pictures (the former Canadian arm of Lionsgate).
What was your most memorable TIFF moment of all time?
Jensen: Working the red carpets in TIFF ’11 at Alliance Films and meeting George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, then unknown Oscar Issac and Olivia Wilde.
Tell us about one of your ‘scariest’ behind-the-scenes TIFF moments ever.
Jensen: Don’t know if I have a ‘scariest’ behind-the-scenes TIFF moment, but I had a panic attack trying to get rapid tests booked at any pharmacy last year during the Festival, when it was a requirement.
What survival snacks or essentials do you carry with you?
Jensen: Protein bars, especially running to and from back-to-back screenings
Tell us about what you’re looking forward to most at TIFF ’22? And yes, feel free to plug a title you’re working on if it’s possible at all.
Jensen: I’m really looking forward to the magic of a full in-person Festival after two years mostly apart. I feed off the energy of a full theatre. Films I’m most looking forward to (that have been announced): The Woman King, My Policeman, Brother and Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave.
Please tell us about yourself and your background in the industry.
Brianna: I’m the Director of Publicity at TARO PR & Communications, based in Toronto. I’ve been working in the Film and Television industry as a Publicist for the past seven years. For every step of a film’s journey, I have worked on the PR + Strategies- from production to festivals to theatrical releases to its Digital/DVD release! I’ve worked on some incredible award-winning films and TV series throughout the years, and my most rewarding moments have always been when I’m able to help use my talents to bring to light important stories and voices and shine a spotlight on them.
What was your most memorable TIFF moment of all time?
Brianna: Working with Julia Roberts was an absolute highlight of my career. She is one of the reasons I fell in love with movies in the first place. I spent the day with her a few years back while she was in town promoting her film Ben is Back with Kathryn Newton, who will soon be in the new Ant-Man movie. I was also working with Natalie Portman that year for Vox Lux and we happened to run into her in the hallway at the Intercontinental Hotel, waiting for the elevator. Next thing I know, I’m crammed on an elevator between Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Kathryn Newton and their security and agents. Kathryn and I looked at each other and you could tell we were both thinking – wow, this is insane!
Tell us about one of your ‘scariest’ behind-the-scenes TIFF moments ever.
Brianna: I was working with an actor who had a tuxedo malfunction the day of their film premiere. Long story short, we somehow managed to arrange for a brand new suit to be fitted for them and tailored in time for their premiere and managed to get a room at the Ritz for them to change minutes before their red carpet debut. It was a lot of running around, some calls in for favours and definitely some luck!
What survival snacks or essentials do you carry with you?
Brianna: Honestly, my best means of survival during TIFF is having amazing coworkers (see Robin and Tamar above) that make sure I eat and bring me snacks. I don’t know what I’d do without their thoughtfulness! (Actually I do, and the answer involves tears and hanger. It’s not pretty!) I am rarely found without my trusty black clipboard, a Sharpie and an extra phone battery.
Tell us about what you’re looking forward to most at TIFF ’22?
Brianna: We’re back, baby! So excited to see everyone in person and to step out from my Zoom screen. Looking forward to reconnecting with the Journalists and Film Critics, Actors and Directors, Publicists, TIFF staff, volunteers, fans. The city feels a little more magical during TIFF, and despite the stress and lack of sleep, I am always sad when it ends.
Please tell us about yourself and your background in the industry.
Stephen: I’m proud to say I’ve had many successes over the past two decades working in the Communications and Entertainment industries: from ground-breaking PR strategy creation and campaign execution, to managing large scale special events, to producing some of North America’s most highly acclaimed theatrical programs. I’ve built trust as an advisor to my clients, colleagues, and industry leaders.
I’ve played an integral role in rolling out top-notch campaigns for the likes Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Global, Paramount+ Streaming, Shoppers Drug Mart, Diesel Clothing, Dualstar (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen), The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Novotel Hotels, Atlific Hotels and Resorts and more. I’ve also managed special events for one of Canada’s major symphony orchestras, and performing arts and corporate events for Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. In terms of artists, I’ve worked closely with the likes of Tony Bennett, Cecilia Bartoli, Bryn Terfel, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Martha Stewart, Aretha Franklin, Lauren Bacall, Dame Julie Andrews, Erin Brockovich, Carol Burnett, Whoopi Goldberg and Rosemary Clooney. I served as the VP of Programming for the Unique Lives & Experiences Women’s Lecture Series, and co-produced Eve Ensler’s smash hits “The Vagina Monologues” and “The Good Body,” as well as “The Women in Comedy Series”.
Fun fact: I actually have a professional classical singing background (Bachelor of Music Performance, University of Western Ontario, Banff Centre for the Performing Arts and University of Toronto Opera School). I sometimes will bust out a tune or two for very special occasions!
What was your most memorable TIFF moment of all time?
Stephen: One of my earliest and most memorable moments – there have been SO many! I remember, when I was still working with Roy Thomson & Massey Hall and Seven Years in Tibet with Brad Pitt premiered at TIFF. We still had a relatively short red carpet compared to the massive stretches of red sea we now see. We had all expected that there would be a large turn out to catch a glimpse of Brad Pitt as he entered the premiere – but no one could have imagined the throng of fans that did show up! These were the days before Social Media! LOL The challenge became getting Brad in and out of the building in time for the stage party to appear prior to the screening and getting him out afterwards! Can’t reveal those security secrets though.
Helping plan the opening party for The Red Violin and closing party for ANTZ with ‘Party’ Barbara Hershenhorn in 1998 – invaluable learning experience for me – we are great friends all these years later.
Handling the TIFF PR for my client and now dear friend, Kreesha Turner, for King of the Dancehall with Nick Cannon in 2016 – a very fun Festival! Illeana Douglas in Grace of My Heart ,The Old Days – screening films at tech check RTH – then working all day, attending receptions, working both gala screenings and meeting friends and colleagues at after parties – then starting it all again the next morning! Not much sleep in those days!
Tell us about one of your ‘scariest’ behind-the-scenes TIFF moments ever.
Stephen: ‘Scary’ isn’t quite the word but there are always those moments where you hold your breath a little bit – whether it’s the arrival of a celebrity at a gala premiere red carpet when the clock is counting down or if someone asks a question that may be a tad awkward. During the party we planned for Diesel in 2004 at the corner of Avenue and Bloor, having the Church of the Redeemer doors open at just the perfect time and with ethereal, heavenly lighting streaming out to call party goers in from the height of their cocktailing to watch a moving performance from Angie Stone! The entire church rocked!!
What survival snacks or essentials do you carry with you?
Stephen: I always try to have a protein snack, granola bars in my bag for times when you just can’t take the time to grab a bite!
Tell us about what you’re looking forward to most at TIFF ’22?
Stephen: I’m looking forward to having all my Paramount+ colleagues and friends in town as we work on the premiere of Sanaa Lathan‘s On the Come Up for Paramount+ at TIFF ’22!
Please tell us about yourself and your background in the industry.
Angie & Ally: We’re Angie Power and Ally LaMere-Shedden are partners at Route 504 PR. Combined, we have over 30 years of experience in film publicity, ranging from on-set work to festival and through to distribution and theatrical releases.
What was your most memorable TIFF moment of all time?
Ally: I know the typical answer to this is some glitzy glamour moment, but I’m a huge scheduling nerd. My favourite TIFF moment was in 2019 when the stars aligned and our schedules came together perfectly. Angie and I were working on nine films that year – that’s nine premieres, nine afterparties, 18 press and industry screenings and nine press blocks. We had to figure out how to be in multiple places at once but the moment when we finalized our personal schedules and everything fit into the schedule perfectly was a moment I still drool over.
Tell us about one of your ‘scariest’ behind-the-scenes TIFF moments ever.
Ally: We had a Director, who shall remain nameless, show up to the festival with the Film in hand and no one had seen the Movie yet! We didn’t know what we were walking into at the premiere and I remember laughing with a colleague saying, “Well, let’s see how this goes! Could be great, could be terrible! Buckle up!”.
What survival snacks or essentials do you carry with you?
Angie & Ally: A small sewing kit, deodorant, a light powder for touchups, bandaids, a power bank with lightning and USB-C chargers and a black Sharpie.
Tell us about what you’re looking forward to most at TIFF ’22?
Angie & Ally: We’re working on so many great titles this year from THE YOUNG ARSONISTS, STELLAR, SOMETHING YOU SAID LAST NIGHT, THE SWEARING JAR and THE END OF SEX. But the moment we’re really looking forward to is looking at the finalized schedule the day before the Festival hits….and the Fantasia Karaoke Party, because it slaps!
The 2022 Toronto International Film Festival runs September 8-18, 2022. Check back daily as we bring you all the updates, reviews and sightings!
Don’t forget to tune-in to CP24 this weekend – both Saturday and Sunday (September 3-4) as we highlight the newest hotspots for TIFF this year, and also our most anticipated Films and Stars! This will be followed by an apperance on CP24 Breakfast next Friday (September 9) in the 8 o’clock hour! We also will be featured in The Toronto Sun this Sunday.
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