As a seasoned gamer hailing from the bustling city of London, I can wholeheartedly relate to Julia Stuart’s experiences in Toronto. The pirate noises during the piracy warning at cinemas, a quirky Toronto tradition, reminds me of the cheerful chants of “London’s Burning” that echo through the streets back home.
Julia Stuart, serving as the head of Sky Original Film, oversees a group that procures unique rights and initiates original full-length productions for both Sky Cinema’s streaming service and potential theatrical screenings.
Stuart along with their team has managed to secure some significant films for Sky, such as “Ferrari” directed by Michael Mann, the movie “May December” featuring Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, and “The Beekeeper” starring Jason Statham.
Presently, Sky’s 2025 lineup features the action thriller “Black Ops” starring Ashley Walters, the Irish romantic comedy “Blarney,” which Dan Mazer (known for “Borat” and “I Give It A Year”) will write and direct; “Romulus,” a sci-fi thriller with Lorcan Finnegan (“Vivarium”) set to direct, as well as a new rendition of Robert Harris’s popular novel “Fatherland,” with German director Dennis Gansel attached.
One of my unique Toronto experiences is: The pirate-like sounds people make during the piracy warning! At first, it caught me off guard, but now I eagerly anticipate it because I know it signals that I’m about to watch a film with an enthusiastic and captivated audience.
My “Canadians are so nice” moment is…
The initial time I visited Toronto, someone pushing a large cart filled with soda cans stumbled and sent them spilling onto the street. Everyone nearby rushed to assist in collecting them, turning the road into a sea of people. Such a simple act of kindness, gathered from many, left an impression on me. I doubt such a response would be as common in London.
The one place I have to visit when in Toronto is…
Oh, I just love going to the mall! However, it’s a bit frustrating that every time I buy something from Bath and Body Works, it seems to leak during my journey back home.
The place I avoid during the festival is…
Nowhere — I like the crowds and the buzzy vibe of downtown during TIFF.
My favorite Canadian director/talent is…
Mary Harron, renowned for her iconic adaptation of “American Psycho”, has also delved into darker genres in television productions such as “The Following”. It seems my taste leans towards the eerie or unsettling!
The most Canadian thing about Toronto is…
At the festival, both spectators and helpers exude warmth. This sentiment is often repeated because it’s true – the festival fosters a real sense of camaraderie, making one believe that everyone is there out of pure passion for cinema.
The one thing I won’t travel without (besides my phone) is…
Everything I need to make a solid cup of tea — I pack a kettle, tea bags, and my own mug.
Biggest star encounter in Toronto…
A pre-Barbie Margot Robbie at a buyers screening making time to talk to everyone.
Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds?
Gosling?
In Toronto you should always…
Bring some tissues along! There are plenty of heart-wrenching films that tend to make me fight back emotions during screenings, so you might find me discreetly dabbing my eyes at least once.
In Toronto you should never…
As a gamer, I step out the door unprepared for any weather, knowing full well that Mother Nature might throw all four seasons at me. To ensure my comfort throughout the day’s adventure, I always carry essential gear: comfy shoes, shades to shield my eyes from the sun, an umbrella as a barrier against unexpected showers, and a trusty raincoat to keep me dry when needed.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-09-08 21:24