TIFF prediction #1: Sweeney Todd

As you know, Tim Burton has often brought his films to the festival - we saw Corpse Bride in 2005 and you can see my silly pic with Johnny Depp on the homepage of haikugirl.com.

This year I predict TIFF will screen Tim's latest production Sweeney Todd reuniting Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter and I will be DYING to see it. Alan Rickman and Sacha Baron Cohen are also on board so there will be plenty of star power. I bet it will be at the VISA Screening room (or possibly GALA) but unfortunately now we will have to vie for tickets with the riffraff since we declined to buy the VISA series this year (as we have done for the past 3 years) because they jacked up the price from $185 to $325 for 8 movies!!! If it does end up at TIFF, it will definitely be one of my picks.

ABCs of Cancer Prevention & Star Lake Pilgrims

My dad kindly sends me links to interesting articles. This one from the Life Extension foundation highlights practical ways we can all reduce our cancer risk.

Also, on Bastille Day (July 14) my parents visited a friend's cottage at Star Lake in Manitoba for an afternoon BBQ. Here is a photo of all the party revellers. Everybody looks GREAT!

Ted Fisher Film School (TFFS)

Didn't sign up for last weekend's 48 hour film Toronto Film Challenge since I decided I would rather sit on a patio and drink beer. However, I am planning to do some shooting in the next 2 weeks so I thought I'd sign up for my summer course at the Ted Fisher Film School (TFFS). Thanks Ted for the amazing filmmaking tips and for laying them out so beautifully on your blog!

Now, this is a distance learning program with field work (i.e. you have to read Ted's blog Actualities then go out and apply your new learning). However, now that I've printed out and reviewed his key blog entries, I feel I am ready to plan, POINT, SHOOT and CUT (all with purpose, not prejudice, course).

A Few Notes on One-Person Documentary Production
Ted's Ten Ideas on Editing
Cutting (to the) Chase

Ted - do you issue certificates? ;-) Seriously, this is awesome, man. Way to go! And after such a busy weekend in New Hampshire too. YOU TOTALLY ROCK!!!

And visit Ted's Other blog for more photos and film links...

Ted Fisher's Film School
Follow Ted's tips to shoot and
cut your next great film!

Toronto is festival capital

Just read a review on blogTO about the Titanic Exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre. Sounds fascinating and I definitely plan to go - thank goodness it's on till January 2008 which gives me enough time to get up there. The summer has been frantic and we haven't even planned our vacation yet. Plus as a native Toronto blogger I think I need to get something posted on blogTO - n'est-ce pas?

According to the ReelheART festival, Toronto is festival capital and it's tough to get your film festival known. Maybe that's why I just found out about the Toronto Film Challenge Summer 2007 which is a 48-hour film challenge taking place in town next weekend. The filmmakers FAQ gives you an idea of the competition rules and it's all happening this weekend: July 13th to 15th. For 48 hours of madness, I'm willing to pay the $250 entry fee (for a Producer/Director credit, naturally) - so who wants to be on my team of 10??? Post your comments today - there isn't much time. Shout out to Tamara. Ted and Jan - can't you fly in? Call me - mmp/haikugirl

48 hours:
a crappy feature but a
great short film contest

10K on Canada Day!

I did all 4 of my speed laps at last Tuesday's tempo training - YAY! But more importantly, I have been sporting my ultra-cool HBC 10K Run for Canada AWESOME MEDAL (it weighs a ton and looks very professional) - Double YAY! Had a backyard BBQ to celebrate and it was a glorious day.

With my 10K run tomorrow I will have put in the requisite runs/miles for this week. Getting closer and closer to committing to the full marathon in DC on October 28th.

Tonight is an exciting reunion with some dear former co-workers - should be delightful. Tomorrow is another 10K run starting at 7am (tough after martinis on Friday night but we will manage...)