By Emma Langois
This year, I decided I wanted to get more involved in the entertainment industry to get a better idea of what a career in the field could look like. Something I wanted to do was be involved in the Toronto International Film Festival (or TIFF). There were a couple of reasons why I thought this would be a great fit. Firstly, I am a movie junkie. I pride myself on being someone who likes every genre of movie and will give anything a try. I have my preferences (Wes Anderson, Luca Guadagnino, and Quentin Tarantino), but I will give anything a try. Secondly, I love celebrities. I think it's freaking cool to meet someone that you’ve been watching on your television. Lastly, if I’m going to get a job in the entertainment industry, I have to start somewhere.
The Application
Applying for TIFF may be one of the easiest things ever. There were a couple questions about why you want to apply, previous experience etc. but nothing too complicated. Once accepted, you need to attend an orientation over the summer, where they give you information on what you will be doing and some of the company protocols. Along with the info session, you do a short interview with one of the TIFF workers. They use these interviews to place you in one of the many TIFF venues.
Some Pretty Epic Stories
I worked at the Elgin Theatre on the Red Carpet and saw celebrities walking around everywhere. Now seeing a celebrity is cool, but actually meeting them really makes a good story.
Kerry Washington
I met Kerry Washington on the red carpet for her upcoming movie American Son. I was working the carpet and pretty much had the role of keeping pedestrian off the carpet. Sadly, Kerry came late and didn’t have time to sign autographs. I was a little disappointed but was happy I got to see her at least (and photobomb one of her carpet pictures). Once the cast and patrons went into the theatre and the fans left the carpet, I had about an hour left of my shift. To my surprise, Kerry came back out to do more press with the industry people there. I knew it was my moment, so as she was walking by me I stopped her and introduced myself. She was so nice and gracious and it was a pleasure meeting her.
Shia Labeouf
Throughout the festival, I had one shift at Roy Thompson Hall. At the end of my shift, I went to go sign out with my supervisor and she asked if I wanted a free ticket to the film that was about to play, which was “Honey Boy” featuring Shia Labeouf and Lucas Hedges. I agreed and decided to see the film. After I got my ticket, I was asked to join the other volunteers who were going to see the film and I quickly got lost. While looking aimlessly for the other volunteers, I ended up running into an usher. She said if I didn’t rat her out she’d find me a seat with the cast. Obviously, I said yes. And that’s how me, Emma Langlois, sat next to Shia Labeouf, watching a movie on his life, written by him, and featuring him. When he laughed, I laughed. At the sad parts, I made it very clear I was sad. We made eye contact a couple of times. When he and the rest of the cast got up to go down to the stage for the Q&A I whispered, “Congrats! I loved the film,” and he said, “Thank you”.
And that was how I met Shia Labeouf.
Movie Recommendations
Jojo Rabbit
Honey Boy
Ford v Ferrari
Hustlers
Joker
Marriage Story
Uncut Gems
Knives Out
If you have any questions about the process or want to talk movies, please reach out.