Chatting with Brendan Gleeson

I can't say it enough: I love TIFF. The atmosphere, the crowds, the films, and also the celebs. Unlike other film festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival is a welcoming and open environment. here, stars aren't secluded from the asses. They watch not only their own films, but the films of colleagues, past co-stars and creative talent, encouraging and lending support to their fellow actors. At TIFF the stars sit among the general public, and from my previous festival experience, have for the most part been friendly, and genuinely happy to talk to fans, pose for photos, or sign a quick autograph.

At the Triage premiere at the Elgin Theatre, I had the pleasure of sitting directly in front of Perrier's Bounty star Brendan Gleeson and the film's director Ian Fitzbiggon. Having enjoyed the film the previous night, and being a fan of Gleeson in the Harry Potter franchise, In Bruges, and TIFF05's Breakfast on Pluto, I waited for a break in the film's introduction before the lights dimmed to turn around and congratulate Fitzgibbon and Gleeson on their delightful black comedy. The two accepted the praise, and seemed to whole-heartedly enjoy hearing my reaction. It's not every day Brendan Gleeson taps you on the hand and says, "Thanks so much. Aren't you a dear?!" A much smoother encounter than running into U2's Bono in 2005, and in a star-struck panic, took a picture of the ceiling instead of him.

This is only an example of how stars interact with audiences and fans at TIFF. I have had freinds tell tales of sharing cab rides with directors, programmers, and other stars. Or how directors and up-and-coming stars gladly sign DVDs and notebooks outside of screenings.

Fans wishing to interact with celebs, get a quick photo, or autogrpah should always remember to be polite. Taking pictures of or trying to talk to stars while filmmakers are introducing thier film, during a screening, or intruding on their personal time outside of festival events is not recommended. Use caution and judgement and above all, respect their wishes if they decline a photo or autograph.

For those without tickets to screenings, attending the red carpet events before film preimeres provide ample opportunity for getting a glimpse of your favourite star, taking a photo, or getting a handshake or autograph. These red carpet events usually occur before the first screening of a particular film at the Elgin theatre, Roy Thompson Hall, or the Ryerson theatre. Designated fan areas are set up outside of the red carpet where people may queue behind metal barricades. As well, after screenings, celebrities in attendance are often whisked out back doors by security into their waiting cars, and some may often stop for a few minutes to greet fans, however the red carpet is still the best opportunity of rinteraction.