Artists may be long on creativity but what they’re most often short on is cash to realize their ideas. Where the painter needs canvas, brushes, and paints to bring his imagination to life the filmmaker may require equipment, facilities, hardware, software, and more importantly the cooperation of other…people. A film may be the realization of one person’s vision but it is utlimately the result of an ensemble effort to collectively make that vision a reality. Given this principal it is only fitting that the prominent issue of how to fund films would be the first workshop offered at MIFF this year.

Paco Alvarez (Forward Motion Entertainment) and Matt Campagna (MIFF Founder and filmmaker) hosted a candid workshop titled “MONEY FOR MOVIES” this afternoon that proved to be helpful and informational. The workshop was an overview of how to fund films between the ten thousand and one million dollar budget range. Alvarez was honest and to the point about the film business giving sound and solid advice to novice filmmakers and perhaps enlightening the perspective of some more experienced producers in the group. He covered everything from funding, tax credits, and the reality of the film business being a business. The information he provided allowed everyone present to fully comprehend the process of selling and funding films and the realities of success and failure within those paradigms.

Matt Campagna was a great asset to the workshop as he gave an insight into how it is an indie filmmaker can use the information provided with regards to the various governmental and private avenues of funding. This was very helpful and encouraging as the harsh realities of the business were revealed whilst mitigated by the live example of someone who has used the same information presented to work through the industry, sell a film, and get funding for a future projects. What was most impressive was that for every question about hypothetical situations there was always a real life and relevant answer accessible to the audience via Matt Campagna.

In an industry where answers are hard (if not impossible) to find these two gentlemen held nothing back from the audience of attentive listeners and avid participants. I only hope everyone took as many notes as I did because whether you are a writer, director, producer, or actor there was a lot of information given today that will prove to save valuable time in an industry where time is money.

Mississauga Independent Film Festival just keeps raising the bar year after year. The 2010 line up for shorts and features can be found at www.miff.ca and will prove to have something in it for just about anyone regardless of movie going preferences or taste. There are comedies, dramas, love stories, fantastical animations, heart warming documentaries, and much more. The MIFF team have done it again by managing to prove that the independent spirit is alive and well at this festival.

In true MIFF fashion there aren’t just films but also workshops featuring vital information for both new and working filmmakers. This year’s workshops are titled “Money for Movies” and “Big Time Sound”; they address two of the biggest problems indie filmmakers have: first being, how to pay for all of their creative ideas, and the second, how to make what looks great sound just as amazing and professional (which is a lot harder than you think).

After a few long hard days at the cinema everyone can enjoy the after party and award presentation that will be held Sunday night at West 50 Pourhouse. You can expect some really amazing interviews this year along with some great reviews as the films and their makers prove to be especially extraordinary. I’m having a great time so far and can’t wait to post all the videos and reviews for all of you to see.

Every once and a while a message from a complete stranger on myspace can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.  There I was minding my own business checking my inbox and I see this friend request telling me to check out some comedy so what the hell…I did!  Not only did I watch the first video I found by Danny Craparotta a.k.a Shortstack but I watched all 60 of his hilarious videos. Not only is he funny but ShortStack can cut some serious rug and is pretty sweet on the eyes too; not that I was looking but after watching all those videos you can’t help but notice the cuteness (I promise I only watched the shirtless stuff a couple of times for "research" purposes). This Toronto native is super talented, knows how to shake it to a beat, has a positive outlook on life, is a provincial soccer player, an artist on the indie label L.O.D….and did I mention he served four years in the Canadian Army?  The question remains: WHEN DOES THIS MAN SLEEP????  So far this Canadian Cutie has reached more than 6,000 subscribers on YouTube and has become a YouTube Partner which I believe is just the beginning for Shortstack.   I’ve included some links at the end of the interview so you can all become Shortstack junkies, but, for now you can get a quick fix of this Canadian Cutie right here.

Q1. What do you miss most about home when you’re away? My family, my bed and Canadian beer.

Q2. Finish this sentence "You know you’re a Canadian when…?" You call -5 a nice day.

Q3. Favourite Canadian city? Ottawa and Montreal.

Q4. Favourite sight, historical monument, or really cool Canadian Cultural Institution?  Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Q5. Favourite Canadian long weekend? Too easy, May long weekend.

Q6. Favourite Canadian getaway/hideaway? The mountains in Alberta! Jasper.

Q7. It’s Hockey Night in Canada where can you be found and what are you doing? Beer, Beer and more beer and chilling with friends.

Q8. Favourite Sports Team (dun-dun-dun)? Chicago Blackhawks born and raised.

Q9. Camping or Cottage and why? Camping! I like to rough it.

Q10. Canada is full of wonderful wildlife if you could be any of them which one would you be? The Bald Eagle, greatest animal on earth.

Q11. Name your poison! Favourite Canadian beverage? Molson Canadian!

Q12. Favourite Canadian band, recording artist, musician, DJ or other noise-maker? ip hop emcee: iLLvibe and band: Billy Talent.

Q13. Lastly, WHO is your Canadian Crush and why? Ever since I was a Kid…Pamela Anderson! because she is hot and cares about animals.

Q14. BONUS QUESTION!!!! Which Canadian Cutie would you like to tag for this questionnaire? iLLvibe (http://youtube.com/illvibeishiphop)

To learn more about Danny a.k.a. Shortstack check out his YouTube (click for webination) and his website (click for webination) Don’t forget to subscribe to this Canadian Cutie’s videos and support his comedy…after all he served and protected us in the army…it’s the least we can do!  My new favourite comedian and hopefully yours too!

© all photographs and related media provided by Danny Craparotta and are the property of their respective holders. This work may not be transmitted via the Internet, or reproduced in any other way, without written consent from AnnieGMovies

ZZ Top said it best "every girl is crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man" and not only is Ian Somerhalder one of the finest dressed men in show business (with that James Deanesque quality to him) but he’s also an absolute sweet heart to just about everyone…even the paparazzi.  This Louisiana native never seems to lose his cool and always seems to find the most delightful things to say when put on the spot.  Whether it be cool calculation or some kind of whimsical goodness this guy’s grin will make just about anybody smile even if they don’t want to.  It’s as though the best of Cary Grant, Paul Newman, John Wayne, Gregory Peck, James Dean, and Clark Gable have some how been channelled and the 21st century result is Ian Somerhalder.  He’s got a sense of grace about him, a pinch of danger, an element of enigma, and just enough sweet southern charm to make even the most frigid of hags blush.  Lost in the world of YouTube I stumbled upon some fan clips of him being oh so sweet and I was adamant on finding one of him being a jerk but alas no cigar.  I’m usually proven right in my cynical and most jaded ways but clip after clip I couldn’t have been happier to be wrong.  Check out these clips of Ian Somerhalder I’ve included below and tell me you don’t swoon and feel all girly inside despite your best efforts to be miserable (like me).  Damn you Somerhalder!  Damn you, your soft spoken elegance, and dreamy eyed ways!

	SHARP DRESSED MAN ZZ TOP

Q1. What do you miss most about home when you’re away? A1. The opportunity to wake up beside my wife

Q2. Finish this sentence "You know you’re a Canadian when…?" A2. You say sorry when someone else bumps into you, I do that all the time…haha

Q3. Favourite Canadian city? A3. My hometown of Langley BC!!!!

Q4. Favourite sight, historical monument, or really cool Canadian Cultural Institution? A4. Favourite site is the surrounding mountains near Vancouver! They are majestic and powerful yet protective and elegant and its like having massive arms always holding us as a city.

Q5. Favourite Canadian long weekend? A5. Any long weekend that I actually can relax but has to be sunny!

Q6. Favourite Canadian getaway/hideaway? A6. There’s a secret little lace called “The Bouchards” and no one knows about it….That’s definitely a favourite Canadian hideaway!!!

Q7. It’s Hockey Night in Canada where can you be found and what are you doing? A7. You can find me at the pub honouring the greatest Canuck ever – Toni Tanti! I am usually doing that with our drummer Dave. Dave is the die-hard Canuck Fan and one of the best fans they have

Q8. Favourite Sports Team (dun-dun-dun)? A8. I am gonna say the Zero skateboarding team

Q9. Camping or Cottage and why? A9. I am going to say BOTH! I love everything about the outdoors and the healing it brings but I also love the healing that a cottage brings as well. The fact that on a rainy weekend you can escape to a cottage with the warm fire, my wife and puppy, a glass of nice scotch or tea (depending on if its past 10am lol), lay back and relax…man that’s heaven! I think there’s room for both and I am going to have my cake and eat it too…..I just don’t like sweets

Q10. Canada is full of wonderful wildlife if you could be any of them which one would you be? A10. That’s easy – a majestic Bald Eagle!

Q11. Name your poison! Favourite Canadian beverage? A11. Non alcoholic my fave is easy – PG Tips tea. When it comes to Alcohol that’s hard, I love so many but would have to say that without a doubt I love a great BOTTLE of Naked Grape Merlot wine!

Q12. Favourite Canadian band, recording artist, musician, DJ or other noise-maker? A12. Man that’s hard, Canada is filled with amazing artists and I have such respect for all of them. I am going to say….Neil Young!!!

Q13. Lastly, WHO is your Canadian Crush and why? A13. Man there’s this absolutely angelic woman who is so f**king gorgeous it kills me. She is everything I have ever dreamed about – quiet, artistic, strong, yet soft, inspiring and she makes me crazy and she doesn’t even know it. Every time I am near her or see her, my heart feels like its pounding out of my chest. I know I’m alive cause of her.

Q14. BONUS QUESTION!!!! Which Canadian Cutie would you like to tag for this questionnaire? A14. I have no idea? How about someone who likes to play tag? lol

To learn more about YUCAcheck out these awesome links! ww.yuca.ca , www.myspace.com/yucamusic

© all photographs and related media provided by YUCA and are the property of their respective holders. This work may not be transmitted via the Internet, or reproduced in any other way, without written consent from AnnieGMovies

It’s been a rough first quarter I’d say if I had to say which I wouldn’t but if I had to I would just to be clear on that. It’s not that I’m complaining for the sake or simply for some good reason; it’s just sometimes a girl’s got to get it out there in the open. There’s a little something for the begotten world of twitter; post that on your tweets and thank me. All women have mastered the art of profession with out actually having to say anything while creating the illusion of having expressed something profound. Why the change in tone? You can lay blame to my latest writing endeavours that may actually see the light of day some time soon for better or worse I believe.

I would not begin with false confessions if not to finally confess wholeheartedly something unbeknownst or perhaps just not expected. I am, for the lack of a better/ less honest description, a Vampire Diaries geek. This telenovela of blood, lust, and cheeky turns of phrase has kept me treading water these last few months. Oh yes my pretties, the melange of period flashbacks supported by the ultra quaint town setting of Mystic Falls are significantly lifting my spirits as is that killer pad the Salvatore brothers live in. It’s just so decadent looking and rich and relic like in motif and mood; perhaps I could spend a weekend there to seal the deal for my novel…I wonder if the good folks at the CW would let me. Perhaps, if I don’t tell them exactly what I’m writing they might consider-but that’s highly unlikely. Oh the daydreams of futile impossibility: so girly of me.

I’m even willing to forgive the Anglo-bastardization of their surname despite how much it pains the Italian blood racing through my veins. But everything else about these characters is A-Okay in my books. A-Okay, another turn of phrase due for a come back and dog gone it that just might happen when the internet finally implodes. Yes, Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stephen ( Paul Wesley ), the Salvatore brother vampire duo constantly at odds, almost a Cain and Abel like story only they’re both the bad guys. It’s like the difference between bad and terrible catch my drift? Ian Somerhalder who plays Damon (the devilish delight) is an actor who after many years is finally getting his due in the mainstream. I personally love his portrayal of Damon as it isn’t a one off rendition of the bad man but a more complex, intricate, layered performance that reveals the multi-dimensional essence of this tortured soul as he wreaks havoc where ever he seems to lay foot. I often admire an actor who truly understands how to use his face and the astounding effect the choice to let the muscles in the face speak can have. I’m sure that reads ridiculous but there’s something to it I promise: the next time you watch pay close attention to each look, gaze, grin, and smirk and you will find no two are alike. That’s good craftsmanship and Ian Somerhalder should be saluted for it, but, not in a military like fashion because that’s just kinky and we haven’t met…not that if we had it would make it all right–just saying!  I’d love to sit here and talk about how great Nina Dobrev is in the show but my heart’s just not in that place as I watch it not for Elena/Catherine but for the male characters…all of them…except Uncle John, that jerk.  Nonetheless, sending Nina a big hug for representing Canada in the best way as she takes prime time by storm. (Sending her a Canadian Cutie Questionnaire…let’s see if she fills it out!)

The penultimate episode has me perturbed as the witch hath deceived her  lot of trusted companions. As if that comes as a shocker-not like people with telekinetic abilities are to be trusted by the passer by let alone the walking dead. Tres excited to see the season finale as it is the summation of this amazing cast and crew’s blood, sweat, and tears (no pun intended). I must also say I’m sad to see it over as I’ve become quite accustomed to my Thursday evening distraction that makes things in general seem not so bad in comparison. After all, even vampires able to beat sunlight who live forever with exceptional powers seem to have problems. Perhaps, I shouldn’t knock it so much and just resolve to watching reruns whenever the good fight gets me down. So ends my geeky confession, over and out.

Mimi was an on and off again smoker with a panache for latte macchiatos drizzled with caramel and dark chocolate shavings. She drank her macchiato with a purpose and distinction that can only be described as belonging to another time and place. Between sips and drags she would pay closer attention to the pages from a book that was also from another time and place. She didn’t quite fit in with the rest of the patio crowd fixated on their crack berries, me-phones, and selfish music listening devices. She would look up every now and again to watch the people passing by and catch a glimpse of others who looked down while in lonely groups and began to wonder if it was she or they who sat alone. Mimi listened to the tail end of Romeo and Juliet as it echoed from the patio speaker system and was overcome by a sudden chill that grasped her while Romeo whispered "You and me babe, how about it?" She couldn’t quite shake the feeling and couldn’t quite reason why either which made it all the more chilling. Not even her trusty macchiato could warm her in that moment so she resolved to light another cigarette but hadn’t realized her matches had all run out. Life is funny that way. Whenever we wish to banish a feeling that doesn’t quite sit well we find it to be prolonged by our own feeble humanity comprised of not enough of what you need when you need it. Rummaging through her purse in search of man’s most prize invention another ironic turn of events would manifest in a young man who also didn’t quite belong there in the sea of technological non communicators. His name was Coco.

Coco wasn’t exactly tall but wasn’t short either. He wasn’t particularly attractive or uniquely charming but he was quick to light up a smoke and had a way of smiling that disarmed with its ingenuity. Smiles are like hugs in that way because you can always tell which ones are meant wholeheartedly and which ones are courtesy. Mimi hadn’t noticed his Zippo lit before her as he made sure not to stand too close as people today don’t take too well to the invasion of "personal space". He grew anxious and soon realized that not everything that worked for Bogart was working in the contemporary context and thus decided to go with a more updated approach.

"Need a light?" He said softly which prompted her to look up.

"Definitely." She answered with gratitude and glee before inhaling. "I didn’t think they made those anymore." She remarked as she exhaled indicating she was commenting on the Zippo.

"Used to be my Dad’s he gave it to me before he died." Coco said while putting the Zippo on the table. He hadn’t realized he’d just shared information that wasn’t the average run of the mill icebreaker. But in reality there was no need to break the ice; after all, that’s what the cigarette was for.

"Sorry to hear that." Said Mimi as she watched Coco sit down as though he’d been invited. In many cases she might have said something but how do you tell a guy who just confessed his father’s death that you really don’t feel like company?

"Did you know him?" He asked sincerely.

"No…" She answered caught off guard.

"Then why are you sorry?" He said smiling. Mimi was suddenly confused and taken aback with the break in traditional conversation. There was a rhythm to this sort of thing that helped people get through talking with out really having to say anything. The handy euphemisms and idioms that are so engrained in our daily lives came to a halt with two simple questions: one of which seemed sincere and the latter which actually was sincere. It was in that moment that Mimi decided she liked this young swashbuckling wordsmith and that compelled her to giggle.

"I guess you’re right." She remarked lightly and offered him a cigarette which he took with appreciative gratitude. In another time sharing tobacco would be seen as good manners but in the heath conscious world of fluoride ridden water and mercury infested fish it no long seems the case.

"They play pretty good music at this place." Noted Coco as he exhaled.

"It’s a nice mix of old and new." Replied Mimi without really considering what she’d said. She often just spoke without considering if anyone would understand what she meant and assumed people inherently knew or would figure it out.

"I don’t like the word nice. Just the sound of it, n-i-c-e, gives me the creeps. It’s one of those polite things people say. Not you just people." He answered while hailing down the waitress.

"What did nice ever do to you?" She asked amused.

"Nothing, that’s the point." He retorted.

"So you just go around hating words for no good reason?" She pried.

"It’s an indifferent word. It’s not proactive it just sits there and does nothing. If someone calls you nice they aren’t really saying anything. You’re better off being called a bastard or a jerk because that actually says something about you. Who wants to be known as a nice guy; after all nice guys finish last." He said half smiling as the waitress walked over. "I’ll have a Canadian and get her another one of what ever she’s having." He commanded gently to the waitress who nodded and went along her merry way.

"So how do you like to be referred to?" She asked with out thinking how far down the rabbit hole this question might take her.

"I don’t like to be referred to. I don’t like people talking behind my back." He said with a straight face and sincere disposition. Mimi broke out laughing uncontrollably and at first he was surprised and confused but her laugh was contagious and he couldn’t help but join in. "What’s so funny?"

"This isn’t exactly your run of the mill first time conversation."

"Who wants to be run of the mill?" He asked.

"I’m just saying it isn’t exactly the way it goes." She paused for a moment. "It’s just not how people…"

"Get to know each other?" He added noticing her reluctance to say the words.

"Exactly…you haven’t even introduced yourself." Mimi noted as the waitress returned with a latte macchiato in one hand and a Canadian in the other. She put them down and smiled as she was called to by another table.

"I’m Coco." He said and took a sip which seemed to be more of a gulp of his bottled beer he seemed to enjoy more as it hit is stomach than as it graced his taste buds.

"I’m Mimi, nice to meet you." She put out her hand which he looked at strangely and took into his and turned over flat and kissed it gently with his beer moistened lips. This was a cross between chivalry and chauvinism that some how managed not to offend despite its disingenuous nature. Coco was interesting to say the very least or at least interesting in the least.

"Now we’ve met." He sips on his beer. "So tell me something."

"Tell you what?"

"Something, anything, tell me about you." He asked wholeheartedly.

Mimi didn’t quite know what to make of that. It’s one of those questions that we all want to be asked but when we are asked we don’t quite know how to respond. Everyone goes through life wanting to be known as they suffer the alienation of life’s inconsistencies and when the opportune moment presents itself we wind up looking like a deer caught in the headlights-unable to respond adequately to the inevitable collision of metal and flesh. As a result we respond poorly and wish we could have another go knowing all the while we would do no better given ample time for preparation.

"I’m leaving for the east coast tomorrow." She cringed at the sound of her own voice and with good reason. Who tells someone whom they’ve just met that they are leaving when said person asks them about themselves? She realized it was futile and perhaps hoped the conversation would fade and he would finish his beer and cordially mention a prior appointment or engagement of sorts. Women are silly that way; as soon as they find someone willing to listen they kindly show them the door.

"When do you get back?" He asked paying absolutely no real attention to the fact she mentioned she would be leaving.

"For a couple of weeks or however long it takes." She replied.

"How long it takes for what?" Asked Coco looking at her as she looked away
overwhelmed for some unexplained reason.

"To finish my Thesis. I’m supposed to finish it and I’ve been putting it off. I figured if I was away for a while I’d get more work done. Stupid, I know." She remarked.

"Makes sense. What’s your thesis about?" He inquired.

"It’s about the…well…it’s supposed to be about how integrated technologies enhance communication but it’s turned into 50 pages of what looks like an anti-technology manifesto of sorts. I don’t know how it happened and I have to fix it if I’m going to graduate." She lamented as though the pages of fate had already been written. Mimi turned to her latte macchiato for comfort.

"Seems stupid to go to all that trouble to change it now." He realized that perhaps stupid wasn’t the right word and quickly remedied the matter. "I mean, if you believed in it enough to get to page 50 why not go the distance right?"

"Try explaining that to my thesis supervisor." She said pulling out another cigarette and picked up his Zippo that lay conveniently at the centre point between them on the table. She lit her cigarette and continued speaking upon her exhale. "It’s not that easy to turn up at the end of a few months with something that’s totally different than what you got approved and expect it to be well received."

"Depends." Coco said one word. Wasn’t exactly an adequate response nor was it an inadequate one. He took a cigarette from her pack that also lay at the centre point between them and lit it up. The smoke seemed to fill the awkward moments well and served far more purposes than could be explained. Even real life people need props when performing on life’s stage no matter how ridiculous that may seem to the onlooker or passer by.

By the grace of some unseen force or perhaps by chance the waitress walked over to check if everything was all right. Suddenly Mimi decided that it was time for the bill. And so she asked for it but the waitress remarked that it was already taken care of by the gentleman at the table. This bit of information perturbed Mimi as she wasn’t prepared to accept this generosity on the part of a stranger. What did he want she thought? What did this mean she pondered? Why was he being so nice if he didn’t like the word nice? What was behind this act of charity or chivalry? More importantly, what kind of a man goes by the name Coco? And just as she was about to vocalize these grievances something unexpected occurred. Coco stood up, put his lighter in his pocket and picked up her book that lay there on the table and looked at her with serious conviction and spoke thesewords.

"You can buy me a sausage on a bun a we’ll call it even." He then looked over and gestured to her to get up and stood their waiting intently.

Was she really going to go have street meat lunch with this guy? The world could be a strange place but this much of out of the ordinary was too much even for Mimi. But, how out of the ordinary was it. Isn’t this how people used to meet? Isn’t this how it happens in the movies? Don’t all girls dream about chivalrous stranger who rescues them from their lonesome despair? Why is it whenever the doors open we run the other way instead of walking through? Mimi had the same feeling she had at the end of the Dire Straits song only this was her "how about it" in real time.

"I know a good stand about a block way." Mimi said picking up her bag and cigarettes. She led the way out of the sea of patio people looking down as she and Coco looked straight ahead. Into the city they would venture in search of street meat and who knows what else.

Who knows what else couldn’t be farther from the reality. The two walked to the corner where the promised vendor would be and alas he was not. They looked around and debated which way to go instead. Useless conversation that wasn’t going anywhere but got them to exactly where they needed to go as they crossed the street in search of the next vendor. One block turned into two then three and finally on the fourth they found themselves in front of a park dressing polish sausage with this and that and comparing their odd combinations and criticizing one another other for richness versus blandness. Such is the wonder of strange company as one is liberated by the prospect of not having strings to the past and the possibility of having none to the future. Perhaps, the only people to truly know us in life are strangers as they get a glimpse of our truth and never have to see the entirety of our lies. Mimi wondered about the moment when the laughter and gaiety would subside and how dim it would be. She suddenly became sad and took a big bite of her blandly dressed sausage on a bun to distract herself from such thoughts.

Like a movie montage of when people fall in love so was their time on the park bench. One could cut between their smiles and gazes, their laughter and sighs, their accidental touches and their eventual close proximity as they looked out into nothing and talked as the sun set on the city as they didn’t seem to notice the day fading away. It could have been scored by Edith Piaf’s rendition of La Vie En Rose or perhaps some unknown indie band’s version of The Dire Straits Rome & Juliet; either way the music would have further illustrated all the intricate things that words could not for a song speaks that which words have not rhyme to say nor melody to intonate. Hundreds of prose could not resonate what a cinematic reference might while trying to capture the essence of their exchange. For knowing the details of what they may have said would only cheapen and lessen the beauty of talking for hours when getting to know a stranger who was now something more and perhaps even somewhat special. It is in the impressionist’s version of a day spent and not in the distinction of words written that the sweetness of falling in love can be expressed; for the details of love are trivial and benign and it is the grandeur of love’s essence that is divine.

The sun was gone and the stars began to shine. Mimi remembered the song and suddenly the shiver left her spine. Could it be that maybe, just maybe, this was what it was like to feel happy. To have someone ask "hey babe, how about it? and be able to answer yes because you need to instead of answering no because you want to. Just as the moon kissed the sky Mimi’s lips met with Coco’s and all was right in the world if only for a moment, until the next time they would kiss, and the time after that, and the time after that…