Jim Gianopulos Masterclass

On the final day of the festival, we attended the masterclass for Jim Gianopulos of Fox Entertainment. In addition, was the big premier of our favorite film festival representative Denae Mikelli! 

Werner Herzog

Director, script-writer, producer, and actor, Werner Herzog is one of the most important representatives of the New German Cinema. His career has spanned nearly half a century and his films have won over 30 international awards. Some of his most famous works include: Grizzly Man, Nosferatu, Fitzcarraldo, Aguirre, Wrath of God and Woyzeck.

Alexandre Desplat

I'm not a part of the Master Class department, but I decided to attend one that was about music composer, Alexandre Desplat. When I read the name in the program, I knew I had recognized it somewhere. While scrolling through my iPod, I realized that I had some music composed by him. His work for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" had mesmerized me since the day I first saw the movie, and getting the chance to meet the man responsible for that beautiful music was like a dream come true. In addition to "Benjamin Button," he has composed music for "Birth," "Girl with the Pearl Earring," "Twilight Saga: New Moon," "Fantastic Mr. Fox" and more. It was really interesting to hear what he had to say about movie music and how he becomes inspired. It was also very cool to meet an actual famous person. He showed a few clips of his movies with music playing in the background and it was all so beautiful. In addition to meeting him, he signed the back of our TIFF shirts. That was so nice of him! Overall, I am extremely glad I went to the Master Class.

Alexandre Desplat

Nominated for 2 Oscars for his music in the films The Queen and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Alexandre Desplat is also known for his compositions in the new Twilight movie, New Moon. In the masterclass, Desplat commentated on his inspiration for his work and how creating the right pieces for each movie is like cooking spaghetti till it "sticks to the wall," sometimes the songs work and sometimes you have to go back and try again.

Eugenio Caballero

Production designer and art director. He won an Oscar for the Art Direction of Pan's Labyrinth.