Making Schedules, Ordering Tickets
Richard at TIFF Talk has updated his invaluable "How the Heck do I Fill Out the Order Form" post. Thanks, Richard.
I've compiled a long list of films I want to see but haven't yet begun studying the schedule. That's the one part of the process that I really enjoy doing with pen and paper and with the printed schedule in front of me. I've heard from several people who are incredibly disappointed by the new Visa Screening Room policy. A good number of high profile films simply aren't available to festival goers who purchased a ticket package -- not without steep additional cost, at least. Any other scheduling frustrations?
And the more important question: Has anyone received their Out-of-Town Package yet?
17 comments:
Not yet, but mine's on the truck for delivery in Pennsylvania, so it seems to have gotten through customs safely.
After two years in customs-induced limbo (hell seems a bit strong), my Out-of-Towner package arrived on time this morning. Ah, I love that smell. Darren, are you working today or taking the day off?
I'm at work and plan to stay until 5. We'll see how that goes, though. :)
Mr. FedEx just left. Now I have to figure out how to get some work done.
As usual, the FedEx guy was 90 minutes late, but fortunately I am also doing the online service again this year. However, my wife was going to drop it off to me at work on her way to a meeting, but she couldn't wait any longer. It will be a long 4 hours of work!
The only thing I found a little trying was getting films lined up back to back. Public screenings at the Cumberland and Varsity are really reduced this year and with the ROM gone you lose the close loop of theatres near each other.
I ended up with most films at the AMC or Scotiabank/Paramount. Usually a bunch at one theatre, a little break and a bunch at another.
Also, if you want to hear what the experience was like of the package/schedule/program pick up in Toronto - I posted a vlog about it.
Happy film selecting day!
The Visa Screening room policy seems like it is going to crash and burn this year. I don't know who in their right mind will pay $40 for a 11am screening of a movie, with very little chance of any director or cast in attendance.
I hope TIFF isn't going the way of the almight dollar, and doesn't forget about why it is so popular in the 1st place....it's the people's festival.
Darren, this might be one of the few instances where you enjoy flexing your press privilege. Last year, I was able to get into several gala events via the daily allotment of public passes made available the day before. Not a guarantee but a better chance.
Very few of the films I want to see are in the gala/Elgin bunch, so I'm not feeling the hit, but it really sucks for others.
I've just begun looking over the schedule, and I'm already seeing some advantages to having the pass. Without it, I'd probably have to miss the new Assayas. Looks like I will be making at least one more trip to the Cumberland.
I can't believe you guys wait for the book for your selections. I make most of my picks via the press releases (and this site). I just leafed through the schedule online yesterday and made my selections with the online tool last night. I love the net!
I'm surprised that pass holders aren't arranging a protest over the new ticket policy. Has anyone heard anything? I can live without going to the Elgin, but I'm shocked that TIFF hasn't scheduled a regular screening of some of the galas.
The films in question are of little consequence to me, but I think this is an incredibly shabby way to treat a loyal customer base. I particularly take issue with the fact we didn't know there would be off-limits films when we shelled out for our passes. My big concern, if there isn't some sort of public protest this year, is that TIFF may expand the practice next year.
Re: Grammargirl - TIFF states they do read all the feedback they receive regarding the festival. If you feel strongly about something I'd recommend you let them know!
Looks like FedEx has delivered the first wave of Out-of-Town packages at the box office. Does anyone know what box # they're currently on (so we'll have an idea where we fall in the lottery)?
Wednesday at 5pm they were at Box 10. Thursday lunchtime it was box 21.
I've no idea how the advance lottery works for the out of towners though :(
My pet peeve is the addition this year of "priority" ticketing for donors to the new Bell Lightbox project. Depending on how much you shell out, your envelope will be placed ahead of the regular peasants, er, passholders. I think this is doubly shabby, in addition the Elgin/Gala gouging.
We Out-of-Towners usually get stuck into the next available box when our packages arrive via FedEx. I'm not sure how long it takes for them to open all the FedEx envelopes, though. The tracking system said my package was delivered today at 12:21, so I assume I'd be somewhere in the vicinity of that Box 21. Packages arriving Friday are much harder to pin down, since so many in-person orders are being dropped off at the same time.
I dropped off my picks at about 4pm and they were on Box 30.
I too am peeved about the removal of the Elgin from the passes, especially for the shows that aren't at 6 or 9 pm, or for second showings of films where none of the actors or celebrities will attend. I had e-mailed TIFF clarification when I received my passes in the mail in early August and was given the impression that all the films in the "premium" venues would receive a showing elsewhere. I will definitely tell TIFF that the restriction on the Elgin has not been well thought out. At least with Roy Thomson tickets you know "celebrities" will be there and so it is somewhat more justifiable.
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