How to survive – and thrive – at TIFF 2018
Today, while looking at my calendar, I realized that TIFF 2018 is just around the corner! As a Toronto actor, writer, and filmmaker, I always make it out to TIFF. Many years, I attend the festival every day. While writing and acting jobs won’t let me do that this year, my experience with extreme TIFFing has taught me how to survive – and thrive – at the festival.
My top tips for surviving and thriving at TIFF 2018
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Create a manageable schedule
With so much to do at TIFF 2018, it’s easy to pack your schedule day and night for the entire festival. If that works for you and makes you happy, awesome! If you don’t have the ability to do that, though, that’s alright too. You don’t have to attend TIFF every second of every day. In fact, I think most people will get more out of the festival if they aren’t there all the time. So think about what works for you and book a schedule that works for you. That way, you can stay energized for and excited about the films and events you are attending.
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Take care of yourself
It’s easy to lose track of things like staying hydrated, eating well, and resting up during TIFF. Remember, though, that TIFF is a marathon – not a sprint. If you don’t take care of yourself, odds are you’ll be flagging long before the end of the festival. Avoid that by looking after yourself from day one. I promise you won’t regret it!
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Don’t just network, chat
Yes, TIFF can be an amazing networking opportunity. It’s about so much more than that though. It’s also a chance to meet other people who share your passion for film. As an actor, writer, and filmmaker, I love being able to talk craft with other entertainment professionals. TIFF is one of the best places to do that. So take the time to geek out about movies, equipment, storytelling practices, acting techniques, or anything else film related that you’re interested in!
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Find your support system
Working in the entertainment industry can be challenging. That’s why having a support system is so important, especially for those of us who belong to communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in front of and/or behind the camera. Use TIFF 2018 as a chance to build or check in with your support system through events like WIFT-T’s Reception@TIFF.
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Take a few days off after the festival
If you can, try to take some downtime after TIFF 2018. The festival is hectic. Even if you’re taking care of yourself, you’re likely to be exhausted by the end of it. That’s why I encourage everyone who can to take a day or two off to rebalance. I love taking a day to catch up on sleep and to relax, then taking a day to go visit family. After that, I find I’m rejuvenated and ready to jump back into everyday life.
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Have fun!
It’s important for us entertainment professionals to keep an eye on the business side of our work. At the same time, however, I think it’s vital to stay in touch with our passion for and joy in what we do. So embrace the fun in TIFF. Allow yourself to celebrate your work and the work of other filmmakers around the world. Re-ignite your creative spark, allowing it to carry you through the next year.
I hope these tips help you have a wonderful festival.