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The ladies with the list

There’s no shortage of all-powerful Hollywood publicists flexing their buzz-building muscles around town during TIFF, but if you want the real celebrity scoop or access beyond the velvet rope, these are the frontline premiere, party and swag salon gatekeepers to know.


Tatiana Read

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KnotPR

After spending the 2010 festival making sure no one snuck into Entertainment Tonight’s Yorkville rooftop parties, Tatiana Read is spending this TIFF wrangling press for events at The Hoxton and repping her brands Biko and Red Canoe at the CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos’s gifting lounge.

Heels or flats? At 5-foot-10, I can get away with flats. Silver foil Lanvins are my go-tos. I do like to switch into my trusty Pierre Hardy stilettos for after-partying, though.

Favourite Film Festival celebrity encounter? Faye Dunaway made an appearance at ET Canada’s Festival Central last year. She wore her signature shades at 11 pm.

The best worst excuse someone has tried to use to crash a party? The classic “Do you know who I am?” gets thrown around a lot. I have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to fake business cards and media companies.

TIFF style essentials? I usually dress in Ewanika. And my Marni sunglasses from Karir are major. I also like a bigger bag so I can have my flats at the ready.

Post-fest recovery plan? I’m going to treat myself to a head-to-toe spa session. Think hot stone mani/pedi and Thai yoga massage at the Adelaide Club.


Amina Said

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Holt Renfrew

When Holt Renfrew and Variety magazine launch their celebrity studio in the department store’s handbag salon on TIFF’s opening weekend, Amina Said will be there to make sure the star visits go smoothly – even if that means coordinating a last-minute shopping spree.

Clipboard or iPad? Aesthetically, I would prefer an iPad, but where would I put it? The simple plastic clipboard is easy. I just don’t see how an iPad would help. I’d worry about dropping it all night.

Favourite Film Festival celebrity encounter? I’d have to say Marion Cotillard at the Variety Studio in Holt Renfrew last year. She’s beautiful and a brilliant actress.

The best worst excuse someone has tried to use to crash a party? I’ve had someone pretend to be an obvious someone else while the real person was already inside the event. It made for a very awkward conversation. I mean, how do you tell people they aren’t who they say they are?

TIFF style essentials? A shoulder bag small enough to hold my lipstick, cards and my BlackBerry, black skinny trousers, black Equipment blouse, layered bracelets and a statement necklace, for sure.

Post-fest recovery plan? I’m so used to the busy work lifestyle that you could say I’m immune to the “burnt out” feeling after a crazy week of events. As long as I have my weekends, I’m okay.


Bunmi Adeoye

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NKPR

This TIFF, you’ll find Bunmi Adeoye dividing her time between NKPR’s IT gifting lounge and Hello Magazine’s swanky fifth anniversary bash at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Excited to see any movies this year? Honestly, I’ve never been able to see a film during TIFF, but Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method with Viggo Mortensen and Vincent Cassel should be good. Let’s hope they get naked and wrestle.

Favourite Film Festival celebrity encounter? I’ve met Edward Norton a few times, and he’s always lovely and gracious. He came to our gifting suite to show his support for Artists for Peace and Justice.

The best worst excuse someone has tried to use to crash a party? Some guy said to me, “I know you!” I responded, “No. No you don’t.” He said, “Oh…” and sulked away.

TIFF style essentials? I get my Film Fest hair done by Antoinette Julian in a Russian hair salon up in Vaughan. A little black dress, of course. And an Essie Aruba-blue pedicure. I’ve heard Seal wears that colour on his feet.

Post-fest recovery plan? No recovery needed. On to the next one, as Jay-Z says.


Natalie Petozzi

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Rock-it Promotions

Natalie Petozzi owes her organizational skills to years of coordinating fleets of limos to ferry TIFF talent between hotels, premieres and after-parties. This year she’s working with the Rock-it team on Arts & Crafts’ Festival Music House concert series and handling personal publicity for Breakaway director Robert Lieberman.

Festival drink of choice? I love sparkling water when I’m at a party. The bubbles can sometimes trick my brain into believing I’m drinking a glass of Veuve.

Favourite Film Festival celebrity encounter? In 2009 I worked with Emily Blunt while she was promoting The Young Victoria. After the premiere we had a cast dinner at the Spoke Club, where Em, as I like to call her, tried to hook me up with one of her friends.

The best worst excuse someone has tried to use to crash a party? I’ve heard “But, I’m an actress!” quite a few times, as if merely practising the craft entitles you entrance to a party.

TIFF style essentials? At least three gala-appropriate dresses that are dressy enough for a red carpet but not so flashy that they detract from the talent. Also, a Tide-to-Go stick, a few pairs of knee-high socks and Goody Spin Pins, which are great for throwing my mane up into a topknot.

Post-fest recovery plan? I’ve been saving a gift certificate to Body Blitz, so I think a day of pampering in the pools will be in order. I’ll go with a few of my girlfriends so I can catch up on all the non-industry gossip I’ve missed while being isolated in the TIFF craziness.


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