What Are Tom Bernard and Michael Barker's Key Takeaways from 50 Years at TIFF?

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a premier event in the film industry, celebrated for its eclectic selection of films and enthusiastic audiences. As it marks its 50th anniversary, TIFF continues to showcase groundbreaking films and foster connections among filmmakers, critics, and audiences. This year, the festival features notable screenings, including Richard Linklater’s "Blue Moon" and Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, "Eleanor the Great".

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from TIFF's 50th Anniversary

• TIFF has evolved significantly since its inception, adapting to changes in the film industry.
• The festival is renowned for its enthusiastic audience, which can influence a film's success.
• Emerging filmmakers and established directors alike have found a platform at TIFF.
• Box office performance for specialty films is not the sole indicator of success.
• TIFF continues to play a crucial role in the awards season, especially with the Oscars.

Understanding the Evolution of TIFF

Since its founding in 1976, TIFF has transformed from a small film festival into a global cultural phenomenon. Originally branded as the "festival of festivals", it showcased a wide array of films from various festivals, significantly raising its profile in the film community. As the festival celebrates its 50th anniversary, co-presidents Tom Bernard and Michael Barker reflect on its evolution.

Bernard recalls that in the early 1980s, TIFF stood out due to its enthusiastic audiences. "The audience in Canada was so enthusiastic," he notes, "That audience got every note of every movie to a point where they amplified it too much." This fervour set a tone that was palpable, influencing decisions on acquisitions and the overall reception of films.

In recent years, TIFF has adapted to the changing landscape of the film industry, which includes a shift in Oscar campaigning strategies. With the Academy Awards now taking place in March instead of April, TIFF has repositioned itself to serve as a launchpad for films aiming for Oscar consideration.

TIFF's Unique Audience Experience

One of TIFF's distinguishing features is its audience. Barker highlights the spontaneity and broad demographics of festival-goers, stating, "You can feel what you have in a movie. It really sets the tone for any campaign on a movie." This connection between filmmakers and audiences is a cornerstone of TIFF’s appeal, making it an essential stop on the festival circuit.

Over the years, many memorable interactions have taken place at TIFF. For instance, Bernard reminisces about a screening of "Orlando", where he was the only industry representative in the theatre. "I walked out and thought, 'Oh my God, we have got to get this right away.' And we got it," he recalls. Such moments exemplify how TIFF serves as a barometer for the industry, helping shape film distribution decisions.

Memorable Encounters and Screenings

Throughout the decades, TIFF has facilitated unique encounters for filmmakers and industry executives alike. Bernard shares a particularly poignant memory of meeting former US President Jimmy Carter at the festival. "We ended up in a room for an hour with Rosalynn [Carter], and she just talked to us," he recalls, describing it as an experience akin to being part of a diplomatic group.

Barker also recalls a magical moment involving Lily Tomlin during the screening of her one-woman show, "Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe". "While we were watching the audience, she was performing the entire show for me in a whisper," he shares, highlighting the intimate, behind-the-scenes experiences that TIFF can offer.

The Changing Landscape of Specialty Films

As the film industry evolves, so does the specialty box office landscape. Bernard expresses concerns about how major theatre chains approach modern business practices. "The biggest problem is that the major theatre chains are just starting to adapt," he says. He notes that while there is still a substantial appetite for film, many chains have yet to leverage customer data effectively, impacting their marketing strategies.

For instance, Regal Cinemas and AMC are beginning to explore data-driven marketing approaches to connect with potential audiences. "The marketing departments are starting to become much more important," Bernard explains, contrasting this with the past focus on selling concessions rather than promoting films.

The Role of Box Office in Specialty Films

As TIFF has grown, so has the conversation around box office performance, particularly for specialty titles. Barker asserts that while box office figures are important, they do not paint the full picture. "Our goal is to make these films evergreen," he explains, noting that there are multiple revenue streams available today that can contribute to a film's long-term success.

"If you make that distinctive marketing impression on the audience and the movie is high-quality, that movie will have an afterlife that will keep giving and keep giving," Barker states. This perspective highlights the importance of fostering a film's legacy beyond its initial release, which TIFF plays a significant role in achieving.

TIFF's Legacy and Future

As TIFF celebrates this milestone anniversary, it is clear that its influence on the film industry is profound. The festival has not only launched numerous successful films but also nurtured relationships between filmmakers and audiences. Looking forward, TIFF aims to continue adapting to industry changes while maintaining the core values that have made it a beloved institution.

With an exciting line-up this year, including the highly anticipated "Blue Moon" and "Eleanor the Great", TIFF is poised to remain at the forefront of cinematic innovation and community engagement in the years to come.

As the festival unfolds, it raises the question of how TIFF will continue to evolve in an ever-changing industry landscape. Will it maintain its unique connection with audiences, or will it venture into new territories? Only time will tell as we witness the next chapter of this iconic film festival. #TIFF50 #FilmFestival #CinematicLegacy

FAQs

What is the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)?

TIFF is an annual film festival held in Toronto, Canada, showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world. It serves as a platform for filmmakers and a launchpad for films aiming for awards consideration.

When did TIFF start?

TIFF began in 1976 and has since grown into one of the most prestigious film festivals globally, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world.

What are some notable films that premiered at TIFF?

Over the years, TIFF has hosted premieres of acclaimed films, including "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Whiplash", and "I’m Still Here", among many others.

How does TIFF influence Oscar nominations?

TIFF has become a key event in the lead-up to the Academy Awards, with many films that premiere there gaining momentum for nominations and wins due to their exposure and audience reception.

What makes TIFF unique compared to other film festivals?

TIFF is known for its enthusiastic audience, diverse film selection, and its ability to connect filmmakers with viewers, creating a unique atmosphere that enhances the film experience.

What changes has TIFF undergone in recent years?

TIFF has adapted to changes in the film industry by shifting its focus towards exclusivity for certain films and tailoring its programming to align with Oscar campaigning, reflecting broader industry trends.