SARAH POLLEY COMMENTS ON "TAKE THIS WALTZ"

Sarah Polley & Mr. Will-W.

Just as I was heading into a Screening tonight, I ran into acclaimed Gemini and Genie Award-winning Actress/Oscar-nominated Screenwriter Sarah Polley coming out of the National Film Board of Canada.  Just as she head off to her next destination, kindly she stopped to pose for a Photo.

I had to of course ask her my most burning question - whether or not her Toronto-filmed Take this Waltz will be premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival this September.  She smiled back at me, "Nothing's finalized yet!".  That answer would in the least bit appear to indicate it's in close contention?  And considering her favourable relationship with TIFF, I'd say she's a shoe-in! 

Polley's 2008 directorial debut Away from Her premiered at TIFF, eventually seeing Julie Christie get an Oscar nomination, in addition to a Best Adapted Screenplay nod for her own writing.  I did camp-out at the set for Take this Waltz last Summer and you can read some of my coverage here.

SAMUEL L. JACKSON IN TORONTO FILMING "THE SAMARITAN" - READER SPOTTINGS

Samuel L. Jackson at Air Canada Centre - March 18, 2011

As many of you are aware already, Samuel L. Jackson is back in Toronto filming a small-budget Film called The Samaritan, which quietly just rolled into Production. Tonight, Filming took place at one of my favourite haunts, The Lakeview according to one Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven reader Bill - home of quite possibly the most delicious Poutine in the City. And how can you go wrong with $3 Mimosas and Caesars?

The Samaritan is about a man named Foley (Jackson) who after 20 years in Prison, is a free Man - only until he is presented with a risky offer that might just be too good to resist. The Film also stars Toronto's Luke Kirby, who filmed Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz in the City last Summer with Seth Rogen and Michelle Williams. Irish Actress Ruth Negga also stars.

Jackson was spotted Saturday night in Yorkville dining at Joso's.... but not after having some fun at a Toronto Raptors game on Friday night at Air Canada Centre, as spotted by another Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven reader and Sports Fanatic, Joscelyn. 

My Readers are the best, that's all I have to say. Thank you for pitching in!

(Photo credit: @J0scelyn)

TAKE THIS WALTZ BEGINS FILMING IN TORONTO

Filming started a couple days ago for Canadian actress/director Sarah Polley's latest film Take This Waltz, to be distributed by Mongrel Media. The casting for the film however, is dead-aimed at the Oscars with a dream ensemble including Academy Award-nominee Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman.  Williams has been getting a great amount of ink for her role in upcoming The Weinstein Co. production Blue Valentine.

I did have a chance to visit the set which is tucked away in Little Portugal, quiet enough yet still accessible to the city. Upon arrival, I could see Crew members in charge of Locations advising local residents to stay off their porches so not to be in the shot, as this particular scene was set at 5 AM. Low and behold, I could see a radiant Williams giggling with co-star Luke Kirby, with whom she develops feelings for in the film. Take This Waltz touches upon the question of fidelity as Williams' character (married to Rogen) is said to struggle with commitment.

Polley could be heard calling "Action!" and "Cut!" from around the corner as her and the Crew followed Williams and Kirby around the block multiple times on a Trolley. In this scene, Kirby could be seen pulling a Rickshaw, while Williams conversed with him on her feet.