VIFF 2003 – Volume 1

Yesterday was my first day volunteering at the 22nd Annual Vancouver International Film Festival as a driver. Above is my ID and festival pass (it’s altered and numbered so don’t bother forging one). It was office move day so I was driving a cargo van rather than a BMW (that will be for the rest of the festival). Tonight I’m going to the volunteer orientation meeting at the new VIFF office digs in the Crowne Plaza – Hotel Georgia. This promises to be an interesting few weeks. There’ll be a gaggle of movie star types wandering into town for the festival and it’s my job (as well as 45 other drivers in total) to pick them up. Possible well known Hollywood calibre attendees include, Barry Pepper (from Saving Private Ryan), Ian McKellen (Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings films), Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet is one of my faves), Woody Harrelson (from Cheers of course) and many more. Other guests will include filmmakers from around the world. My bet is I’ll be trampled by a group of Korean girls trying to get to a guest whom I’ve never heard of.

The people working and volunteering are pretty cool so far. I’ve met some interesting folks already. Volunteering are two lawyers (one finished school and unemployed and the other in her last year) and a 26 year old dentist from Mexico City. It only takes 5 years to become a dentist in Mexico! Eric, the dentist, is here to study 3D Animation and Film Making part-time at VFS. Here in Canada I’m fairly sure you have to have a Bachelor of Science degree, your MD and the a few years on Dentistry school. It should take no less than 10 years. NOTE TO SELF: Toothaches in Mexico can wait until you’re back in Canada.

I’m really looking forward to this. Not being trampled but the rest of it. I’ll do my best to document this here on my blog in pictures and words. As this week is also bonus week at work I hope to me buying a MiniDV cam so you may see some video later on as well.