Q&A with TIFF ’23 film producer and TMU grad

Having honed her film and production skills in classrooms and studios at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), RTA ’11 alum Angelica Stirpe is back in Toronto - this time as a producer with a film premiering at the world renown Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

“One of my first film jobs straight out of university was as a production assistant (PA) for the press junkets for all the gala presentation films, thanks to the referral and support of the wonderful professor Richard Grunberg,” said the 34-year-old Vancouver resident, who grew up in Richmond Hill, Ont. 

“It’s a true joy to return home with a world premiere,” she said, adding that Bloom was one of 42 shorts selected out of more than 5,000 submissions.

Below, learn how Stirpe became involved in the short film, Bloom, how her experience in the RTA program has been key to her career, her top advice to those entering the film industry – and more – in a Q&A with TorontoMet Today.

Q&A with RTA grad and film producer Angelica Stirpe

Tell us how you became involved with the short film, Bloom.
Stirpe: I work full time as a producer at Boldly, an independent creative production studio, which had come on board to produce the film. Boldly represents the director Kasey Lum, with whom I had collaborated a number of times. I was passionate about this perfect-feeling project and Boldly decided I was the right fit to produce it. It was a very exciting collaboration for me to work with Kasey again under the Boldly banner.

What inspired Bloom?
The concept was created during the director’s experience in the pandemic. Having spent much time indoors he bought a Fiddle Leaf plant that would fill the void of space that was otherwise filled with connection with friends and family. Watching and experiencing his connection to it growing, inspired him to think of his relationship to nature in a different way.

What was the biggest challenge in getting this film into TIFF?
One of the biggest challenges of getting this film into TIFF was the sheer number of international shorts that were submitted for the 48th edition of the festival. TIFF has such a prominent and distinguished reputation being a world class premiere film festival. So, to have been selected with this film is a great honour. We’re grateful to have a piece of Canadian cinema, created by an incredible team of creatives based in Vancouver, BC premiere on the international stage at TIFF.

How has your experience in the RTA program helped your career?
One of the reasons RTA appealed to me was because it gave me the ability to explore a vast number of areas in the creative media industry. My first year was structured into four streams; Radio, Studio, Digital Media and EFP (electronic field production). Being able to apply myself practically in a number of different environments was important. 

I think that’s the beauty of the program, it allows you to experiment, it gives you room to try new things, provides tools and skill sets along the way, and eventually you can hone in on a more specific direction. My film and production career has  pivoted many times over the years, and having a solid base and foundation in many areas thanks to this program has been a huge asset. 

The program’s incredible reputation is also of great value. You’re taught by professors who are also working experts in the field. There is always a community of media professionals to be found who recognize the program or have in one way, shape or form been involved in it. To this day, I’m friends with an incredible group of women in the program who all forged their own path and I still occasionally meet alumni working in different fields of the industry. 

Is there a certain class or professor that was a highlight?
One of my favourite classes was live studio production. It melded many of my interests – creative storytelling, live production and directing, building set environments, script writing and camera work. Growing up, I loved to both act in and direct school plays. This was a class where I could build an entire show with a group of people while also getting the chance to learn new technical skills. Collaborative work always feels the most fulfilling - so having access to those resources was a definite highlight of the program. 

What advice do you have for film students today? 
Make time for what inspires you and sparks joy. It’s our soul's life line. Sometimes we lose this when focusing on grades, work or getting swept up in everyday life. The university years can be much more than attending class and submitting projects, especially when you're in such an incredible city like Toronto. Volunteer at play or art festivals, visit new galleries, see shows, get involved. Stay curious and don’t put yourself in a box. Your career and journey in film can evolve and that’s a really beautiful thing. I never thought in university that producing would be a full-time job for me.

What’s next for you?
Having kicked off a festival run with Bloom at TIFF, I look forward to seeing where this film will find its home for an international premiere and beyond. 

I’ve also been acting professionally for nearly 10 years, so I also juggle that while producing. Long term, I’d love to be able to produce a film, inspired by characters I created, that I will have the opportunity to act in.

I hope to continue to support filmmakers in bringing the power of storytelling on screen. Working on documentary stories and sharing the stories of the people and planet is an area I’d like to explore in my career, in service of a bigger and influencing purpose. I also see myself taking a seat more in creative direction. 

Making room for all isn’t easy but so far doable. Remember, make room for that joy.

Bloom at TIFF:

Bloom, part of the Short Cuts 2 Programme, is set to debut its world premiere at Scotiabank 14 at 6:50 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8. There is also a public screening on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at Scotiabank 14. 

Related:

• From movie usher to a TIFF premiere
• Showtime at TIFF: Must-see films involving TMU alumni