A behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated TIFF premiere of Dream Scenario

In the world of cinema, the spotlight often shines on the actors and directors, but it's the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes that bring a project to life. For Hanna Kindellan and Jasmine McShad, alumni from the RTA Media Production and Creative Industries programs, their dreams of attending a prestigious premier as key contributors to a highly-anticipated film like Dream Scenario (external link)  is coming to life at the Toronto International Film Festival (external link)  (TIFF).

Dream Scenario is a satirical take on celebrity culture and groupthink, directed by Kristoffer Borgli and co-produced by renowned filmmaker Ari Aster, with the enigmatic Nicolas Cage in the lead role. Cage plays Paul Matthews, a tenured professor who inexplicably begins appearing in people's dreams, catapulting him into unexpected fame and a surreal exploration of the human psyche in a performance that will surely encompass many unforgettable moments.

But for each moment caught on film, there are countless professionals behind the scenes ensuring the production runs smoothly, and although these jobs aren't necessarily noticed in the final project, they play a crucial role in the end result. From animated shorts to feature films like Dream Scenario, these supporting roles are pivotal in helping actors like Cage and directors like Borgli transform their vision into reality.

A passionate pursuit turned into a dream come true

The film industry generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, and for Kindellan and McShad, it represented a pathway to pursue their creative passions. After graduating from the RTA Media Production and Creative Industries programs, the two were brought onto the project after being recommended by their colleagues – an invaluable source for many graduates to move forward in their careers.

"Previously, I had been working various positions in scripted television, where I made many amazing and valuable contacts with cast and crew members, who would later recommend me for this position on Dream Scenario," said Kindellan. "This illustrates a very valuable lesson I've learned: if you're passionate and hard-working, those around you WILL take notice, and it can lead to great opportunities."

As an executive assistant (EA) to the films Line Producer Jacob Jaffke and Production Manager Ashley Shields-Muir, Kindellan served as the linchpin between studio executives, producers, the writer/director, department heads, and managers. Her tasks ranged from organizing production logistics to managing schedules and paperwork. And as Kindellan points out, her role as an EA is unique in that its job description constantly evolves from day to day and from project to project. 

McShad began her career working in live music but was forced to pivot when the pandemic hit, catapulting her career into the role of a health and safety administrator. “I actually started as a daily worker assisting my friend's sister on a few television productions in 2019 while also working in live music, which is what I specialized in during my time in Creative Industries,” said McShad. “Once the pandemic hit and there were no more concerts, I had to pivot and find a new role, and that is where I found myself as part of the Health and Safety teams on multiple projects until earlier this year."

From classroom to silver screen

Whether managing a suite of directors, producers and executives schedules or ensuring health and safety checks are kept in place, each aspect of a professional film project owes credit to those working behind the scenes. And for those working behind the scenes, it’s a huge milestone at the beginning of their careers.

“It feels surreal to be a part of Dream Scenario, especially seeing how hard the director, producers, cast and crew worked on making this a reality,” commented McShad. “I am honoured to have played a small role in keeping everyone safe and quite proud of the accomplishments of this entire team!”

Having attended TIFF in various capacities over the years, Kindellan is thrilled to be part of the festival as an industry professional. She also shared her delight at seeing her name in the film's credits–an unforgettable milestone for many young film industry professionals–for the first time.

"It may be my first feature title credit, but hopefully, it will be the first of many to come," remarked Kindellan. "I had such a positive experience working on the project last year, and it's so great to come full circle and see the end product of everyone's hard work."

Preparing the next generation of industry leaders

Both Hanna Kindellan and Jasmine McShad credit their time in their respective programs for providing them with many of the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a competitive film industry. Offering interdisciplinary courses that are both practical and theoretical, the courses the two took throughout their degree helped build on their natural creative talents while teaching them about what it takes to thrive in modern-day film.

As Kindellan and McShad will attest, success in the film industry isn't limited to actors and directors – nor should it. Since the inception of moving pictures, a film has not been made possible without the passionate and dedicated work of those working off-screen, making dreams a reality on and behind the silver screen.

Interested in learning more? Follow Kindellan and McShad on Instagram and grab a seat to the premiere of Dream Scenario at TIFF (external link) ! 

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

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