Getting caught up in the TIFF frenzy

Love the frenzy. Well, maybe not really, but I'm on Bloor Street a lot lately, so something was bound to happen at some point.

Fact: The person with the celeb with the huge day planner and is constantly checking their cell phone is the publicist.

Fact: People wait around the entrance of the Hotel InterContinental all the time, waiting for "someone famous" to walk out They don't know who's coming out and when, but they still wait.

Fact: TIFF revellers are a friendly bunch. This is from my interactions with staffers (my fav is the Trivial Pursuit in the Rush line...candy prizes!), volunteers, attendees, star-struck fans...

Fact: I lied. Not everyone is friendly. Hard-core paparazzi are pushy and grumpy (there are more casual ones who are just happy to show off the lucky shots they got and tell you fun stories about the encounters they've had). I've also met the breed who have glossy photos (headshots, screen shots, movie posters) and sharpies ready to go. They obviously have inside info to know which glossy to have on hand (literally, the others that they don't need are in their fancy envelopes). They are rude and just want to make money off of the situation. Bah.

Sightings: Who knows? I'm sure I've walked right by a bunch of famous people, but I'm the worst at spotting them.

**pic to be posted**Sighting: I lied. Colin Farrell was pretty obvious. I'd joined the crowd in front of the Intercontinental for kicks, and when he came out and the mob started going crazy, it was a cue for my mind started cycling through the options. It didn't take long.

**pic to be posted**Sighting: Lisa Ray? That's what someone told me. I'd never heard of her.

**pic to be posted**Sighting: _______. People took pictures and asked for autographs. I figure he's somewhat important.

Story: Guy beside me in the frenzy say "Hi" to Colin Farrell. Colin turns around, says "Hi ____. Nice to see you again." (I'm bad with names.) And gives him a hug. Colin take a good look at him, asks how he's been and stuff and then invites him to go with him to the hotel for lunch. They get into the towncar and drive off. Mucho jealous.

Story: Last year, Colin Farrell befriended a homeless guy in Toronto and at some point, gave him $2000. I stood beside him in the frenzy. (Either the really down to earth paparazzi was trying to spread a rumour, or else Colin Farrell is a pretty cool guy.)