The Toronto International Film Festival does not just exist in the ten days of screenings, galas, and parties from September 9th-19th. For people like me who have a film that's playing at TIFF, the two weeks leading up to it are as busy as the Festival itself. This past week, everyone was running around like a chicken with their head cut off, trying to make the most of the wonderful time they're being included in.

So, what did TIFF prep look like for me?

Publicity

I am always surprised and touched by how much the Canadian press supports Canadian film at this time of year. This past week was spent speaking with my publicist, Deb Goldblatt and Christina Walters of Rock-it Promotions, organizing in person and phone interviews. Interviews are always an exciting thing. I get to speak to a smart and interesting person that I normally wouldn't meet. But they are also kind of like a blind date. Do they like me? Do I sound stupid? Did I actually just tell that joke?

Trying to Get Into Parties

Every year the parties are different so you never know which ones will be the most fun. The truth is, none of them are bad. Even if a party isn't how you'd pictured it, you can run into an old friend that you worked with years ago and end up talking and dancing until dawn, teetering home in high heels as the sun rises. I've been trying to talk to my other film industry friends to find out who's throwing what party and where, and who will be my date to what.

The best party I've been to was in 2008, when an Atom Egoyan movie I was in called Adoration was playing at TIFF. Holt Renfrew threw it and the amazing MGMT played for an audience of under a hundred people. Later in the night, I saw Jeremy Piven. Ari Gold is probably one of my favourite characters of all time and Piven looked friendly in his fedora. After being pushed by my agent, I decided that I should go say something. "I love you. You are so hilarious, you're work is fantastic. I honestly love you." He looked me up and down and then said the one liner of my life. "You have good taste."

Fashion

Every September I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. This year, two of Toronto's most amazing designers are stepping into save the day. I am so lucky such talented women are willing to let me borrow their clothes for a night. Last week I met with Rosemarie Umetsu. Her dresses are very dramatic, elegant, and Old Hollywood. I could see them being worn on the red carpet for the Oscars. She had such a beautiful energy. I'm still trying to decide between three of her dresses.

For more casual options, I met with the lovely Shawna Robinson at Label. They are an eco-friendly, down to earth label, who's pieces, beautiful detailed, could easily transition from day to night. I love everything I try on. She also shows me beautiful jewelry, designed by Eliza Kozurno. I want to take it all home with me.

Tickets

The most confusing part of this week being? Due to TIFF's weird computer and phone system, I can't even get tickets for my friends and family to my own movie. My Mom and I were up at the crack of dawn, trying to order tickers online and via the phone. But, as this site reported, online ticket sales via their shopping cart feature had been suspended due to "unprecedented [sic] load on [their] Online Box Office." Even better, when trying to call TIFF's number for tickets, I'm told, "The costumer CUSTOMER you are trying to reach is unavailable." Isn't that my ex-boyfriend's answering machine?

Before I gave up completely, I talked to Daydream Nation's director, Mike Goldbach, over Facebook livechat.

Mike: Katie!! I can't get tickets to the movie!

It could definitely be worse. The good news? Apparently both screenings of Daydream Nation are sold out.

Writing by Katie Boland. Katie Boland stars in TIFF official selection Daydream Nation, opening Canada First which honors first time Canadian filmmakers.