TIFF – THE NIGHT THAT NEVER ENDS

TIFF is a cultural, not-for-profit organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. For the first time in its 37 year history, the board of TIFF chose to produce its own event during the festival to raise money for their 365 days a year of programming.  Inspired by the soon-to-open tiff exhibit, 50 Years of Designing 007, the evening took on the Bond theme. “The Night That Never Ends” became the brand for the evening. In true Bond style the event took place on the land, on the sea, and in the air-with a waterfront location in Toronto’s inner harbour acting as our M16 Headquarters.

The event began with “Bond Girls” escorting guests into a cinematic Bond experience. The “entrance of intrigue,” saw guests moving along an industrial landscape of shipping containers as parkour athletes performed stunts above their heads.  Guests then enjoyed a full red carpet experience and proceeded to the reception space-a 326’ custom fitted barge that had been transformed into a glamorous pier for the evening. On the water, yachts and marine police vessels contributed to the extravagant and secure Bond atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the evening was a high-octane, Bond-inspired stunt on the water. A Helicopter, a secret agent, a chase on the water and a Bond Girl rescue signalled the start of the dinner program and left guests in awe.

In the dining tent guests were treated to Bond inspired cuisine designed exclusively for the evening by Ritz Carlton’s worldwide Vice-President of Culinary Operations – Chef Rainer Zinngrebe. This portion of the evening also played host to an exclusive live auction and entertainment – including Gordon Lightfoot, Chantal Kreviazuk, Glee’s Darren Criss, Sean Jones, Shakura, Beverly Mahood, Sophie Serafino and more.

After dinner, guests were ushered  on to the pier where a dazzling fireworks display-choreographed to the Bond theme played live by a 10-piece band- signalled the start of the after party. The sky and the sea were both alight as underwater missile fireworks lit up the entire waterfront while booming off shore fireworks ignited the sky.

The Whizbang moment for us came prior to the guests arrival. It was a moment that gave us, as an event production team chills! After many months of logistical detailing with engineers, our marine transportation supplier, the City of Toronto, the Port Authority, the Navy and the Marine Unit of the Toronto Police Department, the centrepiece of our event – a custom fitted barge complete with security fencing, tenting infrastructure, and a new coat of paint-arrived via TUGBOAT from Hamilton! The visual of finally seeing her (The Barge) placed into position as our Bond casino pier gave us goose bumps! [We may have cried out in glee, jumped for joy and even embraced a few strangers.]