How I almost met the stars of Beauty and the Beast

I have had a very busy week and there have only been 2 days so far.

April showers have come which put a bit of a damper on star spotting (or location stalking), but I'll get to that later.

First off, Monday I found a set of trucks lined up along the street near my office. While fetching lunch for my bosses, I spotted the trucks and just had to know who was filiming in my area. I delayed my return to the office long enough to check out the wagons and trucks for signage. It was hard too. The one that looked like a star wagon had no signs on the windows so I felt discouraged. How was I going to find out who belonged to these trucks? I couldn't go much further than the one wagon because of having to get back to the office with my box of food.

Behind that one wagon was a pick-up truck, on the dashboard was my answer. A black case with a florescent page attached to it saying "BATB Signage Kit". My heart beat faster and my feet became light as I knew there was potential to meet the stars of the new Beauty and the Beast show.

I returned to location stalking on my lunch break that day. I spent 45 minutes wandering in circles around the area looking for the star wagons because the ones I found earlier were all tech. I could not find them.

After work I wandered the line of tech trucks again trying to find someone to talk to and to thank for working on this show that I melt over the romantic stories of. I found a lackey wearing a vest from another awesome show (Covert Affairs who were back in studio on Monday according to twitter feeds of Chris Gorham, Peter Gallager and Piper Perabo), but he knew nothing about this location. Saddened that I wouldn't see anything or meet anyone, I went home in the rain. Turns out the shoot location was one block further east than I went. D'oh!

Yesterday I left for work in the morning and saw a bunch of the signature orange location cones set up along the street outside my house (2 blocks total on both sides of the street) and anticipated returning home on the off chance that whoever it was would still be working so I could find out who.

I completely forgot about it until I got within 3 blocks of home and the streetcar driver announces "There's a movie shoot happening so it will take a while to get through". I almost jumped out the window wanting to get on foot over to the shooting location to learn who was in my hood.

As I approached the tent covering the monitors for the production staff I saw the bright lights of a location and a giant grey cart that moves equipment branded in black electrical tape with "BATB" and a few claw marks.... I imediatly tweeted "OMG!! BATB is filming in front of me" or something like that. From 3 stores away I was able to see Kristen and the back of Jay's ball cap clad head. And after watching a take I actually saw his face as he returned to his mark to do it again.

After a couple of takes in the rain, they called lunch. Kristen and Jay were ushered across the street and into vans to head back to wherever their trailers were kept and I was left on the street very disappointed.

I headed home (only a block away from the shooting location) and proceeded to turn into a pumpkin as I was feeling ill. I curled up in a ball and watched online episodes on my iPad because I was too unwell to venture out in the rain and stalk the lovely pair again.

Kristen and Jay (and the crew of BATB) I hope you enjoyed Cabbagetown. Please come back when I'm well and it's not raining, I'd really love to meet you. Thank you for making a great show with fantastic romantic storylines.

Beauty and the Beast airs Thursdays at 9pm on Showcase in Canada and on the CW network in the US. All us Beasties are still waiting to hear if we'll get to enjoy a second season which would give me the opportunity to try and find them again.

Hotness Alert

Anyone who has read my posts about Lost Girl knows that I have an awesome upstairs neighbor who works in the TV industry and is a crew member on Lost Girl. He has gotten me swag in Season 2 (signed pictures and crew only soundtracks) and has offered to take me to the set (though that has yet to happen).

With Anna Silk (Succubus Bo, the lead character) about to have her baby, filming of Season 4 has been delayed. They usually go back to set in April and wrap in the August/September. Since Anna's still pregnant at this point, that's a little hard to do. The filming for Season 4 has been pushed to June as they wait for Anna to have her baby and be ready to return.

What is my most fabulous neighbor to do? He needs to work and wants to work. My Neighbor will be working on a new show until Lost Girl gets up and running again.

There's a new kid on the block in Toronto and it's name is Bitten. Let me tell you what I know.

Bitten is based on a novel of the same name by Canadian author Kelly Armstrong. I've requested this book from the library and will be receiving it any day now so I'll have more knowledge of the plot/world once I've read it.

The show will be set in Toronto and the GTA and focuses on the only female werewolf known. Since there is only one female werewolf, there has to be a lot of hot guy werewolves... this logic rings true based on the casting notice I read today. Holy Crap Hot Guys!!!! I really hope my neighbor can hook me up (with swag, I love my husband, mind out of the gutter). 

The main character Elena will be portrayed by Laura Vandervoort (SuperGirl from Smallville). Supporting her are a host of hot males. Here is a picture of the guys with their character name (and a couple of supporting females).

I don't know when I'll be able to see this fantastic cast do their thing on the small screen, but I eagerly await it's coming. 

More info can be found here. I'll post more when I know more, until then I'll settle for the book and have these faces in my head when I'm reading.

Spring is coming

I know I haven't posted in a while. I've been busy with my life, family and changing jobs.

I really want to get back into blogging about the awesome television and movies filmed in Toronto. And with the warming of the seasons the location trucks will be easier to spot as I ride bikes and walk through the city.

I know that there is a new werewolf show "Bitten" being filmed in the city at this time. My awesome upstairs neighbour is working on it while Lost Girl is between seasons. Lost Girl goes back to filming in July thanks to a delay due to star Anna Silk having her baby.

Beauty and the Beast is almost wrapped for the season. Nikita is still shooting the end of their current season and there are many others that will be starting up over the summer and into the fall. Warehouse13, Suits, Rookie Blue and the list goes on.

I love Toronto and the tv/film industry. I will do my best to pop in and write about anything I see, hear or can speculate on. If you are out there and care, stay tuned.

Warehouse13 Rocks!!

As I wander the streets of Toronto I stumble over many a filming location. I spot those white trucks and trailers and get a little giddy inside. Is it a series I watch? Will I find an actor I know? It's so fun. My neighborhood of Cabbagetown gets them a lot.

I live near Allen Gardens which is a big park with a gorgeous greenhouse. This park has been used by Rookie Blue (S1 Chris' sting location), my beloved Flashpoint (S4 episode about a cop who shot a kid which had filming happening on my wedding day), Nikita (episode about mind control/mental conditioning) and recently trucks were set up for XIII: The Series season 2 (based on the signs on the dressing room doors).

Others in the area were Covert Affairs near the big cemetery and The Firm filming in my own church. Warehouse13 has been in the hood multiple times as well.

I've been finding Warehouse13 sites frequently in the last few years. My husband and I were walking to the grocery store down a laneway and when we turned the corner we found lights and cameras and lots of crew. It was cool, I saw a take and then they let us walk through on our way. I asked who it was and it was Warehouse13 (this was a S2 or 3 episode I saw it recently but can't remember which). They were also filming at the United Church down the street recently for a Season 4 episode.

My big problem is that Warehouse13 is not currently airing on any channels that I have access to. I found a Season 1 episode at some point last year but had never seen the show advertised on any of my channels or found any episodes since. I've spent the last week enjoying episodes found in the depths of the internet and have caught up on the first 3 seasons coming to the conclusion that this show is awesome and that I really want to see season 4 (and any future seasons) on my TV.

I've asked the official twitter account @Warehouse13 if they're airing in Canada but we'll just have to wait and see.

My Beloved Flashpoint is ending

The 5th season is currently in production in Toronto for My Beloved Flashpoint. An announcement has been made that this upcoming 5th season (airing Thursday nights at 10pm on CTV) will be the last for the SRU Team 1 crew.

I'm saddened by this news but also looking forward to it. Since it is the show that has decided to make this season it's final run, the writers can do amazing things to make these final shows something special. Also, when a show is ending at a good point, the writers can provide us fans with resolution and closure rather than the shows that are just not picked up for another season and are left with cliffhangers and questions.

If Flashpoint had ended unexpectedly last season (season 3) I would have lost it because there would have been no closure on Ed's being shot or on the psychologist Toth (the fabulous Mr. Victor Garber) and his thoughts on the team dynamic.

Season 4 ended on a good note with family and friends and happiness. No unanswered questions or drama, so what will season 5 bring? I can't wait to find out in September.

Is it too soon to start a countdown when the actual premier date hasn't been set?

14 days and counting

In 2 weeks a new show will premier on Showcase. I'm excited to see what the show brings to the table and how the story will grow. This new show is called Continuum and it will be borrowing the Sunday 9pm time slot that is normally held by Lost Girl.

Continuum is filmed in Vancouver but I won't hold that against them. Toronto is better, but I'm willing to let them slide. It means that I won't stumble upon the set one day and get to have my picture taken with the hunky Victor Webster but at Lear I can watch him on Sunday nights rather than re-runs of Mutant X or the final season of Charmed (mmm Coop, my favorite Cupid).

Here's to the countdown to a bright shiny new show and hoping it is as good as the anticipation.

My Beloved Flashpoint

Flashpoint is back on set filming the 5th season of awesomeness.

I've got my eyes peeled for trucks in the city and am monitoring twitter feeds for the writers, actors and more. I'm looking forward to sharing some delicious tidbits of fun as we prepare for Season 5 to hit the air later this year.

We'll have Rookie Blue in the summer again, but nothing can compare to My Beloved Flashpoint.

Music Fun

My upstairs neighbour (The Best Upstairs Neighbour Ever) left a present for me today. I got home and my husband had left it on the dining room table. What was it?

A 2 disc set of music from the Second Season of Lost Girl. 40 songs put together in a collect for promotional purposes and distributed in limited quantity with a charity donation to Covenant House.

The warning on the disc says "The following playlist may imply nudity, sexuality and course language. Listener discretion is advised." the same viewer advisory used by Showcase when they air the episodes.

I'm so thrilled. Now that I have this I should be able to identify any of the obscure music that is used in the episodes.

Question

I'm curious if I'm writing this for my own amusement or if anyone out there is actually reading my ramblings?

If you're a person and you've read anything on this blog and might possibly stop by someday in the future, please feel free to give a quick comment on what you've liked so far and what your favorite TV shows are (Filmed in Toronto or not).

Thanks, Janine

Coming This Week

I have an early morning tomorrow. I have to be up at 4am to start work at 5am. This means I have to be asleep sometime around 9pm tonight. Sometimes I really dislike my work schedule, because I'm going to miss the first new episode of Lost Girl for 2012.

My PVR is set and I will watch the episode tomorrow afternoon when I get home from work. Sometime before the end of Tuesday I will write up my review of The Firm - Chapter 3 and of the new episode of Lost Girl that will air tonight.

The cast and crew of Lost Girl have finished shooting season 2 and had their wrap party last night. I hope they all had fun. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds and look forward to hearing news when they return to the set in April to shoot Season 3.

For all watching the show tonight, have fun and enjoy.

Encounters at Starbucks

I work at Starbucks and I meet people all day long. I've had the fun of ringing through an order for crew members of different productions as they fetch coffee for someone 'important' or just something for themselves.

I have also on occasion met people who act in things that I plan to review on this blog. I've served Sergio di Zio of my beloved Flashpoint on multiple occasions and even though I try to keep my cool in front of him, I probably looked like a crazy fan girl. One day while working at a location that isn't my home store, I served a crew member of The Firm who had a very large drink order for the location shoot nearby. 20 drinks and some fun deciphering the handwriting later, I really wished I could have helped him carry all the drinks over to the site. But alas, I was needed behind the cash.

This afternoon a lovely gentleman came up to my register holding a script in his hands as he chatted with one of my regular customers. Turns out he's a regular on The Firm. He hasn't shown up yet (we are only 2 episodes in at the moment), his debut will be in "chapter 5" which will air in 2 weeks. His name is Darrin Baker and he will be playing Gordon Shanley the ADA that will butt heads with our hero Mitch. I'm looking forward to watching and reviewing. Darrin Baker took down the address for this site (and my name) and said he'd check it out. He also said he'd come back to the store so we could chat about the show. I'm kind of excited.

Based on the lovely IMDB, Darrin Baker has been in several other shows that I enjoy including my beloved Flashpoint. He was in the Season 2  episode "Custody" where a lawyer (Baker) is taken hostage by a distraught father when his wife wins custody of his children planning to take them away forever (insert dramatic musical chords - dun dun dun style). I may just have to see if I can find this episode somewhere soon so I can remember it more clearly.

NOTE: I promise I will review episode 2 tonight. I'm taking a class and have to do some writing for it first. I don't think anyone is hanging on my words and thoughts of the show, but I'm dramatically overdue for my own preference.

Welcome

Over the years I've lost count of how many times I've spotted a landmark on the screen that I recognize. When I'm watching something from my comfy couch, I'm always on the look out for anything recognizably Toronto. I will point and jump (it's a little embarrassing to my husband). I have spent time using the Google street view to pin down a specific location that tickles the back of my brain as recognizable but I can't quite place.

I have been an avid spotter of vans, trucks and orange cones around the city that signify the filming of something. I get a little giddy when I happen upon the filming of a show I love. I will take note of what show was filming in what site and then watch in anticipation of spotting the location and being able to say "I walked by while that was filming." My favorite story of an event like that was my wedding day.

I was married in February, it was cold and I kept everything down to a small area of the neighbourhood I live in. I know that my area gets used for shoots, it's happened before. But when my photographer arrived and told me that she had spotted a crane in the park that we were supposed to shoot at in a few hours, I was floored a bit. I hadn't anticipated this. She had asked the crew how long they were planning to be there and found out that they were filming a TV show in the greenhouse. I was to take my wedding pictures in the greenhouse, how intriguing. I turned into a bouncy ball of energy when I found out that it was Flashpoint filming that day. Wouldn't it be cool if I got to run into Enrico, Sergio, David or Amy Jo while I was wandering around in my wedding dress? I would just die if I could get photos! No one in my wedding party really got my excitement.

The stars did not align for me that day. The filming was after we left. I got to see the tech crew running around with cables and tape and lighting equipment. But I will say though, that when the 2nd episode of season 4 aired on July 15th, I was back to the excitement of my wedding day. I was there thay day, it was awesome.

I wanted to find a way to share my enthusiasm for TV shows filmed in Toronto. To have a way to point out what landmarks are discuised as and which neighbourhoods are being passed off as international locals. I also just want to be able to share comments about the amazing canadian productions that are filmed in this city and aired primarily for canadian audiences: Flashpoint, Lost Girl, Rookie Blue to name but a few.

I love what the film & television industry is capable of and I wanted to share my passion with anyone who wants to read. Welcome to Filmed In Toronto!