CTV Inc.'s Schmooze Maintains Festival Tradition

For CTV Inc., Friday September 7 was a smash hit that took full advantage of the vast, 4500 square foot second floor open space created within their landmark 299 Queen Street West building. The eTalk Star! Schmooze, planned by CTV Inc.'s Special events and merchandising director, Francine Socket, brought together a variety of film, TV and publishing mavens to not only chat about the Toronto International Film Festival but also witness the launch of "Celebrating 50 Years of Canadian Stars", the highly anticipated new book from McArthur & Company.

Other topics on the table included the official launch of the partnership between the former CHUM Television, NBC Universal Canada and the Historical Foundation of Canada. The meet & greet at the revamped building on 299 Queen Street West was enhanced by appetizers prepared and served By Davids catering including fresh rolled sushi, mini smoked meat sandwiches with coleslaw, and cones filled with fresh onion rings. Throughout the star-studded evening event, TV monitors broadcast the ongoing eTalk Star! Schmooze to partygoers inside, out in the parking lot, and viewing at home.Rob Dittmer of 3 Design worked with Socket to create a vision of golden-age Hollywood with classy rental furniture from Contemporary Furniture Rentals and lighting by CTV Inc.'s in-house specialists. The temporarily gutted cavernous second floor space was made much more intimate with cool blue and hot pink lighting accented by Art Deco chandeliers from Contemporary Furniture Rentals that brought soft lighting down to eye level. Strategically placed planters sprouting lush foliage broke up the vast area into smaller, more cozy sections much more conducive to serious schmoozing. Commenting on 2007's most memorable eTalk Star! Schmooze, Francine Socket, Director of Special Events & Merchandising for CTV Inc. stated "this year's eTalk Star! Schmooze was an opportunity for CTV Inc. to spread the glow of the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival around Queen Street. As always, the eTalk! Star Schmooze is the must-attend star-studded event where every guest is made to feel like a star, amongst the stars, under the stars!"