A Note From Ginny Connon:

My story has many turns and circles and here at TIFF it now aligns with a purpose greater than myself. This January I rejoined the DGC after a long hiatus raising my children. During those nurturing years I joined Skate Canada as CanSkate Coach, certified as a relational Coach and travelled all over Ontario having hundreds of conversations with attendees about their well-being. We shared tears, laughs and hugs. I have nurtured my destiny with coaching, writing and producing my podcast. For the first 3 days at TIFF I took the time to understand where I fit back into our industry. I was trained by the best in many industries and they allowed me time to understand my destiny. Gord Downie’s lyrics, ‘No one is interested in something your didn’t do’ sums up my life. All I have done has nurtured the intuitive writer and interviewer in me. It was a patient, guided decision to work with the public. People talk to me. I have nurtured every opportunity I have been given and it all led here to TIFF and talking to you.

I grew up wanting to visit my father at work every chance I got. His name was Guenter Bartlik and he was a pioneer of Scenic Art. Some of you might know him. At a young age I envisioned working in alongside him. He insisted I study Radio and Television Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University, or go into nursing. Shortly after graduating I began an Art Department Apprenticeship Program with the Directors Guild of Canada. My resume started when I was 16 years old getting permission to work on the mini series called ‘America’ through IASTE 873. Guenter, as I got to call him at work, was Head of The Scenic Department. An exception was made possible because Toronto film production in 1986 was a very busy time. I wasn’t allowed to do certain jobs at the studio, like sweep the floor, but I learned many techniques of scenic art. My father went on to work with Norm Jewison on ‘Everybody Wins’, ‘Agnes of God’, ‘Moonstruck’ and ‘In Country’ before he retired due to an illness.

I was in the courtroom scene as an extra in ‘Agnes of God’ starring Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft and Meg Tilly. When I heard Norm say 'action' I knew I was going to work in film production. His energy in those words was infectious for me. It had a willing intensity that is still with me today. I was blessed to work with the best of the best in film production over the years. From Director Sidney Lumet to iconic producer Marilyn Stonehouse. I will always treasure my conversations with Al Waxman.

I carried around some of my Dad’s old industry letters and crew photos the first few days at TIFF. I left them at home on the 3th day, because it was too emotional for me. On this day I watched ‘Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe’. My Dad used to try and sing like him. If you’ve seen it, it’s interesting to note my Dad was German and a boxer in his youth. Just before I learned how the Maestro’s song, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ became a worldwide success, I felt my Dad watching along with me in the seats.

May you find magical moments this year at TIFF that bring a heartfelt reminder why you are here.

Ginny Connon

Film Production Curriculum Vitae 1993-2004

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