Up until this current semester, I had yet to ever take a photography class.  Since January, I’ve been completing NPF 568 – Analogue as Meaning. I’m lucky to have some talented classmates and a very knowledgeable professor. Any RTA folks with a deeper interest in film should consider taking it as an open elective, especially once we return to campus. Our final project, due in a few days as I write this, is to take a series of photos on instant film. With almost all of my images ready, I’m happy to walk you through my experience capturing the series. […]

Flexing an outfit over Zoom has proven to be very difficult. It’s nothing like showing up to a mass lecture to show off some new fashions.  That said, I don’t consider myself a fashion expert by any means. Walking through the Fashion hallway in Kerr Hall on my way to the RCC is always an experience.  So, I figured I’d speak to some well-dressed friends of mine to prepare us all for the Summer and the (hopeful) return to in-person living. Please excuse my handwriting (Image Credit: Joe Mastromatteo) I met Jerico De Vera and Paul Choe in high school […]

While it may sound like a paradox to some, I have prepared a list of four outstanding pieces of Canadian media that you should watch as soon as possible. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna talk about Schitt’s Creek (I haven’t even seen it)! I’m sure Schitt’s Creek is great, but my goal is to put you on to some Canadian content you may have never heard of before.  I won’t mention films from directors I’ve already spoken to (as much as I want to). Click my profile below to read conversations with Evan Morgan (The Kid Detective) and Yonah Lewis […]

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of virtually attending the TIFF Next Wave film festival. Along with my peers under the age of 25, I got to see a bunch of movies and attend workshops for free.  Ryerson was well represented at the festival, including a short film by RTA’s very own Natalie Paton. Now in second year, Paton’s Kaudo (The Gift) was filled with RTA-student names in the credits. I was lucky to have a chat with Natalie, available later in this article! Despite just running 8 minutes, Natalie subtly creates a bond between the viewer and family in […]

Last month, I was happy to get the chance to chat with directing duo Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas. Lewis and Thomas are both Sheridan film graduates who operate out of Toronto. Their latest thriller, White Lie, has been praised nationwide. Their meta comedy Spice It Up, a favourite of mine, is set and filmed at Ryerson too! White Lie is available to stream in Canada on Crave and Hoopla, as well as on-demand. Find out how to watch their other features on the Lisa Pictures website (Lewis and Thomas’ production company). Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas busy on set […]

In 2021, I sought to bring new topics to SpiritLive. Thus, I’m happy to begin a series on Toronto filmmakers in the industry today. To begin, I was extremely lucky to chat with Evan Morgan.  Mr. Morgan, a York University film graduate who has lived in Toronto his whole life, wrote and directed one of my favourite films of 2020, The Kid Detective. He also co-wrote, edited and produced The Dirties, another all-time favourite of mine.  As of January, The Kid Detective is available for rent in Canada, along with The Dirties. *Minor Spoiler Warning for Below (please watch the […]

Even as someone with about a dozen rolls of film in my fridge (more on that later), having fun while shooting film clearly and cost-effectively can be difficult. One of my favourite film captures, I snapped the intersection of Finch and Yonge on a Spring night in early 2019. Shot on the (now discontinued) Fuji Superia 800 with the Olympus IS-10. Image Credit: Joe Mastromatteo So, after almost two years since exposing my first roll, I thought I’d prepare three tips for my fellow Toronto photographers, or anyone looking to make the analogue conversion. 1. Find a lab An introduction […]

Matty Matheson’s new burger pop up heats up Queen Street After two sold out weekends, I had the pleasure of visiting Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club last month. Image Credit: Joe Mastromatteo Rising to culinary fame via YouTube on channels like Munchies, the jolly Matty Matheson is known for a variety of comfort dishes true to his hometown and Canada as a whole. The chef’s wild personality is also sure to keep his fans entertained.  After the closure of Matheson’s restaurant Parts & Labour in January 2019, few had been able to experience the chef’s creations. So, when Matheson announced Matty’s […]