Eric Veillette
@veilletteinto.bsky.social
Arts writer & media producer | Globe & Mail, Spacing, Toronto Star, Radio-Canada, Severin Films | Author: In The Dark, A History of Toronto Moviegoing | Editor: The Downtown Theatre | Franco-ontarien
Reposted by Eric Veillette
RIP Frank Gehry: his childhood home in Toronto still exists!
December 5, 2025 at 7:37 PM
RIP Frank Gehry: his childhood home in Toronto still exists!
Brutal day for film exhibition. Can I cheer anyone up by sharing ads for Hellraiser’s Toronto release in September, 1987?
December 5, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Brutal day for film exhibition. Can I cheer anyone up by sharing ads for Hellraiser’s Toronto release in September, 1987?
Reposted by Eric Veillette
It’s hard to not see the Netflix/WB news as a sort of doomsday scenario. The constant mergers and large scale absorptions of brands might be good for business, in theory, but they are bad for art; they are bad for creators; they are bad for preservation. Which makes it bad for us.
December 5, 2025 at 1:10 PM
It’s hard to not see the Netflix/WB news as a sort of doomsday scenario. The constant mergers and large scale absorptions of brands might be good for business, in theory, but they are bad for art; they are bad for creators; they are bad for preservation. Which makes it bad for us.
Nobody wins here.
Exclusive: Warner Bros. enters exclusive talks to sell its studios and streaming service to Netflix
Warner Bros. Is Said to Begin Exclusive Deal Talks With Netflix
Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. has entered exclusive negotiations to sell its film and TV studios and HBO Max streaming service to Netflix Inc., according to people familiar with the discussions.
bloom.bg
December 5, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Nobody wins here.
Dream nite. Cannot wait.
YOU ASKED FOR IT FOR SEVEN YEARS --- IT'S FINALLY HERE!
DUMPSTER RACCOON CINEMA proudly presents the long-rumored DIRECTOR’S CUT of 1990s beloved cult classic bomb, CAPTAIN AMERICA (1990) – with SPECIAL GUEST (and POSTER ARTIST!) comic superstar writer CHIP ZDARSKY! revuecinema.ca/films/dumpst...
DUMPSTER RACCOON CINEMA proudly presents the long-rumored DIRECTOR’S CUT of 1990s beloved cult classic bomb, CAPTAIN AMERICA (1990) – with SPECIAL GUEST (and POSTER ARTIST!) comic superstar writer CHIP ZDARSKY! revuecinema.ca/films/dumpst...
December 5, 2025 at 4:41 AM
Dream nite. Cannot wait.
This week’s Downtown Theatre newsletter looks at the history of the Madison, Midtown, Capri, Eden, Hot Docs — a cinema with many names, but which most of us remember as The Bloor.
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
The Midtown: A theatre of many names
The venerable Annex cinema, its many re-inventions & its modern-day identity crisis.
open.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:48 PM
This week’s Downtown Theatre newsletter looks at the history of the Madison, Midtown, Capri, Eden, Hot Docs — a cinema with many names, but which most of us remember as The Bloor.
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
Absolute delight to chat with Norm about the history of Ontario film censorship, Emmanuelle in Ontario & Just Jaeckin’s film.
This week, @veilletteinto.bsky.social looks at Just Jaeckin's adult drama EMMANUELLE and its run-in with the Ontario Censor Board, which he documents for @severinfilms.bsky.social in EMMANUELLE IN ONTARIO. On all podcast platforms, and streaming right here: someoneelsesmovie.com/episodes/eri...
December 2, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Absolute delight to chat with Norm about the history of Ontario film censorship, Emmanuelle in Ontario & Just Jaeckin’s film.
Reposted by Eric Veillette
Phenomenal investigation.
An illuminating conversation with the man who was Willem Dafoe's stunt penis: defector.com/willem-dafoe...
An Illuminating Conversation With The Man Who Was Willem Dafoe’s Stunt Penis | Defector
For years, a rumor has floated around about the length of Willem Dafoe’s penis. Willem Dafoe’s penis is said to be extra-large. It is allegedly so big, in fact, that after filming nude scenes in the…
defector.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Phenomenal investigation.
Winner/gagnant.
I somehow won an EMMANUELLE box set at tonight’s Revue screening. Strangely, not the first time I’ve won an EMMANUELLE prize.
November 30, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Winner/gagnant.
Reposted by Eric Veillette
On sale for the FIRST TIME EVER during our SATURDAY ONLY 24 HOUR BOX SET FLASH SALE [while supplies last]
ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS: A COMPENDIUM OF FOLK HORROR VOL. 2
[13-Disc Blu-ray Box Set + Hardcover Book]
Sale Link: severinfilms.com/products/all...
ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS: A COMPENDIUM OF FOLK HORROR VOL. 2
[13-Disc Blu-ray Box Set + Hardcover Book]
Sale Link: severinfilms.com/products/all...
November 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
On sale for the FIRST TIME EVER during our SATURDAY ONLY 24 HOUR BOX SET FLASH SALE [while supplies last]
ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS: A COMPENDIUM OF FOLK HORROR VOL. 2
[13-Disc Blu-ray Box Set + Hardcover Book]
Sale Link: severinfilms.com/products/all...
ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS: A COMPENDIUM OF FOLK HORROR VOL. 2
[13-Disc Blu-ray Box Set + Hardcover Book]
Sale Link: severinfilms.com/products/all...
I spoke to legendary actress Marika Green (Pickpocket, Emmanuelle) ahead of tonight’s screening. We’ll screen an excerpt of the interview, where she talks about working with Just Jaeckin, Sylvia Kristel & visiting Toronto during the controversy over Emmanuelle’s release.
November 29, 2025 at 4:04 PM
I spoke to legendary actress Marika Green (Pickpocket, Emmanuelle) ahead of tonight’s screening. We’ll screen an excerpt of the interview, where she talks about working with Just Jaeckin, Sylvia Kristel & visiting Toronto during the controversy over Emmanuelle’s release.
And speaking of the censor board, my latest Downtown Theatre newsletter has Rosemary Sexton reflecting on her time at the Ontario Censor Board. thedowntowntheatre.substack.com/p/a-day-in-t...
A day in the life of a film censor
Rosemary Sexton reflects on her time at the Ontario Censor Board.
thedowntowntheatre.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:01 PM
And speaking of the censor board, my latest Downtown Theatre newsletter has Rosemary Sexton reflecting on her time at the Ontario Censor Board. thedowntowntheatre.substack.com/p/a-day-in-t...
I’m featured in this great CBC Arts piece about @severinfilms.bsky.social new EMMANUELLE boxed set & my new documentary on the Ontario Censor Board, screening tonight at the Revue Cinema. Thanks to Katherine Connell! www.cbc.ca/arts/a-movie...
A movie that drove Canadian censors wild returns to the screen | CBC Arts
The 1974 French erotic drama Emmanuelle faced historic censorship battles in Ontario at the time of its release. Now, the film will play uncensored at Toronto’s Revue Cinema, along with a new document...
www.cbc.ca
November 29, 2025 at 3:56 PM
I’m featured in this great CBC Arts piece about @severinfilms.bsky.social new EMMANUELLE boxed set & my new documentary on the Ontario Censor Board, screening tonight at the Revue Cinema. Thanks to Katherine Connell! www.cbc.ca/arts/a-movie...
My copy hasn’t arrived yet but congrats to @hertzbarry.bsky.social on crossing the finishing line on this long journey!
Pub day is here for WELCOME TO THE FAMILY: THE EXPLOSIVE STORY BEHIND FAST & FURIOUS and I’m honoured to have @theringer.com.web.brid.gy run an exclusive excerpt about the final days of Paul Walker — and how the FURIOUS 7 fam came together for their fallen brother www.theringer.com/2025/11/25/m...
How the ‘Fast & Furious’ Team Vowed to See Paul Walker Again
In an excerpt from his new book, ‘Welcome to the Family,’ Barry Hertz explores the immediate aftermath of Paul Walker’s death amid production on ‘Furious 7’
www.theringer.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM
My copy hasn’t arrived yet but congrats to @hertzbarry.bsky.social on crossing the finishing line on this long journey!
Reposted by Eric Veillette
TRUMP [after spending 5 minutes with Zohran]: surplus value, it’s a very wonderful thing, very wonderful, and they’re stealing it. Can you believe that?
We’re going to be looking very strongly at the bourgeoisie, what they’re up to
We’re going to be looking very strongly at the bourgeoisie, what they’re up to
November 21, 2025 at 9:25 PM
TRUMP [after spending 5 minutes with Zohran]: surplus value, it’s a very wonderful thing, very wonderful, and they’re stealing it. Can you believe that?
We’re going to be looking very strongly at the bourgeoisie, what they’re up to
We’re going to be looking very strongly at the bourgeoisie, what they’re up to
This week’s Downtown Theatre newsletter looks at how the xenophobic post-war attitudes of the 1920s prevented German films from playing in Ontario theatres — The Last Laugh, F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece, among them.
thedowntowntheatre.substack.com/p/the-last-l...
thedowntowntheatre.substack.com/p/the-last-l...
The Last Laugh: Banned in Ontario
Released in 1924, Murnau's film was not screened in Ontario until 1928.
thedowntowntheatre.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:41 PM
This week’s Downtown Theatre newsletter looks at how the xenophobic post-war attitudes of the 1920s prevented German films from playing in Ontario theatres — The Last Laugh, F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece, among them.
thedowntowntheatre.substack.com/p/the-last-l...
thedowntowntheatre.substack.com/p/the-last-l...
Reposted by Eric Veillette
Buying a bag of avocados is to schedule anxiety into your life.
November 20, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Buying a bag of avocados is to schedule anxiety into your life.
In this week’s newsletter, I write about Emmanuelle in Ontario, and how Just Jaeckin’s erotic film was at the onset of Ontario’s most heavy-handed era of film censorship. open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
Emmanuelle in Ontario
Just Jaeckin's erotic film was released at the onset of Ontario's most heavy-handed era of film censorship.
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM
In this week’s newsletter, I write about Emmanuelle in Ontario, and how Just Jaeckin’s erotic film was at the onset of Ontario’s most heavy-handed era of film censorship. open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
This week’s newsletter looks at the history of The Bloor Theatre. No no, not that one. The one across the street, which we’ve known as Lee’s Palace since the mid-‘80s.
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
Toronto’s forgotten cinemas: The Bloor
The cinematic roots of the Annex’s most storied stage.
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM
This week’s newsletter looks at the history of The Bloor Theatre. No no, not that one. The one across the street, which we’ve known as Lee’s Palace since the mid-‘80s.
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
This cut deep.
god, i wish alt-weeklies were still a thing
November 8, 2025 at 4:43 PM
This cut deep.
For the Toronto Star, I write about Ed Conroy new book, ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV. Although the book spans 50 year of important programming, this here ‘80s kid spills lots of ink on Today’s Special & some of the difficult themes they tackled.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
From ‘Polka Dot Door’ to ‘Today’s Special,’ Toronto has a rich, wild history of children’s TV shows. Here’s why this archivist feels it’s worth preserving
In a new book, television historian Ed Conroy traces the evolution of the city's kids' programming.
www.thestar.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:59 PM
For the Toronto Star, I write about Ed Conroy new book, ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV. Although the book spans 50 year of important programming, this here ‘80s kid spills lots of ink on Today’s Special & some of the difficult themes they tackled.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
RIP Peter Watkins.
November 1, 2025 at 5:17 AM
RIP Peter Watkins.
Across Canada, indie cinemas are re-emerging in rural areas the major chains have left behind. But their survival is far from certain, as owners fight uphill battles with studio demands, the economy, moviegoing marketplace & regulations built for another era.
www.cbc.ca/arts/for-sma...
www.cbc.ca/arts/for-sma...
For small town cinemas across Canada, the show must go on | CBC Arts
In communities across the country, the local movie theatre is a cultural hub. With major chains pulling back, indie theatres are stepping up to face big challenges
www.cbc.ca
October 31, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Across Canada, indie cinemas are re-emerging in rural areas the major chains have left behind. But their survival is far from certain, as owners fight uphill battles with studio demands, the economy, moviegoing marketplace & regulations built for another era.
www.cbc.ca/arts/for-sma...
www.cbc.ca/arts/for-sma...
Want to read about a Toronto theatre whose owner was nearly killed by competitors, played a role in bringing foreign films to neighbourhood cinemas & later played a brief but pivotal role in shaping Toronto’s punk scene? Learn more about The King Theatre:
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
Toronto’s forgotten cinemas: The King Theatre
How a College Street movie-house moved from perilous cliffhangers to punk chaos.
open.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Want to read about a Toronto theatre whose owner was nearly killed by competitors, played a role in bringing foreign films to neighbourhood cinemas & later played a brief but pivotal role in shaping Toronto’s punk scene? Learn more about The King Theatre:
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...
open.substack.com/pub/thedownt...