So, in the last weeks my fiancee and I have been visiting projects of developments of Montreal. Of course, all the cool people and filmmakers want to live in the Plateau, but even though we like it, we just can’t afford it. Let’s just say we don’t like it THAT much.

We’ve been living in Villeray for some months now and I have to say it’s been a great surprise. I really like this neighbourhood, but we still want to get to know more about Montreal before taking the next step of buying property.

In our quest for the perfect condo (and “quartier”), we’ve seen great developments in areas of the city, but which would be perfect for a young couple working in multimedia?

The South-West looks affordable and has a great number of production companies, even though we had the impression the areas seems a little dangerous (and this study supports it). The Cité du Cinéma and Cité Multimedia are nearby, but they look like a couple of white elephants for the city, don’t they?

Close to were I work there’s a new “quartier” made out of nowhere: the Triangle. Lots of (expensive) new residential developments that look amazing, but the area is far from offering cafes, galleries and a vibrant night life.

I guess what I’m asking is: where are the artists? Yes, everyone talks about Mile End and the Plateau, but there must be other areas. Are they moving to the new lofts in the made up new Quartier Chabanel? Or do filmmakers love Rosemont because of the Cinéma Beaubien? Are there any artist here in Villeray?

I saw today this ad at Boulevard Décarie. It says “The Women of Quebec have the power”… And it’s placed right above a strip club.

I just had to take a picture.

So, last Saturday Concordia University opened its doors to visitors. I went because I’m interested in studying a Masters Degree in Film, but I don’t want it to be only theory-based.

Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema in Concordia University offers a MFA in Film Production that strives to be both practical and theoretical. Actually, I went to Concordia while doing my voluntary work at Festival du Nouveau Cinéma. The ambiance was pretty cool, and the vibe of Laboratoire de Cinéma, as they promise, was all over the air.

Two things worry me a little, though. First, even though I’m only 31 years old, the prospect student seems to be in the mid 20’s, so I kind of felt that, in the eternal words of Danny Glover, I’m too old for this s4!t.

But looking like a creepy older student is the least of my worries. The real reason I doubt I’ll apply to this program is the fact that is 2 years full-time, and probably 4 years half-time. And then there’s the thesis project. I mean, this program seems to be designed for students that don’t have jobs. Even though right now I’m in between jobs (or maybe in between seasons if Misión Emilio’s second season gets a green light), I’ll probably find a job in Montreal pretty soon.

L’INIS offers great programs that last for about 6 months but they’re also full-time, and at the end you a Cerfificate, not a Masters Degree. Any suggestions?