Courting a film studio 140 characters at a time

Film fest comment leads to collaboration between city and director

Think that Twitter is nothing more than a vehicle for vitriol from a certain American politician?

A recent string of tweets between Mayor Fred Eisenberger and film director Guillermo del Toro may convince you that Twitter is more than just a load of “covfefe.”

Del Toro and his staff are in discussion with the city about setting up a film studio here — all thanks to a series of tweets between the mayor and the noted film director.

It all started last week, when del Toro was at the Toronto International Film Festival discussing his latest feature, “The Shape of Water” — some of which was filmed in Hamilton.

“I love Hamilton, I love it. It has some of the greatest stores, book stores, restaurants. It’s really a transforming city,” del Toro told a TIFF news conference Monday.

“But also what I love is the energy, and I think the city is incredibly generous with filmmakers. It really is and it makes a huge difference. If I have it my way, I’ll have a studio there soon when I recuperate. I love the city.”

Eisenberger then reached out to del Toro on Twitter.

“Give us a call @RealGDT. We’d love to talk further!” he wrote.

Del Toro responded, “Follow me, Fred and I’ll follow back so we can DM.”

(That’s “direct message” for the non-Twitter inclined).

That exchange has now led to meetings between city staff and del Toro’s team.

“Conversations have been had, meetings have been scheduled,” said Eisenberger said.

The mayor points out setting up a film studio is one of the economic development department’s “stretch goals” and that several politicians — including Sheila Copps — have tried to make it a reality.

“It’s been on the horizon for the City of Hamilton for the better part of 25 years,” he said.

Though negotiations with del Toro’s team are still in the early stages, Eisenberger said the city will provide whatever help it can to turn the film studio tweets into reality.

As for Eisenberger’s Twitter maneuverings, he jokes it’s the only thing he has in common with American President Donald Trump — that, and that both men are elected officials.

“It pretty much stops there,” he said with a laugh.