T.O. WEBFEST 2020: AN INTERVIEW WITH SIDNEY LEEDER

Sometimes you just got to do it all when it comes to your craft and to become successful in your industry.  Canada’s own Sidney Leeder has done just that as she has danced, acted and produced to make herself known in the industry.  Sidney Leeder has seized the many opportunities that have been given to her and she has made sure that he has gone above and beyond in her work.  She will be talking at the T.O. WebFest in the Telefilm Talent to Watch Program to share her experiences and what it is like to work the many roles in this difficult industry.   Sidney Leeder is also a proponent of the medium and the future of the web series which is why FERNTV had to have this chat with her about its future.

FERNTV:  Tell us about your first break and how you went about getting that opportunity and how that felt?

Sidney:  While studying dance at Ryerson during my freshman year, I began sneaking off to castings between classes. The very first audition I attended was a commercial spot for Joe Fresh where I was required to dance and act. I ended up booking the job and spent spring break twirling around a massive soundstage. I just remember being so high on life and enchanted by the whole process. I wanted to do it again and again and immediately made up my mind to start a career in the film industry.     

FERNTV:  You have much experience when it comes to the production side of things as well.  Can you tell us how that also helps you out when it comes to acting?

Sidney:  It’s beneficial to understand how the machine functions as a whole. Everything, from finding your light, to having a clear view of the casting process is certainly demystified when you work in production (for better or worse). But beyond that, what I’ve found to be most helpful is the ability to connect with crew members and creatives behind the scenes. Establishing relationships with others in the industry as a filmmaker, and not just a performer, really opens the door for creatively fulfilling opportunities both in front of and behind the camera, ultimately giving you greater control over your career. 

FERNTV:  What is it like to work with Drake and how did you seize this opportunity?

Sidney:  After choreographing a music video for producer Jason Aita, I began working as his production coordinator on commercial shoots. A few months into working together, Drake’s short film Jungle came down the production pipeline. I was initially offered the position of Jason’s assistant but the project quickly snowballed to incorporate a B unit. I was promoted to second unit producer and spent the following 2 days (and nights) hustling to prep a four-day shoot! From riding the elevator of the Shangri La with Keanu Reeves, learning how to apply special effects makeup on the fly, and re-casting a caucasian baby for a black baby at 5 am with only hours to spare until shooting, it certainly was a wild ride. I also managed to squeeze in an acting/dancing cameo while on the job. Zero to 100, that’s for sure.

FERNTV:  You will be talking at the TO WebFest in the Telefilm Talent to Watch Program.  Tell us what do you expect to happen during this talk?

Sidney:  I’m looking forward to speaking with Peggy Lainis (Telefilm’s Regional Feature Film Executive) about the importance of providing first-time feature filmmakers with the opportunity and autonomy to express and control their creative visions.

FERNTV:  What is your insight when it comes to the future of web series?  

Sidney:  I believe that web series ARE the future. I think they’re an incredible way to get your voice out there, to experiment in a more artistically freeing format and to expand your reach as an artist. The possibilities are endless! 

FERNTV:  How have you been able to handle this pandemic and continually be inspired for your career?

Sidney:  Lots of writing, reflecting & resting. Learning to adapt, be patient and accept self-isolation as an opportunity for growth and creativity.

FERNTV:  Has there been a turning point in your career other than your first break and tell us why you consider this a turning point?

Sidney:  In my early twenties I developed an autoimmune disease which brought my work to screeching halt. Since then, I’ve invested a lot of time into getting my health and career back on track and observing how stress, sleep & mental health play a pivotal role in my physical well being. The film industry maintains a reputation for rigorous work hours and chronic stress. The long term expectations imposed on creatives, cast and crew can often cause or exacerbate serious health problems, both mental and physical. On productions where I hold a position of leadership, I strive to limit unnecessary stress and overtime hours on set and am always seeking out innovative ways to improve the old system and encourage a new wave of conscious creating. I believe that the desire to create should not come at the cost of one’s health and happiness.