In past years, while on the warpath to cover (create?) the juiciest of TIFF stories, we often crossed paths with Amy. Truth be told, while she was diligently filing stories from her Blackberry we were often elbowing our way past Harvey Weinstein for another vodka&soda. Is this what separates the bloggers from the major daily journalists? Possibly. Had we been forced to file from our iPhone, at 2AM in a noisy party no less, our report would likely read more like ‘idig’ than English.

We have always been impressed at the TIFF stories Amy could pull off but, luckily, this year she won’t have to tap-tap them amidst hot headed buffoons regaling stories of their LA poolside cabanas, or whatever. Instead of the crazed party hopping gossip train, Amy will be sitting down for intimate one on ones with top tier celebs. We can’t wait to read her smart introspective interviews – but in the meantime, she tells us about a wild barefoot dance-off with Woody Harrelson, that and how Jeremy Piven was an unforgivable jerk.

How are you preparing for TIFF right now?
I try to hit as many advance screenings as are relevant to my coverage. I always find this the most fun part. A movie in the morning is a great way to start the day! I also try to go out as little as possible, pre-TIFF. That way, I’m building up my energy reserves. Ideally, I’d also start some healthy diet regime in the weeks leading up to the festival but I like chocolate way too much.

During TIFF, where would we most likely find you at 2PM? At 2AM?
Fantasy answers A) Lunching with Carey Mulligan, James Franco, Rebecca Hall and Marion Cotillard B) Being a fly on the wall at a late night Weinstein powwow. Reality answers A) Filing stories, either in the Globe newsroom or at home B) This year, ideally, in bed (last year, I would have been stalking starlets).

What has been your most memorable TIFF party to date?
My first year of covering TIFF (2007) someone secretly got me into the ultra super private party for Into the Wild, the film directed by Sean Penn starring Emile Hirsh, Kirsten Stewart and Catherine Keener with music by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. I remember dancing barefoot with Woody Harrelson, bumming a ciggy off Penn (and I don’t even smoke) and staying out so late that the Globe was at my door by the time I arrived home.

What’s your celebrity story, or moment, that gets rehashed most at dinner parties?
Probably the fact that Jeremy Piven was a complete jerk to me when I was introduced to him in 2008. It’s a looong, convoluted story (perfect for dinner parties) but suffice it to say, he pulled a total Ari Gold and I still feel humiliated to this day.

What are three things you need to survive during TIFF?
BlackBerry, blow-outs, emergency flats (to put on when heels become unbearable).

What film are you looking forward to most this year?
Either Never Let Me Go or Black Swan.

What party are you most excited about this year?
Probably The Town, although I don’t actually have the 4-1-1 on it yet!

If you could pick the brain of one filmmaker, who would it be?
Julian Schnabel. I want him as my BFF!

If you could grab a drink with one celeb who is attending TIFF this year, who would you choose?
Well, assuming I’ve already had lunch with my fantasy celebs listed above. Maybe Robert Redford, my longtime crush.

What’s the first thing you’ll do once TIFF is over?
Catch up on New York Fashion Week, which I completely neglect each fall. Oh, and spend time with my parents. They beat hanging with celebs, bar none.