‘One Chance’ is a lighthearted, romantic comedy, filled with moments of beautiful music, enchanting scenes of Venice, punctuated by joy, courage and dismal defeat. The film directed by David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada), charts Paul Potts’ (James Corden) life prior to his meteoric rise to fame after a performance on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. The song “SWEETER THAN FICTION” written by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff for the movie is one of 5 nominated for Best Original Song at the 71st Golden Globes. Paul (Potts) goes from being a shy, insecure, amateur opera singing store clerk (Carphone Warehouse) from South Wales to international opera sensation. This is the story of how he got there. ‘One Chance’ is the one bright moment in this year’s TIFF13 lineup of predominantly dark and not very cheerful movies. Paul Potts is now an internationally acclaimed Opera superstar but in 2007 he was facing defeat, ill health and financial troubles. He luckily had some great things going for him, a remarkable operatic voice, a loving, smart, supportive girlfriend, Julie-Ann Cooper (Alexandra Roach), a supportive Mom (Julie Walters), a loving but unsympathetic Dad (Colm Meaney) and an encouraging friend/boss, Mackenzie Crook.

The stars aligned and when Paul Potts took his ‘one chance’ to live his dream and entered the ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ competition, on an impulse one day, when he was broke and running out of choices. Remarkably, like Susan Boyle, the Scottish, overnight global superstar sensation, it worked. Susan’s story began in 2009 at the age of 47 when she sang ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. Paul Potts’ superstardom began in 2007 at the age of 37 when he sang a beautiful rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Puccini’s Italian Opera ‘Turandot’ on Britain’ Got Talent. He moved the audience to tears, received a standing ovation from 2000 people and gave the judges ‘goose bumps’. Paul eventually won the entire event. He told the audience he felt he was born to sing opera and this was his one chance to show the world he could. Paul later released his debut album ‘One Chance’ July 16, 2007 which reach No. 1 on the UK Album Chart in the first week.

The screenplay for the movie ‘One Chance’, written by Justin Zackham is based on real events that lead to Paul’s final success. The road was not easy with many setbacks but Mackenzie Crook and Julie-Ann Cooper seem to be Paul’s lucky charm. Mackenzie was responsible for bringing Julie-Ann into his life after finding Paul had connected in a chat room with her but was afraid to meet in person. Julie-Ann is now married to Paul. The story follows highs and lows as Paul, encouraged by Julie-Ann goes to study at a very expensive and excellent opera school in Venice. He impresses the instructors and is paired with the beautiful and talented Alessandra (Valeria Bilello) to perform for Pavarotti. Paul suffered a lot of bullying and humiliation in his life and to hear a story where that is vanquished by sheer courage, determination, love and talent is truly inspiring. Paul says singing opera helped him to deal with the bullying and abuse he experienced during his life. . Watch the movie for the rest of the story. It is thoroughly enjoyable in every way.

We met the beautiful and talented Valeria Bilello on the TIFF13 Red Carpet in Toronto where the film was premiered.

We also had a chance to ask Harvey Weinstein a few questions on the TIFF13 red carpet for One Chance.

The 5 nominees for Best Original Song at the 71st Golden Globes are:

Cold Play’s Chris Martin, who co-wrote the music and lyrics to “ATLAS” for THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE with Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion

“LET IT GO” was written for FROZEN by Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez.
Read full review of Frozen here.

“SWEETER THAN FICTION” was written by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff for ONE CHANCE, the Paul Potts story.

“ORDINARY LOVE” from MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM was written by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, Jr., Brian Burton, with lyrics by Bono.
Read full review of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom here.

“PLEASE MR. KENNEDY” from INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, with music and lyrics by Ed Rush, George Cromarty, T Bone Burnett, Justin Timberlake, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen.

Moira Romano