In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Charles Khabouth, the head of INK Entertainment and Toronto’s top nightlife/venue operator, explained why Hollywood studios participating in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) are booking more parties during TIFF but on tighter budgets. Khabouth begins his explanation by saying the following:
“Last year we did 46 events. This year we’re at 51 (parties) and counting. That’s good news for the wait and bar staff at his downtown Toronto venues around TIFF Lightbox like Vinny, Bisha Hotel, STORYS Building, Portland Room, Animl Steakhouse & Cocktail Den, Kost, Byblos and Bar Romy as prime locations for Hollywood star-watchers during the festival’s 51st edition.”
The reason for this, according to Khabouth, stems from the fact that studio accountants are enforcing strict spending limits, opting for these more frequent and smaller parties, a far cry from the previous era of festival parties, which consisted of these extravagant, open-budget mega-parties. “It’s all budgeted, says Khabouth. “It’s all calculated. The studios are no longer doing what they used to. Budgets have been cut back everywhere, and we understand.”
Despite these smaller budgets, Khabouth and other restaurant and nightclub venues will work hard this year to provide the best possible experience for partygoers at TIFF. “It’s still important to deliver that great experience. It showcases that we’re doing a good job,” says Khabouth
This year’s TIFF will be running from September 10 to September 20.
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