Charles Khabouth, a leading party host for the Toronto Film Festival, anticipates a rise in events during the 2024 edition but notes a significant decrease in studio spending compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Restaurant and nightclub kingpin Charles Khabouth expects to host 60 events during the 2024 Toronto Film Festival, up from 46 last year and currently scheduled at 51. Khabouth, who owns venues including Vinny, Bisha Hotel, STORYS Building, Portland Room, Animl Steakhouse & Cocktail Den, Kost, Byblos and Bar Romy, anticipates around 35 of these events will be parties averaging 200 attendees. The increase will benefit local suppliers of food, alcohol, linens, glassware, transportation, and security. The inaugural TIFF: The Market is also expected to boost business for party-related services, including drapery, lighting, and red carpet installation.
However, Khabouth cautions that Hollywood studios and streamers are operating with tighter budgets. “There’s nobody throwing money around like they used to,” he told *The Hollywood Reporter*. He attributes this shift to “the Hollywood bean counters” now being in charge, resulting in a departure from lavish premiere parties. “It’s all budgeted. It’s all calculated. The studios are no longer doing what they used to. Budgets have been cut back everywhere and we understand.”
Despite the reduced spending, Khabouth emphasized the importance of maintaining a high-quality experience for clients. “It’s still important to deliver that great experience. It showcases that we’re doing a good job,” he said, adding that his venues will continue to work within the allocated budgets to ensure repeat business. The Toronto Film Festival is scheduled to run from September 10 to 20.
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