Hot Docs Cinema (504-508 Bloor)

[ProjectEnd]

Shoot me in the head. @interchange42 will be particularly crushed by this prospect.

Not even 10 years ago: https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2016/06/hot-docs-lands-permanent-home-purchase-bloor-theatre.21579

 

[interchange42]

Shoot me in the head. @interchange42 will be particularly crushed by this prospect.

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Not even 10 years ago: https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2016/06/hot-docs-lands-permanent-home-purchase-bloor-theatre.21579

What a rude, trashy ad. Does that make the CBRE reps at the top seem like smart asses? Well, I'm not sure about the smart part. In the meantime, Doc Soup memberships (monthly documentary premieres) are back on sale , and doing well, and with the cinema's reopening, it's not dead yet.

Does Rogers own this site, or did they just spend a pile on sprucing it up during its recent renos? I can't remember...

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[ProjectEnd]

A bit more detail in this tweet. A leaseback would be better than nothing:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1853851901160304769

 

[Towered]

Several months back there was inner turmoil at the Hot Docs organization. Apparently the board is quite corrupt according to some insiders.

 

[rdaner]

Don’t panic! I feel that this transition is happening at a time when creative design solutions will provide a solution to allow HotDocs to continue operating and to maximize potential income from redevelopment.

 

[interchange42]

Several months back there was inner turmoil at the Hot Docs organization. Apparently the board is quite corrupt according to some insiders.

Hence the shutdown after the festival this Spring... The Board has been shaken up since then, and a pile of the programmers who left during the mass exodus before the festival, have returned now that the president who caused the ruckus resigned. Things should be better now.

Regarding the cinema building itself, I've actually been surprised that it has lasted as long as it has, being that it's right at a subway station. If the Hot Docs organization does in fact have its act together again as the reopening and returns seem to indicate, then I believe it's possible to relocate if and when the building gets redeveloped, not that that would be my first choice. There are a number of auditoriums that sit idle most nights that could be a new home to Hot Docs if need be, like the ROM auditorium, Isabel Bader, both close to the subway and the UofT student population which is such a large demographic of the Hot Docs audience. Smaller, slightly more out of the way cinemas like Innis College or the Paradise are possibilities too. Ultimately, I'd love to see a redevelopment where the currently Hot Docs is actually get an auditorium built into it, although I am aware that there would have to be philanthropy involved to have that happen, if redevelopment is inevitable/unstoppable.

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[rdaner]

The engineering exists for a win-win solution. Certain parties just need to be more flexible/adaptable and accept economic realities! lol

 

[A Torontonian Now]

This is a gorgeous theatre. I was a member for a few years and never even went to the festival - the ordinary year-long programming was so great.

The building itself should be considered heritage. There is more that should / could be done with it (ex, there's a hidden space, presently empty, behind the screen that would make an amazing speakeasy), but it should NOT be redeveloped.

I found the Ted Rogers redo pretty offensive. The only expensive item was the new marquis. If the Rogers family really cared, now would be the time for a cash infusion, to prevent the need for a sale.

 

[1Ć0]

The engineering exists for a win-win solution. Certain parties just need to be more flexible/adaptable and accept economic realities! lol

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There's this bad boy on 3rd, off 22nd in Manhattan. Air rights are a big thing there, which could probably work well here if you just want to retain that main street retail presence

 

[Northern Light]

Several months back there was inner turmoil at the Hot Docs organization. Apparently the board is quite corrupt according to some insiders.

Perhaps it was; though I don't recall hearing that........

I would have said, based on what I heard, inept and aloof, and obtuse, having hired someone as President, who @interchange42 said......(paraphrase) was a poor fit for the organization. The Board lacked the requisite expertise and provided ineffective oversight, and in so doing led the organization to the verge of collapse.

 

[Northern Light]

A bit more detail in this tweet. A leaseback would be better than nothing:

Perhaps, but I still think it poses an existential risk to the festival in the longer term.

It simply doesn't have a sound financial footing, or the organization muscle/institutional capacity, based on recent events, to stay afloat.

Bringing back the programmers is great; but you need an Admin/Mgt team for the non-creative stuff, like fundraising, sponsorship, and monetization opportunities (other than redevelopment, and selling the furniture to keep the lights on)..

I know some of what's going on in the area assembly-wise or being kicked around anyway, I imagine you do as well; I don't see the venue holding on if there's a way to ensure its preservation, and without the venue, I'm not sure I see the programming surviving.

I like @A Torontonian Now 's suggestion.

But then I would put in for the notion of separating the venue off to a non-profit conservancy whose charter includes providing the venue at cost to Hot Docs, then fundraising the $$ to endow the venue, and to carry out needed capital works.

The Auditorium requires extensive work still, and the balcony still has original (or at least 50-year old+ seating.

I suspect what you can't see may be an even larger issue.

 

[Neil]

Saw a couple events there. Not a great room. Also you would hear the subway behind the screen whenever it rumbled by.