The Globe and Mail's Simon Houpt had this observation at his TIFF blog (post headline - Did you get sTIFFed?) about the difficulties of getting tickets:

TIFF is a massive machine that needs ever-increasing amounts of cash to keep going. But is it in danger of killing the goose that lays its golden eggs? One buyer for the Canadian marketplace told me: "Last year, I realized it's easier to see films at Cannes than it is here." Sure, buyers can get into industry screenings, but the real value of TIFF is that it's always been a people's festival. If you're a buyer or potential distributor, you want to see how a film plays with an audience of real people: that's why you come to Toronto, and that's why producers bring their films here. But if real people are having trouble getting into screenings, will the movies keep coming?

He had a follow-up post: Who do you love? (the ticket fiasco edition)

I didn't do too badly. I got eight out of 10 first-choice movies (I was in Box 66), but none of my second-choice ones. I had two tickets left, and went zero for nine today in trying to use those up (the schedule board said those films were still in play; "it's hard to keep it up to date," explained a clerk). I guess I'll have to rush.

So if you're a more casual TIFF goer hoping to see a glamour film's screening at this point without going the rush route? Good luck to you -- and the festival hasn't even started yet.

Individual ticket prices are $20.50 (yikes!!). A regular film at most downtown T.0.theatres costs about $12. Many of those glamour films will be in theatres within a matter of weeks. Do the math.

PS

TIFF produced one of the most boring festival t-shirts in memory this year. It wants $27.54 for one.