I was part of a team tasked to re-image the majestic Elgin Theatre as it might have been in 1913. In all its Vaudeville glory, prior to years of decay and then ‘modernization’. Over a few months we designed a a 3D animated architectural fly-through of the original theatre using historic photographs to create three dimensional rooms exactly as they were over a hundred years ago.

Frame by frame, two months for a two minute film.

‘ENTER THE ELGIN’ was created for the Toronto International Film Festival Opening Gala 1990, and then four presentation @ SIGGRAPH, alongside the best animations from around the world.

The Elgin theatre originally was all gold leaf and rich fabrics. A formal theatre of plaster cherubs and ornate opera boxes but it had fallen into total disrepair over 60 years.

Our process

Using old photos and inspecting the Elgin in person, we designed each scene as a complete three dimensional space. We then flew a virtual camera through the rooms to create a ghost like feel of being in the Elgin giving the audience the feeling they were flying through time. Over two months, day and night, frame by frame, almost 4,000 images to create the two minute final film.

Step 1

The Greats played here

In its heyday the theatre played host to such greats as George Burns and Gracie Allen, Sophie Tucker, Milton Berle and Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.

Step 2

Then Vaudeville died

With the decline of vaudeville, the Elgin continued as a movie house, gradually slipping into decay and disrepair with the passing of each decade. In 1984, a $29 million restoration began.

Step 3

The HANDMAID’S TALE

These two minutes opened for Margret Atwood’s original film adaptation of THE HANDMAID’S TALE, which was not well received.(30% Rotten Tomatoes!).

Step 4

Planting Seeds

This was the first time I learned how time consuming it was to plan and construct a story. More importantly, it planted the seeds for the life I have, and love, today.