Title Reveal: Your Cinema Needs You

Title reveal / teaser poster: I'm happy to finally share that my upcoming feature length documentary on the Monarch Theatre is called Your Cinema Needs You.

Spanning the 110+ year history of a single screen cinema, Your Cinema Needs You is an exploration of "what might just be" the oldest surviving movie theatre in all of Canada.

From its origins to its reinventions to the numerous other cinemas it outlasted along the way, Your Cinema Needs You takes place against the backdrop of the Monarch's uncertain future and looks at why the cinema experience, in general, is still worth saving. 

Release date TBD. Late 2022.

Finlay Bridge: Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon

From June 2 to 7, 2022 landmarks throughout the United Kingdom and commonwealth countries were lit purple to become beacons in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. In Medicine Hat, Alberta the historic Finlay Bridge was specially lit to mark the occasion.  

 

Documentary Production Continues

Production on the Monarch documentary has been ongoing this month. 

This week I've been following up on rumors about several artifacts / stories surrounding the Monarch Theatre. I literally examined screw placements on vintage chairs over the weekend lol. I crawled on my hands and knees through a century of basement cobwebs in search of another secret hatch. And, perhaps best of all, yesterday I successfully acquired an untapped collection of images featuring the former neon marquees lit up two decades ago.

Piece by piece we're pulling this thing together. Post-production is on the horizon. Now, how cool would it be if we could invite everyone back and premiere this in the old Monarch?

Monarch Theatre Documentary in Production

Currently in its second month of principal photography, my latest documentary featuring the Monarch Theatre in Medicine Hat, Alberta has provided some really memorable experiences so far. With hours of interviews shot and a deep dive into every space, cubby, and rafter of this old theatre, I'm already certain that I've uncovered a few untold gems in the story of this cinema that have never been formally documented or contextualized before.

In addition to this being a story about one of the oldest surviving cinemas in all of Canada, what's been particularly interesting about the Monarch is how little material actually exists about it. Photographs, artifacts, records, etc. are few and far between so connecting the dots to go beyond the obvious has been a really involved, but fascinating undertaking.

While I'm saving a lot of the surprises for the finished documentary, I wanted to share a few of the production highlights up to this point:

• Interviews are still ongoing, but a few early highlights have come from acquiring stories from both a 101 year old with a unique connection to the theatre and a 94 year old who used to work at the Monarch as a teenager.
• In addition to the obvious task of documenting the Monarch, the cinematic side of the production has involved playing with various lighting rigs, gimbals, cameras, props, and even painting with projections throughout the cinema. 
• As a result I'm certain I've now filmed and photographed more details inside the Monarch Theatre than anyone else in its 110+ year history.
• I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge how helpful the social media response has been, in addition to features in the local news, Toronto Star, etc. in helping to connect me with a wide array of people with memories about cinemas in this area.
• Numerous highlights have also come from uncovering clues through old paperwork, basement finds, and mapping out the history of the theatre. What's been so thrilling about this is that I know just the exploratory aspect of this documentary will be compelling to a lot of people who have likely never even heard of this place.
• Speaking to former employees has made me wish I'd have worked at a movie theatre as a teenager too lol.
• And finally, one of the absolute coolest things about shooting this documentary has been the unfettered access I've been given to the Monarch. While it was always going to feature this space, the ability to arrange and film every interview within the cinema, while also coordinating multiple ancillary shoots, has been practically ideal. 

There will be lots more to share in the weeks ahead, particularly as the project transitions into post-production in the spring. Follow the Editing Luke instagram for more regular updates and stay tuned for details about the release of this documentary later in the year. 

If you have any information or memories to share about the Monarch Theatre (or any of the former cinemas in the Medicine Hat area) please contact me via my business site here.

Meet Alice: Monarch Documentary

With interviews for the Monarch Theatre documentary kicking off this month, I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to one of the interviewees - Alice. 

Alice will be 95 years old this year. Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking with her about her time working at the Empress and Monarch theatres as a teenager in the early 1940s. From the uniform she wore to first seeing Gone With the Wind, moments like this - capturing memories and untold first hand experiences - are what make documentary filmmaking such a thrill.

Still razor sharp, her memories tap into a time when very little was written about these cinemas. This is what's been so exciting. The process unlocks doors that haven't been opened in decades.

Much more to come about this latest film project.

Monarch Documentary Story in Toronto Star

The Medicine Hat News story about my new Monarch Theatre documentary was picked up in the Toronto Star today with subsequent features in their partner publications. It's exciting to see this latest project garnering early attention. Read here. 

 

Front Page: Monarch Theatre Documentary

My thanks to the Medicine Hat News for featuring my latest documentary (currently in production) on the front page of the newspaper this morning. Read here.

What's exciting about getting greenlit to produce a project like this one (with hometown roots) is that you're able to amplify a story for a wide audience that has likely never even heard of this place. The result is something that feels new and untapped, while at the same time inspiring support from those "in the know" who are rooting to see it succeed.

I'm really grateful to everyone who has been reaching out to share so far - this genuinely wouldn't be possible to pull together otherwise. Thank you! 

Please don't hesitate to get in touch here.

 

About That Documentary I Mentioned ...

As my final announcement of 2021 I shared that my latest documentary proposal had been greenlit with plans to move into production in early 2022. With things continuing to progress I wanted to share a few more updates about what the project is actually about.

Inspired by my love of vintage films and the cinematic experience - specifically, going to the movie theatre - this new documentary is all about cinemas. Highlighting the evolution of the theatre going experience and showcased through the rise and fall of some largely forgotten movie houses, this new documentary tells the story of how the oldest purpose-built cinema in all of Canada ended up (in of all places) my hometown - Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Locals are sure to recognize names like the Monarch, Towne, and Gemini, but what makes this story unique is how much hasn't been widely told - particularly regarding the 110+ year history of a single screen cinema on main street that is actually older than every major Hollywood studio. Perhaps most amazing, it's still here!

There's a lot to unpack, but I'm really excited to bring this story to life in this new feature documentary in the months ahead.

Here's where I could use some help ... 

Did you, a family member, or friend ever work at a movie theatre in the Medicine Hat area? 

I'd love to connect with anyone who has stories to share about what your time was like at the Monarch, Towne, drive-ins, etc. I'm deep in research these days and have already coordinated with the Friends of the Monarch, local archives, and City - what's missing is you!  

If you have any pictures or souvenirs from these venues from over the years it would also be a massive help as (not surprisingly) a lot of these places were not documented. Thank you in advance.

Lots more to come as this ramps up! 🎥😉 Please get in touch if you have anything to share that you think may be of interest. Cheers!   

Top 6 Photo Essays of 2021

Last year I released over 125 new photo essays spanning a variety of unique destinations. After review, here were the TOP 6 most popular releases based on web traffic on the Editing Luke site in 2021. As always, thank you for the incredible support.

6. Santa Cruz, California | Surf Culture

Photo essays of Santa Cruz, California included spotlights on Surfers at Steamer Lane, the Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and Surfing Museum.

5. Ford Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan

This photo essay highlighted the factory where the Ford Model T was born.

4. Rebuilding Notre Dame in Paris, France

This photo essay showcased the reconstruction of Paris' iconic cathedral.

3. Inside Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee

A look inside Elvis' iconic estate in Memphis.

2. Exploring the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California

A photo essay from inside the home of the Academy Awards.

1. Neon of Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan 

An evening under the neon lights of Shinjuku was the most viewed photo essay of 2021.

A Quick Look Back at 2021

Nothing was easy this year and that's perhaps the reason I did my best to see the good in 2021.

As I look back at the year that was all I honestly feel is gratitude. Gratitude for the people in my life, the steps forward I managed, and for the moments of calm where I was able to recognize that I was somehow figuring things out - or at least creating options. 

Not willing to stop travel shooting this year I traversed the Canadian prairies - from the edge of the Rockies in Alberta to the centre of Canada billboard in Manitoba - I covered thousands of kms and shot just as many pictures.

I launched the Surreal Alberta series, released a record number of new photo essays, and sold prints around the world for the 2nd year in a row. I bought new-to-me vintage toys to film with, rebuilt a dream edit suite, and celebrated new collabs as my work appeared on postcards, walls in foreign cities, and in more places close to home than I can name. 

I was finally able to see friends I missed, built new relationships with travel partners in places like Montreal, Tokyo, Miami, and connected with familiar faces in a place called Medicine Hat that I hardly ever mention. I built a lightsaber, I ate inside "the castle" during travel shoots at Disney World's 50th, and I got left behind at the airport in Toronto in a real life series of Home Alone 2 mixups.

I welcomed the 50 millionth visitor to the Editing Luke website since it first launched, started walking 5km a day back in July, and in my ongoing Jaguar search I bought a Cadillac. 

2021 has been a time - and not nearly as organized or worry free as a few curated paragraphs might suggest. But, through the noise, it has been really fun.

Thank you for the incredible support and engagement this year. Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year ahead.

Announcing A New Documentary

So, a little news to share ...

In the spring of 2021, feeling like I was still spinning my wheels with everything going on, I went into development on some new ideas. I came up with a few concepts, pitched them around, and settled on one that I was really excited about.

I won't drag this news out ... this fall it all came together. Word came back that my latest film proposal received the greenlight! 

With the treatment approved, funding secured, and the production agreement signed - I'm happy to finally announce that my next feature documentary project is going into production in 2022.

There will obviously be lots to share as everything unfolds in the months ahead - particularly as production kicks off next month - for now, just let me say how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to dive into an elaborate storytelling experience like this and direct another original project. Details to come.

Happy new year, indeed! 🎥😉🎬👌

Limited Edition Postcards at Medalta: Vol. 2

Now back in stock at Medalta in the Historic Clay District, these limited edition cobranded Editing Luke / Medalta postcards completely sold out in the Medalta gift shop over the summer! For this 2nd print run we've brought back the favorites and introduced a few highlights from my "Hometown Series" featuring the Saamis Teepee and Finlay Bridge.

These mini art print postcards were all photographed and designed by Editing Luke and are available exclusively in the gift shop at Medalta Potteries in Medicine Hat, Alberta. 

Medalta is an incredible National Historic Site of Canada and was the focal point of my 2019 documentary Clay, Creativity, and the Comeback - all about how the clay district was saved from demolition following decades of tireless efforts from hundreds of artists, community members, and volunteers.

Stock has once again been limited on this collection, so please exit through the gift shop. Thanks once again to everyone who has snapped these up! I know for a fact they hold up really well in the mail and look great tacked on walls and fridge doors! 

New Image Featured by Tourisme Montréal

Over the weekend this latest post on @editingluke of an aerial autumn view of Montréal, Quebec was featured by Tourisme Montréal and kicked off a wave of subsequent reshares and shout outs on Instagram. Following more than 15K+ likes on the Tourisme Montréal account, over the last few days this image has now been reshared by more Montréal fan accounts than I can keep up with and has even popped up in the feed of Parc Olympique (Olympic Park).  

While reshares for travel photography are not uncommon and are always one of the intentions when networking new images, this Montréal feature is unusual because of how quickly and widespread it's gone in just the last 3 days. At a glance, it seems likely that this image will end up as one of the most viewed @editingluke Instagram posts of 2021.

 

A Long Awaited "Welcome Back" to Co-op Place

Over the summer I had the pleasure of being commissioned by the newly rebranded Co-op Place to produce this "welcome back" commercial that just debuted during the Medicine Hat Tigers home opener for their 2021 season. As the premiere venue for concerts, hockey, and live events in Medicine Hat, Alberta it was a blast to have an entire arena to play in for this latest shoot.    

A Look Back at "the School Project" Documentary

For much of this summer I've been in the process of writing proposals and exploring options as we head into the fall. This isn't out of the ordinary, but with a lot more time on my hands over the last year I found myself revisiting past projects and trying to contextualize them. In short, I was re-exploring what I've already done, what's worked, and what I'd like to do next. 

This is how I found myself re-watching hours of unused footage from "The School Project" again, a documentary I completed in 2017 that was never formally released in full. That's actually another story entirely, which if you care to dive into and watch some clips you can here. 

What's been amazing about exploring this old project (among several others) has been finding so many fragments of ideas that were never fully developed. "The School Project" was an incredibly ambitious documentary about finding the culture of a brand new Canadian school by filming the daily life inside of it over the course of an entire year. 

In some ways this fall feels like starting over again, which is perhaps why it's been so liberating to re-explore highlights amidst projects that I remember taking on and thinking, "where do we even start with this?". Finished work aside, diving into the ideas that inspired past projects to begin with has been a valuable creative exercise to get the gears turning again. Especially with a project this size, it reminded me how much of it was about just being present. 

Thinking all this, I then found the teaser (see above) that I'd made just after principal shooting on this documentary had wrapped. It felt poignant. This work in progress really is never ending - that, and I'm still just a big kid continuously trying to find new ways to entertain myself lol.

Limited Edition Postcards at Medalta Potteries

For the last couple years, particularly since the release of my documentary, I'd had a few discussions with Medalta Potteries, the National Historic Site and museum in Medicine Hat, Alberta, about releasing a collection of limited edition postcards inspired by the photo essays I'd shot around the clay district as part of my Around the Hat series.

Despite us both wanting to make it happen, it essentially took a year when everything else slowed down for us to finally find the time to pull it all together. The result is this brand new, 10 piece collection of mini art print postcards, designed and photographed by Editing Luke, and available exclusively through Medalta in the Historic Clay District.

These 4x6" premium postcards are Medalta and Editing Luke branded, and professionally printed on a thick cardstock with a soft matte laminate on the image side. The idea was to produce something brand new that felt like a vintage throwback. A uniquely local postcard that could be mailed, or simply a small souvenir print that could be collected or framed.

I'm especially proud to see how this collaboration came together, particularly because these postcards encapsulate so many different projects I've produced around the clay district over the years. Be sure to pick up a few of these as you exit through the gift shop. Not only do they look great - they're also the most affordable Editing Luke prints I've ever released lol. 

  

Announcing the Winter Edition of the Hometown Series

Well, for those who kept asking let's just make it official right now. A winter edition of my "Hometown Series" shot in Medicine Hat, Alberta is launching on January 1, 2021.

Following the success of the summer series, it seemed like a no-brainer to expand on the popularity of the lockdown inspired posts from around my small corner of Alberta while options for travel photography still remain limited into the new year.

It's looking like things won't be getting back to normal quite as quickly as I'm sure we'd all like them to, so in the meantime I hope followers of my work can appreciate the return of regular posts, epic winter scenes, and loads of new visuals to share in the weeks ahead as they debut (near daily) on the Editing Luke Facebook page.

Exactly like the summer series was, the winter edition is being funded entirely on the back of the print sales that made shooting the content possible to begin with.

It's been a massive experiment / departure trying to figure 2020 out, but I can't tell you how incredibly grateful I am that so many viewers have helped to make the "Hometown Series" a success and a personal bright spot in a challenging year. It genuinely means a lot.

So, are you ready to see more? Stay tuned for the debut on New Year's Day!  

Clay Documentary Continues To Find New Eyes

One year ago today the documentary I directed Clay, Creativity & the Comeback premiered inside one of the historic factories showcased in the film (Medalta Potteries) and was then released to the public. Resulting in some amazing connections over the last twelve months, the project has now reached hundreds of thousands of people on various platforms across Canada. 


Clay, Creativity & the Comeback is the story of how the factories and abandoned ruins of a once booming industrial clay district were saved from demolition and renewed through the work of artists, volunteers, and a community with a vision. 

Shot in my hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta this was a story that I felt echoed one of the challenges that communities across Canada are continually facing. How do you preserve heritage while also adapting historic sites for renewed purposes? What does that even look like? And who are the people that make these visions a reality?

Clay, Creativity & the Comeback is a documentary that captures the first hand stories of many of the individuals directly involved in this decades long transformation - a transformation that lead a collection of crumbling structures to not just be saved or restored, but to become a National Historic Site of Canada that would welcome artists from around the world.

The entire feature length documentary is FREE to watch and has been posted on Editing Luke. View Clay, Creativity & the Comeback here.  

What Was Thinking Hat?

Over the last few years I've been asked a handful of times, seemingly out of nowhere, about this one project I was involved with - "what was Thinking Hat?" It's funny how some things spread and then pop up again - having gone on a journey that was largely out of your control. It began in the summer of 2013. I was approached by Spectacle out of Calgary to discuss the idea behind a joint exhibition to debut in downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta as part of Alberta Culture Days. 

The premise was a simple, but compelling idea centred around what was and what could be in the downtown core. My portion of the exhibit featured the photo essays that I had captured of some of the historic and abandoned structures in downtown Medicine Hat for my Around the Hat series. This would be contrasted against Spectacle's architectural and design work for how some of these underused spaces could be reimagined for modern developments. 

What made this concept pop was that it was hosted in a then vacant Beveridge Block at the same time as 2nd Street was in the final stages of receiving a massive upgrade. The weekend long exhibition debuted on September 27, 2013 and saw hundreds of curious visitors come through the doors including fellow artists, business owners, city councilors, and the mayor. 

Following the initial exhibition, Thinking Hat was displayed in the public library and eventually ended up in several of the vacant storefronts on 2nd Street. Amazingly, the project was left visible to the general public for nearly half a year. Why after all these years though, you may be wondering, has Thinking Hat still come up in conversation from time to time? 

Not long after our exhibition in the Beveridge Block the building, which had been vacant for more than a decade, was sold and completely renovated into an impressive event space. While we can't take credit for that, the work we did to put on this exhibit was the first time the building had been accessible to the public in years. It was also arguably the best it had looked in a long time too. Naturally, it sparked a lot of conversations.



At the end of 2018 I also released a documentary short called On 2nd, which was about the changes I had witnessed on 2nd Street as part of shooting my Around the Hat photo series. The project featured some of the footage I captured during Thinking Hat, and to date the documentary short has been viewed several hundred thousand times.

I still look back fondly at what we achieved with Thinking Hat, not just because of the feedback, but because it felt like we were stirring the pot on a discussion about downtown that had felt stagnant. Thinking Hat added more to the conversation by highlighting the good, the potential, and the proof that there was more here than people realized. It was a good start. 

 Jessie Andjelic and Philip Vandermey of Spectacle, and Luke Fandrich of Editing Luke (me).