One Year Into Production on the Documentary

One year ago I announced that my new documentary about the Monarch Theatre had been greenlit - a largely unknown (outside of my hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta) historic cinema with a really unique backstory.

No surprises, it's come to define a lot of my 2022.

Production updates, exploration, title reveals, behind the scenes, media releases, etc. It's been fun to share parts of this process (if for no other reason) because uncovering the history of a century old cinema, its origins and evolution, etc. lead me down a few rabbit holes that I needed help climbing out of (so to speak).

Through months of research, interviews, filming, more research, delays, and seemingly endless editing I'm able to finally share that the project is ... still not done. But, we're close-ish ... at least closer. All the puzzle pieces are built and the outside edges are done.

So while a 2023 release is imminent, I'm feeling more and more excited about what's coming up in these final months.

Which begs the question, would anyone like to see an actual sneak peek of the documentary if I decided to release a preview early? Because the trailer is ready and I'm hyped lol.

*REPOSTED: From the Editing Luke facebook page.

Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Oga's Cantina within Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is perhaps one of the most competitive dining reservations in all of Walt Disney World in Florida. This is simply because the space is small, well-themed, and offers unique drinks available only at this one location. 

During our visit we enjoyed the Jedi Mind Trick (a blue vodka cocktail), the Fuzzy Tauntaun (noted for its lip numbing foam), and the Cliff Dweller (a non-alcoholic drink in a collectable Porg mug). We also had the Happabore Sampler (essentially a charcuterie board) to balance out the flavours. Overall, we thought everything was tasty and well prepared, but especially pricey at just over $100 for these 4 selections.

This is one of those Walt Disney World experiences that I'd probably only recommend for the more dedicated Star Wars fan, mostly because it is difficult to justify the expense otherwise. The theming and atmosphere is lively and fun, but the space can be cramped, getting a reservation can be especially time consuming, and after all of that, once you're inside your visit is maxed out at just 45 minutes and a two drink maximum.

Still, it's difficult to deny the appeal of these exclusive experiences - much like the lightsaber building - drinks at Oga's Cantina is a memorable activity within Galaxy's Edge. Whether or not it's more than a one-time activity, however, is something I'm still questioning.

 

8mm Bell & Howell Model 256 Film Projector

The latest film projector to find its way into my collection is this vintage 8mm Bell & Howell Model 256 movie projector. Made in the 1950s, this projector was made for screening home movies filmed on cameras like this other Bell & Howell I picked up earlier this year. I've yet to screen anything with this 8mm projector yet, but after a thorough clean she looks as good as new.