The Man Behind a Mysterious Miniature Town | Short Film Showcase
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- Artist Michael Paul Smith created a 1950s utopian town out of miniatures based on stories and moments from his childhood. When photographs of the town, Elgin Park, went viral, Smith, a self-proclaimed recluse, had to work through coming to terms with his fame. In this short from Animal East, the modelmaker talks about his life and how he's coped and connected with fans of his work.
Check out the Elgin Park book: www.animalmedia...
➡ Subscribe: bit.ly/NatGeoSu...
➡ Get More Short Film Showcase: bit.ly/ShortFil...
#NationalGeographic #ShortFilmShowcase #MiniatureTown
About Short Film Showcase:
A curated collection of the most captivating documentary shorts from filmmakers around the world. See more from National Geographic's Short Film Showcase at documentary.com
Get More National Geographic:
Official Site: bit.ly/NatGeoOf...
Facebook: bit.ly/FBNatGeo
Twitter: bit.ly/NatGeoTw...
Instagram: bit.ly/NatGeoInsta
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
The Man Behind a Mysterious Miniature Town | Short Film Showcase
• The Man Behind a Myste...
National Geographic
/ natgeo
Michael Paul Smith, Rest In Peace. You moved permanently to Elgin Park.
He died on Nov. 19, 2018 in Reading, Mass., at 67.
A good person bless his heart.
What? Really? How sad. Way too young
Oh no
rest in peace...
I just read his obit on Hemmings Daily.......beautiful......
I've never been more intrigued. I've always loved miniatures and model making but haven't done it in years. This video has inspired me.
+James Meszaros This looks like something I'd do when I'm his age.
James Meszaros my brother was awesome at model building & pretty amazing at art when he was younger,unfortunately he's not kept it up,even as a hobby.
I have no artistic talent,so I hate to see anyone else waste theirs.
wehttam420 It's not a waste. When people stop doing what they love, is because probably they stopped loving it. I play guitar since I was 10, I went through Pop, Rock, Metal, studied Jazz guitar, played fusion and funk. Now I teach guitar, and still play in a few bands, but I had my struggles too. I forced myself to practice, when I really didn't want to. You can become a slave of what you think is the only thing that makes you matter. Now I don't practice guitar at all, except I have to prepare for a rehearsal/concert or I'm in the mood for it (which didn't happen in months). I found out new things that I love doing, learning opera singing and piano, and that's what I practice mostly. Also I'm making the motorbike driving license to get a bit of action out of life. Believe me, it's extremely difficult to understand that what you did your whole life is not what necessarily defines you at the moment, and that learning new and different stuff can be much more exciting than keep perfectioning what you already can do. Reinventing oneself might be one of the hardest tasks, but if you manage to do so, you're in for a beautiful trip!
when you love something you never stop doing it
chevyengine307 when your hobbies are expensive then yes you sure as shit do from time to time.
These are the kind of people bullied out of society.
Good one guys.
Next time you bolster your shakey self esteem by picking on a "loser" think about this guy.
You might be the loser, picking on a genius.
Generic- ScreenName it's nice that in this morass of youtubery someone like you actually gets it. Thanks!
Thanks for kind words...I too was a 'victim' as a kid.
Red Hair will do it. It has followed me my whole life, and now, at 73, I just don't care any more. If someone makes a rude comment...F**k them, and I'll tell them that. You tend to retreat to a safe inner place where no one can hurt you. Thanks for listening... ✌😔
Which is the case, if someone is picking on someone else for trivial reasons
I like how he blends in the miniatures with real backgrounds. :-)
Yes! It's the cherry on the cake!
Kendall A oh yeah never really noticed that
Yes, superb matching up and use of what's around. It's like Silent Movie makers (e.g., Harold Lloyd --Google how he did the effects in Safety Last, with foregrounds and background real buildings...) did and echoing, 'dancing' with how other directors did with miniatures...
those pictures remind me if a time when my grandfather was beaten to near death because he moved into the wrong neighborhood. oh yes the good old times🤤🤤🤤 when all the natives where wiped out of sight and the stolen land was futile for the new Americans. the good old times, I wonder why it was soo good. I'm sure racism, years or free labor and stolen fertile land had nothing to do with it.
@@EternalResonance Sure, the 1950's- early 1960's he's deliberately looking at and finding the sweet side of (partly to heal from being bullied himself during those real years), and sure, we know that for many the 1950's were not 'Happy Days.' My parents told me they liked much of the 1950's, including America generously giving the Marshall Plan and GI Bill... But they personally remembered the McArtheyite hysterical paranoid times too. They were glad to leave the USA several years in the '50's, to in part represent the several sides of USA to interested Dutch and Danes as exchange teachers.
That's my neighbor! Such a great guy
Is he married or dating?
Or just live by himself?
I can back that up because I'm his house
@@romanfox5368 I read in his obituary that he had a boyfriend for many years.
???HE DIED??? )-:
@@snoopdoggdankkush9285 he died?
Can't stop staring at his glorious mustache
+Sloth Was that really necessary?
+Sloth lol
+Sloth you're an idiot
Sloth you're a nasty little Sloth
Scrubola Omg same profile pic
incredibly likeable man.I watched this film with an extraordinary feeling of "I know where this is going with the bullying tale"
I watched as he tenderly held the model cars and opened up that genius of a glass and wood unit that held all of the models in line. I like the background music that gave a real sense of living in that era.The models are superb and what makes it all the more interesting is that as he converses with people, he brings out stories of the past that is warming. Mr Smith......I like you .
yes, this was truly just AWESOME. That little town is quite amazing.
have you been watching it too? I would love to be able to build models like him. so much detail that i wouldn't think about adding,,,,
+rubberdc I thought the same thing! A very likable person who after much struggle and come to terms with his life. beautiful!
Your comment confused me so much. i read it three times before i realized you said "incredibly likable man" and not "incredibly unlikable man".
wtf is wrong with my brain
Max Carter I Had to go back and read it with 'unlikeable'
someone please get this man an instagram
I agree
God damn instagram...
That would be pity... His life is so charming cuz it's his own personal business
He is actually on Flickr and has been there since 2008. ^_^ Go follow him! The photo quality is higher on Flickr anyway, so you can zoom in and appreciate more details. Seriously, join Flickr and follow this brilliant and charming man. Comment on his photos. He's very friendly and eager to share his art!
It would be a shame to see his life polluted
He deserves a whole feature film based on his life....not just a short film !
Madhura Bali agree
A story about him. And use his miniatures for the movie!
Already Happening With Steve Carrel
theres a film of sort..think Robbin williams, before passing
@@alphamonfort5952 "Welcome To Marwen"
That was absolutely the best 9 minutes that I've spent on the internet.....in a long time.R.I.P. Michael. you were a true artist.
At first I thought the models were cute but after hearing his life's story I realize that these miniatures have a deep and touching story behind them.
why?
lol
The bearded guy where the hell did you get that from? its a story about someone overcoming personal adversity to find purpose. being gay isn't the problem, being bullied and outcast is. listen to how he speaks about taking things you learn earlier in life and applying them to what you eventually end up doing later... that guy's story is beautiful.
if he didnt wana be bullied then dont be gay simple af
COMICS ARE THE BEST lol like you can "not be gay" in the same way you can "not be straight" or suddenly decide that you're not a human, you're actually a cat. you must live in a very small simple world. good luck to you!
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, BEETLEJUICE !
+kelley davis Yayy i was soo hoping to find this comment! Great minds think alike ^.^
Omg yes😂
kelley davis lol that beetlejuice reminds me of the part in Ted 2. lol
kelley davis I scrolled to find this comment
This cracked me up!
Creativity always has a back story.
+Paul Tepes Well said!
Paul Tepes not when my dad filled orange juice into a condom to drink later
So true and Well said!
Paul Tepes that'z tru
Paul Tepes Agreed!
He sounds like a 20 year old youthful guy rather than a old guy
you will find you are young at the age as well we remain our childhood only some put masks to air of adult :)
That is how some old folks sound, welcome to earth.
7:31 " I almost feel like I'm finishing up the loose ends of my life. Maybe I'll live another 20 years - I don't know. If I pass away tomorrow, you know ..that's O.K. - I feel like I've done something. "
R.I.P. Michael. I'm glad it all worked out for you.
There is a movie called Marwen with Steve Carell. It is based on Michael's life.
I'm glad I found out some about the real person before watching the film.
Minor correction: "Welcome to Marwen" and the earlier documentary "Marwencol" are actually based on Mr. Mark Hogancamp, but both men are extraordinary storytellers and artists. I sincerely hope there are efforts underway to preserve Mr. Smith's amazing buildings and his awesome vehicle collection in a museum-type setting~
What a glorious beard for a glorious man.
EdNorty very true
twenty øne piløts fandom Hey fren!|-/
LPS Lucy Productions l
Hats off to this guy, he really like what he does 👏👏👏
Paul Ramos Yeah, but asside from liking it,
He performs miracles.
I am as envious as impressed.
Genius. Having seen your work and 'meeting' you this way made my day. Your work is fascinating. With all best wishes from a new fan from the UK!
In the film he said "I feel like I am tying up lose ends" He had a strong sense his time was short. I wish I could buy a copy of his photos.
Mind Poacher I completely understand what you are saying
There is his book, Elgin Park.
Very well he has done
Sound like yoda you do.. 🤭
This man is 10/10
hi kevin
Peter Griffin He's gay
kidney crayons sounds like the bible
Kevin Larsson nah 1000/10
Cassius: why do men always compare humans to animals???
this is so cool. I'm a press operator at a book manufacturer and I got to print the book of your work. You did an amazing job.
how fun! :)
+National Geographic This was shot sooooooooooo beautifully. Which camera was it shot with?
Cognitio Vitae video camera
Cognitio Vitae probably a Red camera like the Red Dragon
Analog Vortex Reminds me of the Red Dwagon meme.
Cognitio Vitae Using natural light and shallow focus is full frame DSLR territory.
I got fired because I would not wear hot pants...Love him .
Star Gazer wtf are hot pants
And here I won't wear skinny jeans!!!
@belinda hawkins 😂
belinda hawkins nope
@@lunacally4903 Spandex briefs.
I messaged him back in 2010 about his craft and how I enjoyed his pictures. He was an extremely giving and talented person who was generous and kind in his response. I had no idea that he'd passed away in 2018 and it makes me sad. I'm so sorry he felt the torment of bullying throughout his life as it's a burden so many bear. May he rest in peace and rise in Elgin Park.
Nooooooooooo :(
What a thoroughly charming person.
if i was to build my old childhood town, i'll just find some dried pile of shit. Done!
SwampySack Hahaha!!
hakhakhak cant stop laughing at his comment lol
SwampySack Bad day?
Oh, you must be from NYC
What an awesome guy. I fucking hate bullies..
Fell upon this video. Loved it.
He's like a Bob Ross for sculpting
I'm sorry that you was tormented when you were young.
I hate bully's
It's not your fault it's there own
english much?
were* bullies* their*
Some of you should remember that not everybody's first language is English. By laughing with this guy you just told everybody on here you're just as bad as the guys he's talking about.
He seems like a great person.
RM9911
No one is
This man is amazing at what he does and his story of how he found something to overcome his troubles is great! What is the matter with people on these comments?! I don't care how people are if you gay or not, of a certain religion, black or white, from another country, short or tall. People love to criticize but put a mirror in front of yourself and judge yourselves first before judging other's lifestyle. No one is perfect! But his art is and that was his therapy and what he likes. That's why he's here.
A gentleman and a genius of the trade...as he says a person is to be like...I know a few and their are talented ,creative and excellent human beans...G.B.Y.
Maria Rojas absolutely correct,,as people had rather criticize someone else's lifestyle and happiness,as to look inside themselves and ponder their own shortcomings,and insecurities.. it takes more strength to criticize and besmirch someone else's happiness,and their long desired destiny,then it does to encourage that man's dreams.. God Almighty tells us Blessed Be The Peacemaker, and to do unto others yet some are so Green With Envy and literally ate up with hatred so they had rather do Satan's bidding as to encourage another person's happiness how sad,how sad indeed.. I will close by saying thank you kind person,as your remark are wonderfully encouraging.. thank God there are still decent people out there amongst us,and ready to rise up so vigorously on another's behalf. this world is truly over ran with hatred,however your kindness will always make the difference,and your reward will definitely be waiting in heaven.. thank God I am not alone in my belief that all of mankind is worthy of love and respect.. I I have never fretted man,and nor will I. it took a hard life and many years before I realized I never went it alone as God always went with me I am indebted to a higher power and I could never explain how much love I have for the god that created us all. my father alone has proven how much he loves me and all of the world so I am happy, and very much privileged to live by my father's rule,and so I do unto others,and i let he without sin cast the first stone...good day,and God bless.
Amen Martha the guy has a great talent ...some People need to open their closet door very slowly..
Maria, put a mirror in front of myself?!!! Not a very good idea at all.
What if he's really a giant?
=O
Thanks for making me chuckle !!
bark bark bark
The the cameraman is a giant too
ron l Plot Twist
1:15 "Everything you do, you will learn from it and you will use it later on in life!" I'll frame this and put it on my wall with one of his pictures.
A true old school nerd! Props m8. :D
:D
:D
:D
:D
:D
PURE CLASS!!!!
........... hisssssssssssss!
He probably should build some Fallout 4 Scenery
Absolutely, if I was head of Bethesda I would be straight on the phone to this guy. I know that there's a miniatures game coming out soon named 'Fallout Wasteland Warfare' but I know this guys scenery is 100 times better.
Good fit I reckon mate. Very nostalgic
Or bioshock
Nah fallout 3 would be better because it had a more accurate look of an atomic atmosphere than 4
tyranado infernorino you're right
WOW! ended up here because I was looking for videos on miniatures/model makers. Not only a great artist but he had very compelling back story. Was very sad to read in comments he passed away few years ago. What a talent.
The modelling world says farewell to a master of his skill.
Rest In Peace Michael.
:-(
Sammy B Videography wait what.?!
@@ryleyw3684 No, I'm not seeing anything on that either.
cameriqueTV yeah he past away
He kinda remind of lorax haha
The mustache
Marcus Koay and a good heart
Fascinating story, and some beautiful work! He has the creative genius to make those miniatures come to life.
I am a straight man who can only say to Hell with other peopleand what they think every human has a place on earth and you found yours keep your head high and keep making people smile!!
What an inspiring story! And from one miniature enthusiast to another, the detail and love that go into these creations is so apparent and impressive. Elgin Park is a beautiful creation!
The only bad part of this video is that it end.
The government hired him to fake the moon landing LOL
Chappy.Gaming101....
Chappy.Gaming101 HAHA that was really clever! Hats off to you XD
Chappy.Gaming101 AHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA no.
Chappy
🤣🤣🤣
If Michael HAD done the moonlanding pics - we'd never have realised it was fake!
Anyone else that just wishes for a time machine so we can go back and stick up for the guy?
Absolutely ingenious. This man seems to be an inspiration to people everywhere. Whether you make miniatures or not.
This guy is so personal. I think his love for his passion makes him GREAT! God Bless this man.
I can imagine his model world as being perfect for an episode for " The Twilight Zone".
Lorenzo Notarianni I was thinking 'Blue Velvet' (David Lynch) but yeah, 'The Twilight Zone'.
You're not far off!
Watch "Stopover in a Quiet Town" from season 5 of Twilight Zone; should still be on Netflix/Hulu as of today~
My dad constantly got shit from people throughout his adolescent life ( 60s-80s) because he always stood up for gays. Same with his father before him. Best story i heard from him was when he put a dent in a locker using the school bullies head bc he was beating down on a closet gay whom rumors about his sexuality had been circulating about. The principal sat my father down, smiled at him and said "good job son." Still got in some trouble but he doesnt regret it to this day
He also belts me whenever i talk bad about the 1986 Giants but thats beside the fact.
"Fight violence and hate with violence and hate" yeah way to go that's helpful *eyeroll*
Mesmer ASMR oh wow okay. That's what u have to say? What if this poor guy in the video had someone slam his bully into a locker? Yes I agree that physical violence usually isn't the answer but there are times when someone dishing out the violence in the first place needs a taste of his own medicine.
Cool story.
Billy Bob Thorton's Pet Anchoive That’s not right
You're excellent work is jaw-dropping! I'm lovin' it!!!!! 💗 All the best to you!!
This gentleman is one of my personal heroes . He is living proof that kindness and intelligence are the two most important qualities one person can wish for . His humility and natural personality are so magnetic . He is truly a Unicorn (no gay innuendo) i really mean the mythical elusive creature . He is a true treasure .
Every gay and non gay kid should watch this, every adult should watch this and then take a good look at themselves in the mirror and reflect about their life .
Morgan Olfursson i em so agree .
👏👏 Well said.
I like this guy. Makes me feel like I could find a lot of common ground with him.
I just feel like this guy could use a hug, does anyone else feel like he could use a hug?
😢
dammit, I could use a hug.
nice work....I like how he embrace being different. Inspirational
I do stuff like this...a whole town like this. Quirky, too, but smaller-scale buildings. Funny, it's never occurred to me to share it in a film, like this guy has. And, I was bullied. I guess that's what happens to us miniature-makers.
I think most people can remember being bullied in childhood at some point. Some more than others obviously but we all seem to get our own share. I, too make miniatures. I make lots of things actually, not only miniatures, but there is just something magical about the world of tiny. It has a safe feeling to me.
@@THXx1138 This guy wasn't bullied "at some point".
I'm currently collecting stuff for my world.
*_"Everything you do, you will learn from it. And you will use it later in life."_*
"everything you do, you will learn from it and you will use itlater on you in life"
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice BEETLEJUICE!
I handled my bullies from high school when I got older. I slept with their wives instead of building miniatures.
Nice!
Those photos are so convincing . Every detail in perfect lighting.
Great work Mike, your detailed pieces are excellent and your photo presentations are simply beautiful. Thank you so much for posting. Such a wonderful personal story of your life that you shared with all of us. Long live Elgin Park, PA.
I'm revisiting this short film 7 years after first discovering it 7 years ago. This small film inspired me so much when starting out as an aspiring model maker, and this played such a large role in my own miniature journey. Absolutely infatuated with his works, and this process. Such an incredible storyteller. Thank you to whoever made this.
I want him to be my grandfather right now !
Bullying should be a crime.
Shubham Bhushan its a huge crime in new Jersey people dont get bullied here in new Jersey anymore
Wow! Outstanding! At first I thought the scenes were real! Perfect illusion!
What a beautiful person.
He sounds like Steve carrel or Steve carrel sounds like him.
I am so glad to have found this man"s video. I just wished I had seen it earlier. At least he had a nice life recreating his dreams. Travel safe Michael Paul Smith
Such a talented human being
I remember first hearing about Elgin Park from an internet picture site. Flickr, I believe it was. I also bought a book about Elgin Park by Smith himself. I didn't grow up during the 1940s, 1950s, or the 60s, etc., but I've always loved model buildings, cars, music, and the atmosphere of the middle 20th century. That's the fun thing about models like Elgin Park. Whether you're reliving the nostalgia of the 50s or you're imagining yourself in that era. While the 50s and 60s weren't *all* Utopia and joy, with the Cold War scare, and the *"Threat of Communism",* etc., it can't have been *all* bad either.
Jason Carpp totally
@D Ceased Thanks partly to *"President"* Donald Drumpf, and his ties with Russia.
@D Ceased Corruption and lying goes different ways.
@D Ceased With so much going on in the world, it's not always easy to respond to *every* comment posted.
what an amazing art, I salute you my friend.
Jeezus Loueezus I’m so glad people like him are in this world. I was bullied, & built models, & As I watch this, I’m thinking “those inconsiderate & mean people never stopped to realize what a privilege it was to cross paths with this cat.” The inwardly brokenness is all to familiar a feeling for me. If only we all treated each other as if it were a privilege, think of how sweet life would be. You are an inspiration, sir, & your models are amazing as well!
What a genius, what a lovely, lovely man. I've seen his photos elsewhere on the net and they always captivate me - such subtle, perceptive observations converted into the most beautiful, exquisitely crafted models. I can honestly say I have never seen better.
oh i wish i could shrink myself and live in that small town or live in the 1950s 😍
Me too
This could be a great movie about a man who makes up this town to get people to come to his hotel that will take them to his exclusive town to live. But, none of them ever make it to the town. All of them die in his hotel because he is a serial killer with a model making talent.
+moofushu send that idea to Stephen King, lol.
+moofushu I believe there was a Criminal Minds episode like that a few years ago. It wasn't about a hotel, but about a girl who killed her sister and friends then made models of their deaths
moofushu There was an actual serial killer who murdered his hotel guests years back. I think.
It's been 6 Years and i didn't know that he was already Gone. RIP Michael Paul Smith🌹
Love seeing models also I think they are more suited for films instead of CGI
Amazing!
I relate to him because I too have been bullied for years especially when I was in school. I also have always found miniatures to be fascinating and I love the 50s. I enjoyed this short film, it was interesting to watch💙💛
Shut up.
So impressive how real those models look. I feel like there should be an art gallery dedicated to miniatures ... Ive always found them to be so fascinating
He’s good but it’s hard to top Laurence Geringer.
I'm so glad he talked himself out of killing himself. What would the world be without these glorious pictures and his story. There is always a bigger plan for you sometimes even when you can't see it. 💞
I would love to buy a small town like Elgin park!!!🏡 . I think what he does is amazing. Keep going amazing pass.
Even in this video there are dislikes.. how possible?
Bc todays world is messed up...
Bad aiming due to terrible eyesight. That's the only positive explanation.
Ok I don’t thinks it’s because they’re homophobes I mean the RUclips dislike button really doesn’t mean anything anyway
I really like him. "I came into this reality at a slightly different angle". Amazing quote.
In his own little way - he made a difference - perfect epitaph. God Bless.
I became friends online through Flickr with Michael way back in 2008 before his Elgin Park photos blew up. He was such a wonderfully sweet guy and we talked a lot about our shared love of everything 1950s and 60s, as I'm a model railroader and I love building models from those bygone eras. I am so glad to see him get the recognition he deserves for his incredible works of art.
Who's watching this in 2018 ✌🏿🇯🇲
Isn’t this what the movie “Marwen” is based on??
My Dad and I would have never known of the 1954 corvette nomad if it werent for this video. Thanks Mike.
I've always loved toy models
OMG you are doing something I've wanted to do for a long time. I actually took architecture in high school and wanted to create a town of miniatures. I found out a few years back there is a miniature town in England UK. Keep creating,you are fantastic.
He looks like Grandpa Sheldon Cooper.
Wow looks life size in his photos. Now that's a gift. Really cool mini houses. I'm also doing projects similar to this.
I was born in 1947 and growing up in Toronto Canada some of these scenes Mr. Smith has created brought back memories of soda fountains the local hardware store and one of the last blacksmith shops in the city , Thanks ever so much.
This would inspire a lot of young people and give them courage too. If the creator would perhaps like to share more of his knowledge. A lot of people would be interested in knowing more about the techniques. If perhaps he can start a video blog, taking an an individual project at a time.
"I was a mailman, got bit the first day so i quit."
"I learned how roads are laid out in my time as a mailman."
Lol I'm sure you really picked up a lot on how roads are laid out and how cities grow in your one day as a mailman
It's edited he probably didn't quit exactly on the first day
What a nostalgic feeling sight! The design of the thing is full of warmth. The heart of this author is transmitted.
Miniatures are always fascinating, be it Bonsai, Tray Landscapes 🙏🏻