Local film fans will get a rare insight into the mechanics of a family favourite before and after a special screening next week.
Film Forres have invited automata experts, Michael and Maria Start, to introduce ‘Hugo’ (U, 126 mins) at Forres Town Hall at 6.30pm on Friday, January 17 – a Martin Scorsese-directed movie Michael helped produce before its release in 2011.
Michael, Maria and Hector Start with Nelly at the opening of House of Automata.Beth Taylor
The Starts run The House Of Automata at 32 High Street; the UK’s largest collection of the clockwork artefacts.
Michael said: “It is a great pleasure to take part in this Film Forres special event and to see Hugo on the big screen again. It is a great film, based on a true story.
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to speak about the wonderful experience of working closely with some of the biggest stars of the cinema.”
Hugo tells the story of a boy who lives alone in a railway station in 1930s Paris who becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding his late father’s automaton and pioneering filmmaker Georges Méliès.
The film received 11 Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture), winning Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects. It was also nominated for eight BAFTAs, including Best Director, winning two, and was nominated for three Golden Globes, including Best Director.
Film star(t)s – Michael and Maria in 2011.
Representatives of the production team initially visited Michael’s workshop in Forres before employing him as the film’s automata and horological consultant. Over a six month period, he worked at Pinewood and Shepperton Studios in England, as well as on location in Paris.
Michael designed the mechanism of the automaton and dressed all of the sets incorporating automata or clocks.
“I trained the actors how to use tools as well as operate the automata and clocks,” he added. “I showed Jude Law how to hold a screwdriver and mended Scorsese’s alarm clock. I also designed Sacha Baron Cohen’s improved mechanical false leg!
“We hired many of the props used in the film. It was a lot of work and I am listed on the credits.”
Film Forres administrator Ruth Whitfield is grateful to the Starts for making themselves available as they continue to travel and film worldwide.
Michael and Maria Start discussing The House of Automata with students from Glasgow School of Art at Forres Town Hall.Picture: Beth Taylor
She said: “They have generously offered to give our audience a short demonstration before the film begins and answer questions at the end. We’re very excited to offer this unique opportunity to our community and delighted we’ve been able to arrange a date despite their hectic schedule.
“As well as Hugo, Michael and Maria have supplied automata to other Hollywood blockbusters including ‘The Woman in Black’. They have also advised on and supplied automata to major museums and collections around the world.
“Footage of their restorations has also featured in many series of ‘Salvage Hunters – The Restorers’ where they share their skills.”
The House of Automata workshop will feature in a forthcoming episode of the ‘The Repair Shop On The Road’ with Michael and his son Hector restoring a mystery object. It will be aired on BBC Scotland at 8pm on January 20 then on iplayer.
Michael is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and tales of Hollywood with a Film Forres audience.
Maria and Michael with some of their automata.
“After the film I will reveal some of the untold stories behind the scenes,” he said, “and answer questions about the making of the film.
“It was a great experience to work with the best actors in the world and see first hand how they ‘become’ their characters completely!”
The side door of the town hall will open at 6pm ahead of the demonstration at 6.30pm. Adults will be welcome to sit upstairs, children and families downstairs. Entry is £1.
For more information visit https://www.filmforres.co.uk/ and https://thehouseofautomata.com/