Hollowplex Theatre Interactive Set
Experience Design
Project Description
It’s showtime! This Halloween I wanted to do something big and create an experience in my house set within the universe of The Harbinger and Hallow Hollow I had established in previous project. In thinking what other locations I wanted to explore in the fictional town, I landed on the local movie theater. Seeing spooky movies in theaters has always been such a big part of my Halloween experience, as far back as when I was a kid. I really wanted to create my own theater so I could feel that excitement every day of October. This is still a work-in-progress and I will be updating here as it nears completion throughout the season.
Setting the Scene
It's Halloween Night 1995 in the small town of Hallow Hollow, but you wouldn’t be able to tell as not a single decoration can be seen on any house. For centuries, the town has banned celebrating Halloween in fear of a malevolent spirit called the Harbinger. In your quest for something to do, a crumpled flyer blows at your feet. You pick it up and read “Secret Midnight Movie at the Hollowplex. Don’t tell anyone, not even yourself.” Your curiosity gets the better of you. As you approach the theater, it looks like it could be abandoned. Built in the 1920s, the once regal art deco exterior is now tarnished with decades of moss and vines creeping up the facade. As you enter the lobby you see the decay has crept inside as well. While some pieces are original from the 1920s, there is a mismatch of different design styles from the multiple renovations the theater has had over the years. One thing every surface has in common is a thick layer of grease and dust. Some attempts have been made to keep the theater modern, such as large cardboard standees advertising upcoming movies, 3D glasses available for purchase and a display case of various movie “props” you have a hard time believing are authentic. But then the wonderful smell of fresh popcorn hits your nose from behind the counter and all your hesitation disappears, like you’re under a beautiful trance. You begin to notice all of the Halloween decorations adorning just about every inch of the theatre. You suddenly feel cozy and content in a warm hug from a holiday that has been forgotten in this town. Better get a snack and head to your seat, the show’s about to start. (I don’t recommend trying the pickled “eyeballs”).
Software Used:
SketchUp // Adobe Illustrator // Adobe Photoshop // My own hands
Date:
October 2024
