The Man Behind a Mysterious Miniature Town | Short Film Showcase
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- 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.
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The Man Behind a Mysterious Miniature Town | Short Film Showcase
• The Man Behind a Myste...
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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.
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!
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 :(
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.
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.
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! :)
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.
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?
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'
This guy is so personal. I think his love for his passion makes him GREAT! God Bless this man.
What an awesome guy. I fucking hate bullies..
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.
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!
What a thoroughly charming person.
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!
So happy that he dug his way out of depression. He's an inspiration to a lot of us in that similar position. Finding the right outlet for your emotions is key.
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!
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
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???
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.
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.
It's been 6 Years and i didn't know that he was already Gone. RIP Michael Paul Smith🌹
Absolutely ingenious. This man seems to be an inspiration to people everywhere. Whether you make miniatures or not.
He seems like a great person.
RM9911
No one is
What a glorious beard for a glorious man.
EdNorty very true
twenty øne piløts fandom Hey fren!|-/
LPS Lucy Productions l
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~
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.
Those photos are so convincing . Every detail in perfect lighting.
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.
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.
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!
I´m so proud of you! I was bullied for a long time, too and i really can imagine how you feel. The wounds are still there, but every day is a gift, cause we didn´t give up. Surviving that makes life really special.
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.
Fascinating story, and some beautiful work! He has the creative genius to make those miniatures come to life.
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.
He took a photo with his camera.. Can't Believable.. Perfect Photography.. Hats off... Thank you for sharing the documentary with us..
Michael Paul Smith thank you for not dying. You make so many people happy. Thank you for being 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!
A true old school nerd! Props m8. :D
:D
:D
:D
:D
:D
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
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.
Fell upon this video. Loved it.
He's like a Bob Ross for sculpting
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
What a beautiful person.
What a nostalgic feeling sight! The design of the thing is full of warmth. The heart of this author is transmitted.
He is so well spoken and does not seem like a recluse
Goes to show that you really can get through anything
PURE CLASS!!!!
........... hisssssssssssss!
In his own little way - he made a difference - perfect epitaph. God Bless.
I like this guy. Makes me feel like I could find a lot of common ground with him.
I'd love to see all that he's created! Maybe even use it for a short film, the environment he's created is very immersive and captivating. Truly a gift to the world.
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.
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.
Bullying should be a crime.
Shubham Bhushan its a huge crime in new Jersey people dont get bullied here in new Jersey anymore
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!!
You have amazing talent. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to see Elgin Park through your eyes as well as our own. Thank you so much for sharing
I purchased Michael Paul Smith's photo book a couple years ago. Each photo is a haunting, serene and dreamlike landscape, completely devoid of people, reminding me of an American era that was dying around the time I was born, but never really existed in the first place, outside of 1950's TV shows. There is no racism, no violence, no sexism, just a quiet little suburban town, waiting patiently for it's inhabitants to return.
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
You're excellent work is jaw-dropping! I'm lovin' it!!!!! 💗 All the best to you!!
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.
Very well he has done
Sound like yoda you do.. 🤭
I really like him. "I came into this reality at a slightly different angle". Amazing quote.
Wow! Outstanding! At first I thought the scenes were real! Perfect illusion!
nice work....I like how he embrace being different. Inspirational
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!
How very reassuring to see that someone had the attention span necessary to cary out the dream i was not committed enough to back in the day.
You sir, are a Titan of accomplishment.
"everything you do, you will learn from it and you will use itlater on you in life"
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 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.
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.
This guy is so wholesome. Rest in Peace Michael, you are now in Elgin Park forever.
If people would only learn from this Guys greatness of humanity, and his out look on life, his attitude has SO inspired me, from the point when he said something of his childhood that he too can not forget, I too suffer from such the past, and sometimes we just can not move on from it, but hide it away.. God Bless Him for Who he has become, and how he is, and what HE DOES for ALL OF us that UNDERSTAND!
Such a talented human being
*_"Everything you do, you will learn from it. And you will use it later in life."_*
what an amazing art, I salute you my friend.
I believe he found peace in the best way possible for him through his craft.
He was right in believing that his life’s experiences helped him in building Elgin Park, and in coming to peace with his life.
That liberation comment is so true. You come to peace with life. Yet you still manage to find value. It's just scary when things turn bad and you realize you have nothing to lose. There may be some fear, but it's more just peace. You just move on. Worst case you leave it all behind and start a new life. It's just that anxiety that's difficult.
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
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.
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.
Even today he has such sadness in his eyes. I feel so sad for his childhood and all the bullying he endured.
So worth checking out this guy’s entire catalogue. Some of his images look so real you’d swear you weren’t looking at a model.
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
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
One of the Best stories and explanation of the spirit of creativity I ve ever witnessed albeit through this medium. Love this "artist" ! You have succeeded , you have shared and you have triumphed. Bless You!!!
Just unbelievable. He should be working for hollywood. Amazing artist he is.
Love seeing models also I think they are more suited for films instead of CGI
+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.
The only bad part of this video is that it end.
He does not know how much I find him very interesting and yes VERY likable. So happy you showed how life can turn itself around for people that are having a bad time... Thank you Sir.
I don’t know what in “my interests” on UA-cam sent me this video.......BUT IM SO GLAD I RECEIVED IT! What an amazingly imaginative and talented person. I am so glad this came my way and am now looking forward to new installments as soon as he can get them out!
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.
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~
R.I.P Michael.
Wow, what a delightful story. Loved the continuety of his ideas and almost symplistic scenes that anyone could relate to. Brilliant
There is a safety in creating a miniature world. Michael Paul Smith's story would resonate with many creative people.
Who's watching this in 2018 ✌🏿🇯🇲