Monarch Theatre New Stage Construction

I'm well into extra innings as far as filming at this cinema is concerned, but this week, I've been back in the Monarch Theatre to document the progress as their new stage takes shape. 

It's been spectacular to see this come together. This upgrade represents another milestone in the redevelopment of this movie theatre. It's sure to open a wealth of new opportunities for stage shows and live acts to utilize this space - in addition to giving the Monarch more flexibility to continue their legacy as Canada's oldest, surviving, purpose-built cinema. 

It's been a rush to see how much has happened in just a few short years since the premiere screenings of our documentary first brought thousands of moviegoers back into this theatre in late 2023 and early 2024. You can follow up on the back story of this amazing movie house in the feature-length documentary "Your Cinema Needs You" exclusively on Telus Originals.

18.9 Million Views in 2025

Travel shoots, road trips, theatre screenings, online premieres, edits, thrift finds, snapshots, throwbacks, memes, hangouts, detours, successes, disappointments, reunions, bucket list checkmarks, and so so so many VHS tapes rediscovered.

For all that was, and all that's ahead, thanks for sharing the journey with me this year. Your engagement helped to generate a record number of online views across all of the Editing Luke platforms in 2025. Thank you for all of your continued support and interest.

Monarch Theatre Turns 114 Years Old

Opened 114 years ago today (on December 21, 1911) the Monarch Theatre in Medicine Hat, Alberta has made an incredible amount of progress since the premiere screenings of Your Cinema Needs You had the honour of reopening the movie theatre just a few short years ago. As revitalization efforts continue to re-establish this iconic venue, we're certain to see some big updates ahead in 2026. 

Happy 114th Monarch Theatre!

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California

Perched high on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory is one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks in Los Angeles, California. Offering sweeping views of the city below, the Pacific Ocean in the distance, and the iconic Hollywood Sign nearby, the observatory blends science, architecture, and cinematic history into a uniquely LA experience. Since opening in 1935, it has served as a public gateway to the cosmos, staying true to its mission of making astronomy accessible to everyone.

The observatory’s Art Deco design gives it a timeless presence, with its copper domes and white façade standing out against the rugged landscape of Griffith Park. Inside, visitors can explore a range of engaging exhibits that explain everything from planetary motion and solar eclipses to the scale of the universe and humanity’s place within it. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is a major highlight, featuring immersive shows that combine cutting-edge visuals with compelling storytelling about space and science.

One of the most popular attractions is the Zeiss refracting telescope, which allows guests to observe the Moon, planets, and brighter celestial objects during evening hours. Even during the day, the observatory’s terraces provide unforgettable panoramas, making it a favorite spot for photographers, hikers, and tourists alike.

Beyond science, Griffith Observatory holds a special place in popular culture, appearing in countless films and television shows, from classic Hollywood movies to modern blockbusters. Free to the public and open year-round, it remains both an educational institution and a symbol of Los Angeles’ enduring fascination with the stars.

Griffith Observatory construction ca. 1930s

James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause (1955)

Griffith Observatory construction ca. 1930s

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City

Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree has become one of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions, drawing millions of visitors each year. What began as a modest gesture by construction workers during the Great Depression, who pooled their money to buy a small tree for the site, has grown into an international symbol of hope, celebration, and community spirit. Today, the annual tree lighting marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Manhattan, transforming Midtown into a spectacle of lights, music, and festive energy.

The tree itself is typically a towering Norway spruce, selected months in advance for its size, symmetry, and overall majesty. Once chosen, it’s transported with great fanfare to Rockefeller Plaza, where workers carefully secure it and adorn it with miles of lights and shimmering decorations. The crowning touch is the iconic star at its peak, an illuminated masterpiece that casts a brilliant glow across the plaza.

Visiting the tree is more than just a quick stop for a photo. The surrounding area comes alive with ice skaters gliding beneath the lights, storefront windows dressed in elaborate displays, and holiday music echoing between the skyscrapers. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike pause to embrace the season’s warmth, even on the chilliest winter nights.

Whether you’re there to admire its scale, soak in the holiday charm, or simply join a cherished NYC tradition, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree offers a moment of wonder that captures the very heart of the holidays.