The Making of Estella Scrooge (2min Teaser)
In this 2‑minute teaser, Paul Gordon, Kevin Surace, and several collaborators discuss the conception and production of the digital musical Estella Scrooge. The idea began when Paul Gordon sketched a show and John Caird, after seeing a Christmas musical, suggested writing one. Kevin Surace defines “digital theater” as a new medium that blends the traditions of musical theater with digital technology—neither a filmed stage performance nor a conventional movie, but something in‑between that he believes will endure. The participants describe how the production is coordinated remotely: the director works from London while actors and crew are scattered across locations, communicating through screens. They highlight the creative freedoms of virtual staging—characters can appear through walls, chimneys, or floorboards—while also noting practical constraints such as the high cost of shooting a single scene and the difficulty of achieving intimate on‑screen interactions (e.g., with Betsy Wolfe). The discussion also references key figures like John Caird, editor Tyler, and performer Betsy Wolfe, illustrating both the artistic vision and logistical challenges of pioneering digital theater.
