STARNO contributed to the whimsical and magical world of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, a film that celebrates imagination and the wonder of childhood. Our work focused on a pivotal and emotionally resonant scene involving the eccentric 243-year-old toy store owner, Mr. Edward Magorium (Dustin Hoffman).
The primary matte painting task involved a sequence set in a hospital room. As the lights are dimmed, the sterile environment is transformed into a magical space where dozens of "glow-in-the-dark" green stars begin to illuminate the walls and ceiling around Mr. Magorium's bed. This effect was meticulously crafted to ensure a soft, magical luminescence that feels both fantastical and grounded in the film’s unique aesthetic.
Our team handled the digital integration and lighting of these elements to enhance the atmosphere of the scene, creating a bridge between reality and the supernatural charm of the Emporium. This delicate matte painting work was executed by Frédéric St-Arnaud for the VFX studio FX Cartel.
Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman) is the awkward and insecure manager of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, the most amazing, most fantastical, most wonderful toy store in the world. When the store's eccentric owner, Mr. Edward Magorium, announces that he intends to retire and give the shop to Molly, the store—which has a mind of its own—starts to throw a dark and temperamental tantrum.
As the magic begins to fade and the once-vibrant toys turn grey and lifeless, Molly, with the help of a young book collector (Jason Bateman) and a loyal store clerk, must find the confidence and the "spark" within herself to keep the magic alive. The film is a poetic journey about life, legacy, and believing in the extraordinary.
STARNO TEAM:Frédéric St-Arnaud
FX Cartel
Feature Film – 2007