Fundraising Campaign Aims To Bring Essanay Studios Into 21st Century
By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 28, 2013 7:30PM
Film buffs are well-familiar with the influence of Chicago’s Essanay Film Manufacturing Company on the early history of America’s motion picture industry. The studio, founded in 1907 by George K. Spoor and Gilbert M. Anderson as the Peerless Film Manufacturing Company, was best known for the series of short films directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin refined his “tramp” character as well as his filmmaking skills at Essanay but the studio also introduced audiences to silent era stars such as Gloria Swanson, and Anderson’s “Broncho Billy” series of Westerns.
The City Landmarks Commission designated Essanay a landmark in 1996 and the building currently houses St. Augustine College; its auditorium is named in honor of Chaplin. The building, however, needs a lot of work.
Last year St. Augustine announced a plan to restore Essanay Studios so that the complex may once again produce films and serve as a center for early film and cultural performances including dance recitals, live events and opening space for community functions and private events. They also hope to repair and restore the building’s exterior including its signature terra cotta entrance; renovate Studio A, Chaplin’s original personal workspace, into an education center for learning about Essanay and the early film industry; and building a working production studio.
The $3 million requires fundraising on a variety of levels. One of those avenues is through Indiegogo. Essanay is looking to raise $100,000 towards the restoration of the terra cotta entrance. The total cost is estimated at around $250,000.
For more information on Essanay’s Indiegogo campaign, click here.
Essanay Studios is located at 1333-45 W. Argyle St.