‘Coraline’ cat sculptures to help revitalize downtown Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — As efforts to bring visitors back to Downtown Portland continue, one special project coming to the area is getting help from Hillsboro-based Laika Studios and one of their first films: Coraline.
“Coraline really put Laika on the map. It was our first feature,” the film’s animator, Brad Schiff, said. “It was a film that resonated with a whole generation of young girls.”
Skeletal remains identified as Portland teenager over 50 years after she went missing
The film is about a brave and blue-haired young girl who finds herself in an alternate universe at her family’s new home in Ashland, Ore. Now 15 years later, Laika Studios is celebrating how far they’ve come since that first film, as well as the company’s local roots.
“I love it. I love living here in Oregon. It’s been my home for almost 30 years now,” Schiff said. “And just being able to make a living doing this and not have to live in Hollywood but live in the Pacific Northwest, everything outdoors, it’s absolutely magical.”
During the 15-year celebration, Laika is also getting a helping hand from the voice of Coraline’s mom, Mel Jones and the voice of The Beldam, known as The Other Mother, actress Teri Hatcher.
Columbia CEO reflects on ‘historic’ lunar lander mission
“I’m so incredibly proud to be a small part of this movie and I think it’s just a masterpiece,” Hatcher told KOIN 6 News. “I really do think this movie has stood the test of time and in a way, I think it’s almost ready to be appreciated now, maybe even more than it was when it came out.”
KOIN 6 News caught up with Hatcher back in 2009 during the film’s premiere in town. She says it’s amazing to see how far Laika has come.
“It takes your breath away. If you’re not in here, maybe you don’t understand the level of patience and skill and how many different types of people it takes to pull the thing off,” Hatcher said.
1 dead after crash involving several vehicles closes Clark County road
As the animation studio celebrates the anniversary, they’re partnering with downtown Portland this summer on “Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail” which is a project of 30 sculptures of “Cat” from the film, all painted by area artists and placed around downtown.
“It’s all the things I love: art, hiking, walking, outside, this cat, I love cats, so I can’t wait for that to happen and I’m proud to get people excited for that upcoming event too,” Hatcher said. “It’s for such a great cause.”
At the end, all 30 sculptures will be auctioned off with proceeds going to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Bipartisan reforms to Oregon drug laws gain momentum, would add criminal penalty
City leaders say they’re excited for the partnership.
“We are now known for having Laika Studios here. The world knows that this is a Portland thing. It’s beyond just the economic impact, it’s the cultural awareness of how talented our community is and how creative our artistry is and we can turn it into award-winning shows and movies just like we’re celebrating here today,” Andrew Hoan, president of the Portland Metro Chamber, said.
Hoan says in addition to Laika’s economic impact in the Portland area, they also hope this will bring visitors back to downtown.
Man convicted of child sex crimes captured in Linn County after police search
“People love a comeback story. And yeah, Portland’s been through some really hard times. We’ve faced a marathon of crises,” Hoan said, adding, “People are going to come out in droves to our center city, they’re going to take selfies next to this cat, they’re going to give generously to OHSU and then they’re going to go out and have the best meal that they’ve ever had.”
The sculptures will be displayed through Downtown Portland for eight weeks this August and September and there will be a map to follow Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail. All of those details are still to come.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
