Inspired by a personal interest in film production, Portmanteau Studios offers and opportunity for local aspiring filmmakers to develop their craft of scriptwriting or video editing and be introduced to Calgary's growing film industry. In an effort to bridge the gap between interest and access, Portmanteau Studios boasts a dramatic event space and public cafe were screenings of local work and classic films bring the film and larger Calgary community together.

Portmanteau's spacious lobby offers various integrated seating arrangements, providing the studio students and the general public unique opportunities to meet and work. The swooping central partition was inspired by the grand forms of traditional performance theatres, further accentuated by back lit, perforated bronze panels. The bronze feature is also applied to the bulk head seen on the left, and reinterpreted as an installation structure on the right. Terrazzo flooring indicates areas of circulation vs rest, a discreet closet operates as an informal coat check when needed and floating tables and chairs are easily tucked away for a open, casual lobby space during screening events.

Portmanteau's cafe / bar is central to the space's flexibility. During the day, studio students use the space to work, grab a coffee or meet with friends and mentors. The cafe is open to the general public, further improving public accessibility and interaction with the studio and Calgary's film industry at large. In the evening, the cafe transitions into a fully equipped bar to accommodate events. The cafe seating area benefits from the swooping architectural feature wall which not only adds light and visual impact but divides the space from the greater lobby, allowing access to be restricted when desired.

A unique screening room with an occupant load of 60, the theatre works both for studio students and the public by hosting film studies and footage reviews as well as the screening events open to the public. Tones and materials found in the lobby are carried through but unique floor treatments and darker finishes define the space as its own. Motorized window coverings allow the space to be completely blacked out for optimal viewing conditions.

The writer's lounge brings forth a rich jewel tone palette, adding intimacy, drama and allure to the space. Individual writing suites are constructed of custom acoustic partitions, embossed with iconic film quotes, and are open to above to allow the bronze encased lighting feature to work for these spaces as well as general areas.

A small library, integrated amongst the private editing suites, offers students extra resources to explore the history and processes of film making. The library encourages more foot traffic to the area in an effort to facilitate spontaneous interaction among students. A small touch down surface allows for quick perusal of books.

The corridors of Portmanteau Studios were designed to serve as more than passage ways between destinations. Major wall surfaces are treated with artistic installations depicting iconic film scenes in an effort to inspire and ignite creativity in the resident students. A similar motif is found on the theatre entrance.