Pageantry. Screw ups. Touching tributes. Private beefs made public. There are plenty of reasons to watch the Oscars. But they all amount to partaking in, witnessing, movie history in its many forms — the high art, the gossip, the record-breaking moments when an arthouse director becomes a household name.
However, there are a lot of ways to set a record. There are big moments like Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King tying the record with 11 trophies or Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite becoming the first film not in English (or silent) to win Best Picture. And then, beyond those sit the oddities and records that are nearly impossible to break. Give me records like Walter Brennan winning three Best Supporting Actor awards because, as a former extra, he was popular with the Union of Film Extras, who were allowed to vote. At least, the story goes, they were allowed...
However, there are a lot of ways to set a record. There are big moments like Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King tying the record with 11 trophies or Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite becoming the first film not in English (or silent) to win Best Picture. And then, beyond those sit the oddities and records that are nearly impossible to break. Give me records like Walter Brennan winning three Best Supporting Actor awards because, as a former extra, he was popular with the Union of Film Extras, who were allowed to vote. At least, the story goes, they were allowed...
- 3/10/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The Will Rogers Picture Pioneers Foundation is holding a screening of Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back on Aug. 30, 7Pm at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to raise funds for its charity.
The non-profit provides support to a multitude of national health and social service programs, as well as financial assistance to members of the motion picture community in times of need. A special appearance will be made by the 501st Legion, an international costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans that are committed to supporting communities, moviegoers and charitable causes nationwide.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the historic Tcl Chinese Theatre for their generosity in supporting Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation to raise much-needed funds for members of our community during a time of increasing need,” said Christina Blumer, Executive Director of Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. “We’re also thrilled to collaborate with...
The non-profit provides support to a multitude of national health and social service programs, as well as financial assistance to members of the motion picture community in times of need. A special appearance will be made by the 501st Legion, an international costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans that are committed to supporting communities, moviegoers and charitable causes nationwide.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the historic Tcl Chinese Theatre for their generosity in supporting Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation to raise much-needed funds for members of our community during a time of increasing need,” said Christina Blumer, Executive Director of Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. “We’re also thrilled to collaborate with...
- 8/9/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In “I’m a Virgo,” Jharrel Jerome plays a 13-foot-tall teenager in Oakland named Cootie raised by his aunt and uncle (Carmen Ejogo and Mike Epps) in secret. Over the course of the show’s first season, Cootie comes out of hiding, makes friends, and contends with media obsession over his height. Like Riley’s first feature “Sorry to Bother You,” the series develops its own internal logic as it transforms into a scathing indictment of capitalism from some very unexpected directions.
None of that would hold up without its central conceit, which proved challenging, given that Jerome is actually five feet and eight inches. Riley made the show with Amazon on a relatively modest $53 million budget (around the same time that its first season of “Lord of the Rings” cost a reported $1 billion). However, the minimal effects budget wasn’t the only reason he turned to puppets and forced perspective...
None of that would hold up without its central conceit, which proved challenging, given that Jerome is actually five feet and eight inches. Riley made the show with Amazon on a relatively modest $53 million budget (around the same time that its first season of “Lord of the Rings” cost a reported $1 billion). However, the minimal effects budget wasn’t the only reason he turned to puppets and forced perspective...
- 6/29/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
In the fall of 1979, Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and the rest of the cast and crew arrived on location in the woods of Tennessee to make a movie called "The Evil Dead." It wasn't always called that; its original title was "The Book of the Dead," and there were more suggested titles along the way. Thankfully Raimi went for economy, and the title we know today matches the film: Concise, scary, and in-your-face.
It also wasn't the first time that Raimi and friends had embarked on such a project. A year earlier, the young filmmaker rustled up $1600 to make a 30-minute proof-of-concept called "Within the Woods" to showcase his team's talent and raise money for their first feature-length movie. It is only just about watchable, but it is fascinating to see some ideas and techniques that Raimi would later use taking shape in the trial run.
"Within the Woods" helped...
It also wasn't the first time that Raimi and friends had embarked on such a project. A year earlier, the young filmmaker rustled up $1600 to make a 30-minute proof-of-concept called "Within the Woods" to showcase his team's talent and raise money for their first feature-length movie. It is only just about watchable, but it is fascinating to see some ideas and techniques that Raimi would later use taking shape in the trial run.
"Within the Woods" helped...
- 4/18/2023
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
The films in the running for the 2023 Best Visual Effects Oscar are “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “The Batman,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Top Gun: Maverick.” Our odds currently indicate that “Avatar: The Way of Water” (31/10) is the frontrunner, followed in order by “Top Gun: Maverick” (39/10), “All Quiet on the Western Front” (9/2), “The Batman” (9/2), and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (9/2).
Included among the 20 individuals in this lineup are 12 past nominees, five of whom have triumphed at least once. The eight first-timers are Geoffrey Baumann (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), “Top Gun: Maverick” trio Seth Hill, Bryan Litson, and Ryan Tudhope, and “All Quiet on the Western Front” quartet Markus Frank, Kamil Jaffar, Viktor Muller, and Frank Petzold.
The two returning contenders who have already won here multiple times each are Joe Letteri (“Avatar: The Way of Water”), who succeeded on four of his previous 10 bids,...
Included among the 20 individuals in this lineup are 12 past nominees, five of whom have triumphed at least once. The eight first-timers are Geoffrey Baumann (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”), “Top Gun: Maverick” trio Seth Hill, Bryan Litson, and Ryan Tudhope, and “All Quiet on the Western Front” quartet Markus Frank, Kamil Jaffar, Viktor Muller, and Frank Petzold.
The two returning contenders who have already won here multiple times each are Joe Letteri (“Avatar: The Way of Water”), who succeeded on four of his previous 10 bids,...
- 3/12/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
This post contains spoilers for the second episode of "The Mandalorian" season 3.
There are some freaky creatures and robots in the "Star Wars" universe, but the cyborg creation in the latest episode of "The Mandalorian" is one of the freakiest to grace the franchise. If it looks a little familiar, that might be because it's the work of "Star Wars" special effects maestro Phil Tippett, who helped create some of the ground-breaking VFX tech that brought the original trilogy to life, like the At-at walkers and the Battle of Hoth. Tippett recently blew people's minds with his stop-motion feature film, "Mad God," which took him 30 years to finish and release, and he lent his incredible skills to an episode of Rian Johnson's Peacock series "Poker Face," with multiple stop-motion creations coming to life in terrifying glory.
In the second episode of season 3 of "The Mandalorian," our hero Din Djarin...
There are some freaky creatures and robots in the "Star Wars" universe, but the cyborg creation in the latest episode of "The Mandalorian" is one of the freakiest to grace the franchise. If it looks a little familiar, that might be because it's the work of "Star Wars" special effects maestro Phil Tippett, who helped create some of the ground-breaking VFX tech that brought the original trilogy to life, like the At-at walkers and the Battle of Hoth. Tippett recently blew people's minds with his stop-motion feature film, "Mad God," which took him 30 years to finish and release, and he lent his incredible skills to an episode of Rian Johnson's Peacock series "Poker Face," with multiple stop-motion creations coming to life in terrifying glory.
In the second episode of season 3 of "The Mandalorian," our hero Din Djarin...
- 3/8/2023
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
(To celebrate "Titanic" and its impending 25th-anniversary re-release, we've put together a week of explorations, inquires, and deep dives into James Cameron's box office-smashing disaster epic.)
James Cameron was not quite the King of the World, or Hollywood for that matter, when he announced in 1995 that he was making an epic drama based on the doomed voyage of the Rms Titanic. He was viewed primarily as an action specialist and, in tandem with collaborators like Stan Winston and Dennis Murren, a visual effects pioneer. "The Terminator" was a B-movie classic that exploded into the mega-blockbuster of "T2: Judgment Day." In between those two movies, Cameron had hit the blockbuster A-list with "Aliens" and nearly lost it all with the pricey commercial disappointment of "The Abyss."
But it was at the bottom of that three-mile-deep trench that Cameron arrived at the project that would vault him to the rarefied,...
James Cameron was not quite the King of the World, or Hollywood for that matter, when he announced in 1995 that he was making an epic drama based on the doomed voyage of the Rms Titanic. He was viewed primarily as an action specialist and, in tandem with collaborators like Stan Winston and Dennis Murren, a visual effects pioneer. "The Terminator" was a B-movie classic that exploded into the mega-blockbuster of "T2: Judgment Day." In between those two movies, Cameron had hit the blockbuster A-list with "Aliens" and nearly lost it all with the pricey commercial disappointment of "The Abyss."
But it was at the bottom of that three-mile-deep trench that Cameron arrived at the project that would vault him to the rarefied,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The opening of Irvin Kershner's 1980 film "The Empire Strikes Back" didn't leave viewers with must cause for hope. The ending of its predecessor "Star Wars" saw the evil Empire more or less destroyed. A brave cadre of scrappy rebels had gathered in a team of battle crafts to attack and destroy the moon-sized Death Star, a powerful weapon that could destroy an entire planet with one laser blast. With the Death Star destroyed, it appeared that the Good Guys won and the Bad Guys were vanquished.
"The Empire Strikes Back" revealed that the Empire was very much still alive, and was now seeking retribution. The Rebels had taken to hiding out on a remote, frozen world called Hoth, populated only by two-legged beasts of burden and the occasional yeti. The underground rebels' base, however, was almost immediately located by the Empire, and the villains commenced a forward military assault on it.
"The Empire Strikes Back" revealed that the Empire was very much still alive, and was now seeking retribution. The Rebels had taken to hiding out on a remote, frozen world called Hoth, populated only by two-legged beasts of burden and the occasional yeti. The underground rebels' base, however, was almost immediately located by the Empire, and the villains commenced a forward military assault on it.
- 2/1/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Paramount Home Entertainment has announced that they will be giving the 1981 fantasy film Dragonslayer a 4K Uhd and Blu-ray release on March 21st – and copies are already available for pre-order at This Link! The discs will include over an hour of new special features, as well as an audio commentary with Dragonslayer director Matthew Robbins (who wrote the screenplay with Hal Barwood) and Dragonslayer fan Guillermo del Toro.
Robbins and del Toro have worked together several times over the years, co-writing the screenplays for Mimic, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, Crimson Peak, and Pinocchio.
Dragonslayer has the following synopsis: Set in sixth-century England, an ill-tempered, fire-breathing creature—ominously known as Vermithrax Pejorative—terrorizes its citizens until a young sorcerer’s apprentice named Galen (Peter MacNicol) is reluctantly tasked with confronting the beast. For Galen to succeed, it will take more than magic to defeat the dragon.
A press release...
Robbins and del Toro have worked together several times over the years, co-writing the screenplays for Mimic, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, Crimson Peak, and Pinocchio.
Dragonslayer has the following synopsis: Set in sixth-century England, an ill-tempered, fire-breathing creature—ominously known as Vermithrax Pejorative—terrorizes its citizens until a young sorcerer’s apprentice named Galen (Peter MacNicol) is reluctantly tasked with confronting the beast. For Galen to succeed, it will take more than magic to defeat the dragon.
A press release...
- 2/1/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Avatar: The Way of Water — which this week crossed the 2 billion mark at the worldwide box office and is now the sixth highest-grossing movie in history — earned a best picture Oscar nomination this morning, as well as noms for its production design, sound and visual effects.
But James Cameron, who has now directed three of the six highest-grossing movies ever — his 2009 Avatar sits at the top of that chart — was passed over in the directing competition for his groundbreaking film for the 2023 Oscar nominations. (The movie also missed an editing nomination; Cameron edited the movie, along with Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, and the late David Brenner, who died in early 2022).
In this year’s best picture race, Cameron and producer Jon Landau (who together won best picture for Titanic, for which Cameron also claimed the directing trophy) are nominated alongside the producers of All Quiet on the Western Front, The Banshees of Inisherin,...
But James Cameron, who has now directed three of the six highest-grossing movies ever — his 2009 Avatar sits at the top of that chart — was passed over in the directing competition for his groundbreaking film for the 2023 Oscar nominations. (The movie also missed an editing nomination; Cameron edited the movie, along with Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, and the late David Brenner, who died in early 2022).
In this year’s best picture race, Cameron and producer Jon Landau (who together won best picture for Titanic, for which Cameron also claimed the directing trophy) are nominated alongside the producers of All Quiet on the Western Front, The Banshees of Inisherin,...
- 1/24/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Let's pretend you like "Star Wars." Based on the box office numbers alone, you probably already do but, just in case you're one of the few hold-outs, let's pretend. You adore Mark Hamill and religiously follow his Twitter. You quote Yoda whenever someone complains about hard work. You used to quote Han Solo but your partner threatened to dip if you ever responded to "I love you" with "I know" again. You're less shy, however, about your love for space and its many wondrous inhabitants. Sure, you probably could do without the Gungans but you day dream about having enough arms to do glorious battle against General Grievous. The point is, at the end of the day, you love "Star Wars."
And Dennis Muren has no idea why. If you don't know who that is, that's okay! You didn't forget about one of your favorite character's actors. Muren might not...
And Dennis Muren has no idea why. If you don't know who that is, that's okay! You didn't forget about one of your favorite character's actors. Muren might not...
- 1/23/2023
- by Cameron Roy Hall
- Slash Film
Gale Anne Hurd has been selected by the Visual Effects Society (Ves) as the next recipient of the Ves Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to visual arts and filmed entertainment. The award will be presented at the 21st Annual Ves Awards on February 15, 2023, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
“Gale Anne Hurd is one of the most respected and influential film and television producers of our generation,” said Ves Chair Lisa Cooke. “By focusing on daring material, championing technological innovations and being the consummate hands-on collaborator, she has carved out a leading position in the previously male-dominated world of the blockbuster, and become a recognized creator of iconic cultural touchstones. Gale is a driving force in our global industry and an exemplary role model, and we are very honored to bestow her with the Ves Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The Ves Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed by the Ves Board of Directors,...
“Gale Anne Hurd is one of the most respected and influential film and television producers of our generation,” said Ves Chair Lisa Cooke. “By focusing on daring material, championing technological innovations and being the consummate hands-on collaborator, she has carved out a leading position in the previously male-dominated world of the blockbuster, and become a recognized creator of iconic cultural touchstones. Gale is a driving force in our global industry and an exemplary role model, and we are very honored to bestow her with the Ves Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The Ves Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed by the Ves Board of Directors,...
- 1/4/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The documentaries released in 2022 are a versatile mix. Sure, the year saw the expected Netflix true-crime series (including the return of the hit "Unsolved Mysteries" reboot) and celebrations of trailblazers, but we also got the light-hearted, high-spirited stories of unbelievable fraudsters ("The Tinder Swindler"), deeply disturbing stories of human evil ("Our Father"), and scandalous stories of corporate evil ("White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch").
The genre is in undergoing a bit of a boom. For lovers of non-fiction filmmaking, it feels like we have more options now than ever. Last year's critical hit "Flee" redefined what a documentary film looks like, paving the way for the critically acclaimed Canadian animated documentary, "Eternal Spring (長春)." Apple TV+ released a speculative nature documentary series depicting an imagined cretaceous period with "Prehistoric Planet." Neon's trippy indie hit "Moonage Daydream" celebrates David Bowie in a manner wholly unique and fitting for the experimental pop star.
The genre is in undergoing a bit of a boom. For lovers of non-fiction filmmaking, it feels like we have more options now than ever. Last year's critical hit "Flee" redefined what a documentary film looks like, paving the way for the critically acclaimed Canadian animated documentary, "Eternal Spring (長春)." Apple TV+ released a speculative nature documentary series depicting an imagined cretaceous period with "Prehistoric Planet." Neon's trippy indie hit "Moonage Daydream" celebrates David Bowie in a manner wholly unique and fitting for the experimental pop star.
- 12/22/2022
- by Sarah Milner
- Slash Film
It's difficult to overstate the immense impact "Star Wars" made in Hollywood. Before it exploded into a massive, decades-sprawling, multi-billion dollar franchise, George Lucas' original entry, re-named as "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope," was a strange and ambitious attempt at bringing the campy space operas the director grew up watching to a modern audience. In a landmark moment, the film introduced a new style of a modern blockbuster and encouraged productions to shift to bigger special effects-heavy adventures — forever changing the theatrical landscape. It wasn't just George Lucas that participated in this revolution, though. His creative team consisted of special effects artists that brought spaceship dogfights and alien worlds to life, a task that was essential to the success of the film and eventual series.
That's why VFX master Dennis Muren, who pioneered both practical and digital effects, has such an enduring legacy within the annals of film history.
That's why VFX master Dennis Muren, who pioneered both practical and digital effects, has such an enduring legacy within the annals of film history.
- 12/20/2022
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
While most people love the original "Star Wars" trilogy, they'd also begrudgingly admit that "Return of the Jedi" is where the cracks begin to show. Nothing here is as bad as the prequels, but some of the issues that would define the prequels first start to reveal themselves. In addition to the annoyingly cuddly Ewoks, poor dialogue, and the way Han (Harrison Ford) and Leia (Carrie Fisher) don't seem to have much to do anymore, there's also the problem that it's now easier than ever to pull apart the holes in the plot.
The biggest offender is the opening sequence where the gang goes to rescue Han, who's been captured, frozen in carbonite, and left hanging around in Jabba the Hutt's lair. As has been nitpicked to death, not a single thing about Luke's plan makes any sense. It's all designed to be as suspenseful and cinematic as possible,...
The biggest offender is the opening sequence where the gang goes to rescue Han, who's been captured, frozen in carbonite, and left hanging around in Jabba the Hutt's lair. As has been nitpicked to death, not a single thing about Luke's plan makes any sense. It's all designed to be as suspenseful and cinematic as possible,...
- 12/14/2022
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
You'll have to get your scrolling finger ready to review the illustrious career of visual effects maestro Phil Tippett. From the gnarly (and LSD-tinged) conjuring of the Rancor in the far, far away galaxy of "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (for which he would earn a Best Visual Effects Oscar) to his contributions to the ever-popular fantasy "Willow" under the umbrella of the Industrial Light & Magic (Ilm) team, the award-winning designer and stop-motion artist is responsible for some of cinema's most breathtaking sights.
This year sees the 25th anniversary of "Starship Troopers," a satirical joyride erected on malicious compliance with its source material and buttressed with spectacular creatures crafted under Tippett's care. By the time he came onto the project, Tippet was still moving on the momentum of his VFX creature showcase (credited as "Dinosaur Supervisor") alongside effects titan Stan Winston in Steven Spielberg's 1993 adventure excursion "Jurassic Park.
This year sees the 25th anniversary of "Starship Troopers," a satirical joyride erected on malicious compliance with its source material and buttressed with spectacular creatures crafted under Tippett's care. By the time he came onto the project, Tippet was still moving on the momentum of his VFX creature showcase (credited as "Dinosaur Supervisor") alongside effects titan Stan Winston in Steven Spielberg's 1993 adventure excursion "Jurassic Park.
- 12/3/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Turner Classic Movies and Julien’s Auctions are giving you the chance to own an eponymous mechatronic model employed for Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. All you need is an estimated 2 million to 3 million to make it happen.
E.T and other movie items will go on the auction block when an event billed as “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” takes place live Dec. 17-18 in Beverly Hills and online at JuliensLive.com.
The headliner is the E.T. Hero “No. 1” model that Spielberg brought to life in his 1982 classic. Predating modern CGI technology and effects, the cinematographic marvel, built in 1981, featured 85 points of movement and is regarded as an engineering masterpiece.
“We could not be more honored than to work with the family of Carlo Rambaldi, caretakers of one of the most incredible pop culture figures in the history of Hollywood — E.
Turner Classic Movies and Julien’s Auctions are giving you the chance to own an eponymous mechatronic model employed for Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. All you need is an estimated 2 million to 3 million to make it happen.
E.T and other movie items will go on the auction block when an event billed as “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” takes place live Dec. 17-18 in Beverly Hills and online at JuliensLive.com.
The headliner is the E.T. Hero “No. 1” model that Spielberg brought to life in his 1982 classic. Predating modern CGI technology and effects, the cinematographic marvel, built in 1981, featured 85 points of movement and is regarded as an engineering masterpiece.
“We could not be more honored than to work with the family of Carlo Rambaldi, caretakers of one of the most incredible pop culture figures in the history of Hollywood — E.
- 11/1/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Visual effects have come a long way since the first "Star Wars" trilogy premiered in the late 1970s and early 1980s. 1983's "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi" broke ground in terms of effects, just as its two predecessors had. One of the people responsible for this was Industrial Light & Magic's Dennis Muren. He worked on the visual effects for both of the first films but had even more responsibility for "Return of the Jedi."
When you're in demand as a top visual effects artist, you often have to work on more than one project at a time. A while back, Muren spoke to StarWars.com about his experience on the film and how he simultaneously balanced doing work for George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.
To give you a taste of the work Muren has done, he's provided visual effects for films like "Jurassic Park," "War of the Worlds,...
When you're in demand as a top visual effects artist, you often have to work on more than one project at a time. A while back, Muren spoke to StarWars.com about his experience on the film and how he simultaneously balanced doing work for George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.
To give you a taste of the work Muren has done, he's provided visual effects for films like "Jurassic Park," "War of the Worlds,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
As a writer, Lawrence Kasdan has crafted stories that would be impossible to tell without the groundbreaking visual effects house Industrial Light & Magic. Kasdan, who co-wrote “The Empire Strikes Back” (and several other “Star Wars” projects), “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Dreamcatcher” (which he also directed), has always been in close proximity to Ilm. But his latest project, a six-part documentary series called “Light & Magic,” goes deep into the history and pedigree of the company, which was created to work on the first “Star Wars” and has transformed the industry, again and again.
In 2019 Kasdan and his wife Meg made a short documentary called “Last Week at Ed’s,” which chronicled the closure of a beloved West Hollywood diner. (The Kasdans frequented it.) “In the process of making that documentary, I fell in love with docs,” Kasdan said. “I love the process. I love not knowing what the story was at the beginning.
In 2019 Kasdan and his wife Meg made a short documentary called “Last Week at Ed’s,” which chronicled the closure of a beloved West Hollywood diner. (The Kasdans frequented it.) “In the process of making that documentary, I fell in love with docs,” Kasdan said. “I love the process. I love not knowing what the story was at the beginning.
- 8/1/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Disney+’s new six-part series “Light & Magic” takes audiences inside the magic and history of Industrial Light & Magic, starting with George Lucas’ vision for “Star Wars” and covering how their innovative StageCraft suite of virtual production changed the game in filmmaking.
Speaking with Variety, Janet Lewin, Senior VP of Lucasfilm Visual Effects and General Manager of Ilm, fondly recalls the first time she saw “Star Wars.” “I was 7 years old and was completely blown away. I literally thought there were galaxies like that, far, far away,” she remembers.
Years later, Lewin worked as visual effects producer on “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith,” and oversaw all aspects of the visual effects and animation business for Lucasfilm and Ilm.
In documenting the rise of Ilm, the series follows the pioneers and VFX trailblazers behind the magic such as Phil Tippett and Dennis Muren.
Tippet is a legend of the VFX world.
Speaking with Variety, Janet Lewin, Senior VP of Lucasfilm Visual Effects and General Manager of Ilm, fondly recalls the first time she saw “Star Wars.” “I was 7 years old and was completely blown away. I literally thought there were galaxies like that, far, far away,” she remembers.
Years later, Lewin worked as visual effects producer on “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith,” and oversaw all aspects of the visual effects and animation business for Lucasfilm and Ilm.
In documenting the rise of Ilm, the series follows the pioneers and VFX trailblazers behind the magic such as Phil Tippett and Dennis Muren.
Tippet is a legend of the VFX world.
- 7/30/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park" was a B-movie transformed into a religious experience via the visual f/x wizardry of Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett, and Stan Winston. It represented a quantum leap in terms of computer-generated imagery (which everyone from Hollywood to Topeka already knew as CGI thanks to the watershed "morphing" imagery of James Cameron's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day"), casting a spell over moviegoers young and old with that cut from the awestruck expressions of Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum to the stunningly lifelike sight of a thirty-foot tall brachiosaurus. The photorealistic creation of this long-extinct creature from our ancient past...
The post You're All Nuts, Jurassic Park III is The Best Jurassic Park Movie appeared first on /Film.
The post You're All Nuts, Jurassic Park III is The Best Jurassic Park Movie appeared first on /Film.
- 6/8/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Industrial Light & Magic, the visual effects house started by George Lucas, is finally getting a documentary series. And it’s coming to Disney+.
The new documentary series, directed by “The Empire Strikes Back” and “The Force Awakens” screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, is a six-part affair that will debut exclusively on Disney+ on July 27.
And what’s more, On Friday, May 27, attendees of the Star Wars Celebration will be among the first in the world to get a sneak peek at the project, called “Light & Magic,” with a panel featuring Lawrence Kasdan and Ron Howard. The panel will also feature VFX titans Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett, Joe Johnston and Rose Duignan, and Lynwen Brennan, Lucasfilm executive vice president and general manager.
The last documentary about Ilm, “Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the Impossible,” directed by Leslie Iwerks (who helmed Disney+’s documentary series crown jewel “The Imagineering Story”), was released in 2010 (it currently...
The new documentary series, directed by “The Empire Strikes Back” and “The Force Awakens” screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, is a six-part affair that will debut exclusively on Disney+ on July 27.
And what’s more, On Friday, May 27, attendees of the Star Wars Celebration will be among the first in the world to get a sneak peek at the project, called “Light & Magic,” with a panel featuring Lawrence Kasdan and Ron Howard. The panel will also feature VFX titans Dennis Muren, Phil Tippett, Joe Johnston and Rose Duignan, and Lynwen Brennan, Lucasfilm executive vice president and general manager.
The last documentary about Ilm, “Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the Impossible,” directed by Leslie Iwerks (who helmed Disney+’s documentary series crown jewel “The Imagineering Story”), was released in 2010 (it currently...
- 5/4/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The films in the running for the 2022 Best Visual Effects Oscar are “Dune,” “Free Guy,” “No Time to Die,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Our odds currently indicate that “Dune” (31/10) is the frontrunner, followed in order by “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (4/1), “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (4/1), “No Time to Die” (9/2), and “Free Guy” (9/2).
Included among the 19 individuals are 12 past nominees, four of whom have triumphed at least once. The seven first-timers are Brian Connor (“Dune”), Nikos Kalaitzidis (“Free Guy”), Sean Noel Walker (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), and pairs Joel Green and Charlie Noble (“No Time to Die”) and Scott Edelstein and Chris Waegner (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”).
Connor’s three fellow “Dune” nominees – Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, and Gerd Nefzer – have each won this award at least once before. Lambert and Nefzer prevailed in 2018 for “Blade Runner 2049,...
Included among the 19 individuals are 12 past nominees, four of whom have triumphed at least once. The seven first-timers are Brian Connor (“Dune”), Nikos Kalaitzidis (“Free Guy”), Sean Noel Walker (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), and pairs Joel Green and Charlie Noble (“No Time to Die”) and Scott Edelstein and Chris Waegner (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”).
Connor’s three fellow “Dune” nominees – Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, and Gerd Nefzer – have each won this award at least once before. Lambert and Nefzer prevailed in 2018 for “Blade Runner 2049,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Given its subject matter, it’s fitting that Scott Leberecht’s documentary “Spaz” is so committed to throwing a middle finger to the filmmaking establishment, but in wielding awkward narrative tools, Leberecht undermines his own film’s idiosyncratic subject. The film follows Steve “Spaz” Williams, the revolutionary and rebellious visual effects designer behind “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Mask,” and so forth, to build out
“I had it all,” Williams laments in the film’s opening voiceover, clumsily calling up the wide variety of films that open with the similarly toned (and now meme’d to death) “you’re probably wondering how I got here?” query. The framing is cliche, setting up an unnecessary narrative artificiality to what’s clearly a real heartache. But once Leberecht throws the narrative back into his engaging subject’s hands to recount his turbulent life, from childhood to his time at Lucasfilm...
“I had it all,” Williams laments in the film’s opening voiceover, clumsily calling up the wide variety of films that open with the similarly toned (and now meme’d to death) “you’re probably wondering how I got here?” query. The framing is cliche, setting up an unnecessary narrative artificiality to what’s clearly a real heartache. But once Leberecht throws the narrative back into his engaging subject’s hands to recount his turbulent life, from childhood to his time at Lucasfilm...
- 3/14/2022
- by Robert Daniels
- Indiewire
Exclusive: After a production hiatus of a few years, filming is back underway on making-of documentary Too Hot To Handle: Remembering Ghostbusters II, which will feature interviews with Dan Aykroyd, the late Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, director and producer Ivan Reitman, producers Joe Medjuck and Michael C. Gross, and Ilm’s Dennis Muren.
The film will include a score from film and TV vet Randy Edelman who scored Ghostbusters II.
Too Hot To Handle: Remembering Ghostbusters II hails from UK brother and sister team, Anthony and Claire Bueno. It is a Bueno Production, produced by Claire Bueno, and executive-produced by Laurence Gornall of Unannounced Films.
Screen Media is theatrically re-releasing the same team’s Ghostbusters I making-of doc, Cleanin’ Up The Town (2019), on October 1.
The theatrical and VOD re-release will come shortly before Jason Reitman’s anticipated Ghostbusters: Afterlife arrives in November.
“Contrary to popular belief, Ghostbusters II...
The film will include a score from film and TV vet Randy Edelman who scored Ghostbusters II.
Too Hot To Handle: Remembering Ghostbusters II hails from UK brother and sister team, Anthony and Claire Bueno. It is a Bueno Production, produced by Claire Bueno, and executive-produced by Laurence Gornall of Unannounced Films.
Screen Media is theatrically re-releasing the same team’s Ghostbusters I making-of doc, Cleanin’ Up The Town (2019), on October 1.
The theatrical and VOD re-release will come shortly before Jason Reitman’s anticipated Ghostbusters: Afterlife arrives in November.
“Contrary to popular belief, Ghostbusters II...
- 9/27/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
While it may not be Friday the 13th, Tuesday the 13th is still shaping up to be a great day for horror fans, as we have a ton of great Blu-ray and DVD releases to look forward to. For all you Phans out there, Well Go USA has put together a new box set celebrating the Phantasm series, complete with a replica silver sphere to boot, and for those of you who have been looking forward to Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition Blu of the House of Wax remake, your wait is nearly over. In terms of new horrors headed home this week, Held, Monster Seafood Wars, Queen of Spades and The Night (2020) are being released on Tuesday as well. And if you happened to miss it in theaters or on HBO Max earlier this year, you can finally catch up with the new Mortal Kombat tomorrow on a variety of formats.
- 7/12/2021
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is officially 30 years old as of July 1, 2021. The James Cameron-directed film is widely regarded as one of the best action films ever made and one of the best sequels ever made. To mark the 30th anniversary, Cameron participated in a lengthy oral history of the film published by The Ringer. While discussing the early writing process, the director revealed the idea to create Sarah Connor’s 10-year-old son, John Connor, hit him during an ecstasy trip.
“I remember sitting there once, high on E, writing notes for ‘Terminator,’ and I was struck by Sting’s song, that ‘I hope the Russians love their children too,'” Cameron said. “And I thought, ‘You know what? The idea of a nuclear war is just so antithetical to life itself.’ That’s where the kid came from.”
Who knew one of the seminal figures of “The Terminator” franchise...
“I remember sitting there once, high on E, writing notes for ‘Terminator,’ and I was struck by Sting’s song, that ‘I hope the Russians love their children too,'” Cameron said. “And I thought, ‘You know what? The idea of a nuclear war is just so antithetical to life itself.’ That’s where the kid came from.”
Who knew one of the seminal figures of “The Terminator” franchise...
- 7/1/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The Visual Effects Society has named Oscar-winning director-producer-screenwriter Peter Jackson as the forthcoming recipient of the Ves Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to filmed entertainment. The award will be presented at the 19th Annual Ves Awards, streaming worldwide on April 6 or 7 (depending on time zone) and hosted by comedian Patton Oswalt.
The Ves Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed by the Ves Board of Directors, recognizes an outstanding body of work that has significantly contributed to the art and/or science of the visual effects industry. Ves will honor Jackson for “his consummate artistry, expansive storytelling and profound gift for blending iconic imagery and unforgettable narrative on an epic scale.” Indeed, Jackson made history with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, becoming the first person to direct three major feature films simultaneously.
Ves also cited “Jackson’s ability to harness craft to bring his unique visions to life and...
The Ves Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed by the Ves Board of Directors, recognizes an outstanding body of work that has significantly contributed to the art and/or science of the visual effects industry. Ves will honor Jackson for “his consummate artistry, expansive storytelling and profound gift for blending iconic imagery and unforgettable narrative on an epic scale.” Indeed, Jackson made history with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, becoming the first person to direct three major feature films simultaneously.
Ves also cited “Jackson’s ability to harness craft to bring his unique visions to life and...
- 3/22/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Previous winners include Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Jon Favreau.
Peter Jackson will receive the Visual Effects Society’s lifetime achievement award at the 19th Annual Ves Awards on April 6.
The Ves Lifetime Achievement Award recognises “an outstanding body of work that has significantly contributed to the art and/or science of the visual effects industry”.
Calling Jackson “one of the most innovative filmmakers of our generation”, Ves board chair Lisa Cooke added: “Peter pushes the known boundaries of filmmaking and his vision and contributions to the art are legendary.”
Jackson added, “If I was ever going to be...
Peter Jackson will receive the Visual Effects Society’s lifetime achievement award at the 19th Annual Ves Awards on April 6.
The Ves Lifetime Achievement Award recognises “an outstanding body of work that has significantly contributed to the art and/or science of the visual effects industry”.
Calling Jackson “one of the most innovative filmmakers of our generation”, Ves board chair Lisa Cooke added: “Peter pushes the known boundaries of filmmaking and his vision and contributions to the art are legendary.”
Jackson added, “If I was ever going to be...
- 3/22/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Industrial Light & Magic’s Dennis Muren will receive the View Conference’s 2020 Visionary Award during this year’s event, which is taking place both in-person in Turin, Italy, and virtually.
The longtime VFX maven is best known for his work on the original “Star Wars,” as well as “The Abyss,” “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” and “Jurassic Park.” Currently he is creative director and senior visual effects supervisor and Ilm, working on the company’s ground-breaking techniques and technologies. He’s won nine Oscars.
“Dennis Muren is a force of nature and a real living legend,” said conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Throughout his career, he has elevated his craft to the highest levels and inspired young artists to follow him into the stratosphere. He is, without question, a worthy recipient of this year’s Visionary Award.”
Muren will give a keynote address on Friday, Oct. 23, the last day of the conference,...
The longtime VFX maven is best known for his work on the original “Star Wars,” as well as “The Abyss,” “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” and “Jurassic Park.” Currently he is creative director and senior visual effects supervisor and Ilm, working on the company’s ground-breaking techniques and technologies. He’s won nine Oscars.
“Dennis Muren is a force of nature and a real living legend,” said conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Throughout his career, he has elevated his craft to the highest levels and inspired young artists to follow him into the stratosphere. He is, without question, a worthy recipient of this year’s Visionary Award.”
Muren will give a keynote address on Friday, Oct. 23, the last day of the conference,...
- 10/19/2020
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
The View Conference is offering free streaming access to its 2020 program, which runs from Oct. 18-23 in Turin, Italy.
“There has been so much bad news in 2020, so I’m thrilled to be able to share some great news for a change,” said conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Everyone could use some extra light and joy in their lives, so we have made the unprecedented decision to make this year’s conference completely free.” Those who register will have streaming access to the conference’s 125 online and on-site talks, workshops, master classes and panels.
“Every session will be available online, allowing anyone to attend anywhere in the world,” said Gutierrez. “This is a fantastic chance to grow the View community and to welcome into our family participants who are unable to travel to Torino or buy a full access pass.”
Keynote speakers include Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull, Industrial Light & Magic’s Dennis Muren,...
“There has been so much bad news in 2020, so I’m thrilled to be able to share some great news for a change,” said conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Everyone could use some extra light and joy in their lives, so we have made the unprecedented decision to make this year’s conference completely free.” Those who register will have streaming access to the conference’s 125 online and on-site talks, workshops, master classes and panels.
“Every session will be available online, allowing anyone to attend anywhere in the world,” said Gutierrez. “This is a fantastic chance to grow the View community and to welcome into our family participants who are unable to travel to Torino or buy a full access pass.”
Keynote speakers include Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull, Industrial Light & Magic’s Dennis Muren,...
- 10/7/2020
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Cartoon Saloon co-founder and creative director Tomm Moore will take part in a presentation about his latest film, “Wolfwalkers,” during the 2020 View Conference, along with his co-director, Ross Stewart, and other key artists.
“Wolfwalkers,” which generated lots of buzz during the Toronto Film Festival, where it had its world premiere, is the latest film from Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon. The studio’s “The Secret of Kells” and “Song of the Sea,” both directed by Moore, were nominated for Academy Awards for animated feature. “Wolfwalkers” will stream worldwide on Apple TV Plus later this year.
Joining Moore and Stewart for the 90-minute online talk will be assistant director Mark Mullery, character designer Sandra Andersen, art director Maria Pareja and animation supervisor Svend Rothmann Bonde.
“We are lucky to be able to enjoy the work of such wonderful storytellers as Cartoon Saloon,” said conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Their exquisite films...
“Wolfwalkers,” which generated lots of buzz during the Toronto Film Festival, where it had its world premiere, is the latest film from Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon. The studio’s “The Secret of Kells” and “Song of the Sea,” both directed by Moore, were nominated for Academy Awards for animated feature. “Wolfwalkers” will stream worldwide on Apple TV Plus later this year.
Joining Moore and Stewart for the 90-minute online talk will be assistant director Mark Mullery, character designer Sandra Andersen, art director Maria Pareja and animation supervisor Svend Rothmann Bonde.
“We are lucky to be able to enjoy the work of such wonderful storytellers as Cartoon Saloon,” said conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Their exquisite films...
- 9/23/2020
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
After taking viewers on a walk down the macabre memory lane of ’80s horror cinema with the documentary In Search of Darkness (coming to Shudder later this year), CreatorVC is now giving fans of ’80s sci-fi a similar experience to look forward to with the new documentary In Search of Tomorrow. Although its main focus is on sci-fi films of the ’80s, there are still plenty of insightful scares examined in the new documentary, as the latest trailer highlights the documentary's inclusion of many memorable movies from the horror/sci-fi subgenre.
From Aliens and Invaders From Mars (1986) to Predator and The Thing, the new In Search of Tomorrow trailer shows what happened when horror and sci-fi collided to create iconic cinema moments and masterful practical effects.
Here's what writer/director/producer David Weiner had to say about the horror sci-fi elements of In Search of Tomorrow:
"Eighties Sci-Fi was packed with memorable horror-crossover elements,...
From Aliens and Invaders From Mars (1986) to Predator and The Thing, the new In Search of Tomorrow trailer shows what happened when horror and sci-fi collided to create iconic cinema moments and masterful practical effects.
Here's what writer/director/producer David Weiner had to say about the horror sci-fi elements of In Search of Tomorrow:
"Eighties Sci-Fi was packed with memorable horror-crossover elements,...
- 5/13/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
After taking viewers on a walk down the macabre memory lane of ’80s horror cinema with the documentary In Search of Darkness (coming to Shudder later this year), CreatorVC is now giving fans of ’80s sci-fi a similar experience to look forward to with the new documentary In Search of Tomorrow. Featuring interviews with more than 40 (and counting) notable actors, directors, writers, special effects artists, and composers who helped bring iconic ’80s sci-fi films to life In Search of Tomorrow has launched its official Kickstarter campaign.
Running until midnight Pst on May 17th, the Kickstarter campaign for In Search of Tomorrow includes seven support platforms, and not only allows sci-fi fans to support the documentary, but also become a part of its immersive celebration of ’80s sci-fi cinema, including a Discord community that will allow supporters to participate in watch parties and Q&As with special guests from the documentary.
Running until midnight Pst on May 17th, the Kickstarter campaign for In Search of Tomorrow includes seven support platforms, and not only allows sci-fi fans to support the documentary, but also become a part of its immersive celebration of ’80s sci-fi cinema, including a Discord community that will allow supporters to participate in watch parties and Q&As with special guests from the documentary.
- 4/22/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
In this edition of Star Wars Bits: Star Wars: The High Republic interviews and updates Star Wars Battlefront II – The Age of Rebellion update Clone Wars Declassified: five highlights from “A Distant Echo” Talking Bay 94: A Star Wars Podcast interviews Dennis Muren, Jake Lunt Davies J.J. Lendl’s Star Wars: The Sequel Trilogy lithograph art […]
The post Star Wars Bits: The High Republic, Battlefront II Updates, The Art and Imagery of The Mandalorian, Clone Wars Declassified, and More! appeared first on /Film.
The post Star Wars Bits: The High Republic, Battlefront II Updates, The Art and Imagery of The Mandalorian, Clone Wars Declassified, and More! appeared first on /Film.
- 3/6/2020
- by Adam Frazier
- Slash Film
Given the decades-spanning narrative of “The Irishman,” visual effects supervisor Pablo Helman had an unenviable task: turn back the clock for septuagenarians Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. In fact, when Martin Scorsese told Helman what he wanted him to do, he admits his first thought was, “Boy, we’re in trouble.” Watch our exclusive video interview with Helman above.
See Martin Scorsese movies: All 25 films ranked worst to best
The Netflix release covers around 50 years, from the 1950s to the 2000s, in telling the story of Frank Sheeran (De Niro) from his beginnings as a lowly truck driver to his career as a mob hit man for Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and his involvement in the disappearance of Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Visual effects were needed to de-age the actors several decades, while makeup aged them into their characters’ later years.
This was “a very risky move for all of us,...
See Martin Scorsese movies: All 25 films ranked worst to best
The Netflix release covers around 50 years, from the 1950s to the 2000s, in telling the story of Frank Sheeran (De Niro) from his beginnings as a lowly truck driver to his career as a mob hit man for Russell Bufalino (Pesci) and his involvement in the disappearance of Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). Visual effects were needed to de-age the actors several decades, while makeup aged them into their characters’ later years.
This was “a very risky move for all of us,...
- 12/6/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” hits Netflix today and it stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. De Niro plays Frank Sheeran, a truck driver who meets Russell Bufalino (Pesci). Spanning several decades, the film follows Sheeran as he gets involved in the greatest unsolved mob mystery – the disappearance of union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino).
The film is a masterpiece from one of our greatest directors of all-time, starring some of the greatest actors of all-time. It required hundreds of costumes from designers Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson, over 297 shooting locations in the New York/New Jersey areas and brand new technology courtesy of the team at Ilm.
Visual Effects Supervisor Pablo Helman was working on Scorsese’s “Silence” when he first heard about the story. “Marty emailed me the script overnight after we had talked over Thanksgiving dinner.I read it and we were shooting, and I said,...
The film is a masterpiece from one of our greatest directors of all-time, starring some of the greatest actors of all-time. It required hundreds of costumes from designers Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson, over 297 shooting locations in the New York/New Jersey areas and brand new technology courtesy of the team at Ilm.
Visual Effects Supervisor Pablo Helman was working on Scorsese’s “Silence” when he first heard about the story. “Marty emailed me the script overnight after we had talked over Thanksgiving dinner.I read it and we were shooting, and I said,...
- 12/6/2019
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Lyon, France — The Lumière Festival’s International Classic Film Market (Mifc) kicked off on Tuesday in Lyon, France, with a keynote address by Criterion Collection President Peter Becker.
The exec discussed the company’s storied history and evolution over the decades into a leading publisher of classic and contemporary films from around the world in high-quality editions and award-winning, original supplements.
Making his devotion to film culture clearly evident, Becker noted that Criterion’s focus was squarely on its films and less on the company itself.
“I never do this. We never come out and talk about Criterion. This is very rare. We did this for [Lumière Festival Director] Thierry Frémaux. … Everybody wants to see the movies. We let the movies carry the brand into the market place, so we don’t talk about the company very much.”
This year the group launched the Criterion Channel, a streaming library of more than 1,000 classic and contemporary films,...
The exec discussed the company’s storied history and evolution over the decades into a leading publisher of classic and contemporary films from around the world in high-quality editions and award-winning, original supplements.
Making his devotion to film culture clearly evident, Becker noted that Criterion’s focus was squarely on its films and less on the company itself.
“I never do this. We never come out and talk about Criterion. This is very rare. We did this for [Lumière Festival Director] Thierry Frémaux. … Everybody wants to see the movies. We let the movies carry the brand into the market place, so we don’t talk about the company very much.”
This year the group launched the Criterion Channel, a streaming library of more than 1,000 classic and contemporary films,...
- 10/16/2019
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Director Martin Scorsese, whose gangster saga “The Irishman” boasts state of the art de-aging VFX from Industrial Light & Magic, is the latest recipient of the Visual Effects Society’s (Ves) Lifetime Achievement Award. (Netflix’s $175-million movie premieres at the New York Film Festival on September 27.) The award will be presented at the 18th Annual Ves Awards on January 29, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
“Martin Scorsese is one of the most influential filmmakers in modern history and has made an indelible mark on filmed entertainment,” said Mike Chambers, Ves Board Chair. “His work is a master class in storytelling, which has brought us some of the most memorable films of all time. His intuitive vision and fiercely innovative direction has given rise to a new era of storytelling and has made a profound impact on future generations of filmmakers. Martin has given us a rich body of groundbreaking work to aspire to,...
“Martin Scorsese is one of the most influential filmmakers in modern history and has made an indelible mark on filmed entertainment,” said Mike Chambers, Ves Board Chair. “His work is a master class in storytelling, which has brought us some of the most memorable films of all time. His intuitive vision and fiercely innovative direction has given rise to a new era of storytelling and has made a profound impact on future generations of filmmakers. Martin has given us a rich body of groundbreaking work to aspire to,...
- 9/19/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Pictured (left to right): Kiri Hart, Richard Edlund, John Dykstra, Marcia Lucas, Dennis Muren and John Knoll.
On Thursday evening The Academy’s Science and Technology Council presented “Galactic Innovations: Star Wars and Rogue One” at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Oscar-winning, Oscar-nominated and Scientific and Technical Award-honored panelists included Ben Burtt ,John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, Harrison Ellenshaw, Bill George, John Knoll, Marcia Lucas, Dennis Muren, Bruce Nicholson and Rachel Rose. The evening was hosted by “Rogue One” co-producer Kiri Hart.
These VFX pioneers shared the journey of creating the impossible with their breakthrough visual effects. They also shared rare images that compared the technology and visual results from both films.
Pictured (left to right): Rachel Rose, Bill George, John Knoll, Bruce Nicholson, Harrison Ellenshaw, Richard Edlund, Stormtroopers, John Bailey, Marcia Lucas, John Dykstra, Dennis Muren, Ben Burtt and Kiri Hart.
Check out some of the...
On Thursday evening The Academy’s Science and Technology Council presented “Galactic Innovations: Star Wars and Rogue One” at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Oscar-winning, Oscar-nominated and Scientific and Technical Award-honored panelists included Ben Burtt ,John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, Harrison Ellenshaw, Bill George, John Knoll, Marcia Lucas, Dennis Muren, Bruce Nicholson and Rachel Rose. The evening was hosted by “Rogue One” co-producer Kiri Hart.
These VFX pioneers shared the journey of creating the impossible with their breakthrough visual effects. They also shared rare images that compared the technology and visual results from both films.
Pictured (left to right): Rachel Rose, Bill George, John Knoll, Bruce Nicholson, Harrison Ellenshaw, Richard Edlund, Stormtroopers, John Bailey, Marcia Lucas, John Dykstra, Dennis Muren, Ben Burtt and Kiri Hart.
Check out some of the...
- 6/28/2019
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The “Star Wars” franchise has always been about balancing the past with the future, bolstered by the cutting edge tech at Industrial Light & Magic under the leadership of George Lucas and beyond. To celebrate 40 years of “Star Wars” VFX wizardry, and in anticipation of J.J. Abrams’ climactic Episode 9, “The Rise of Skywalker” (December 20), and the launch of Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian” series on Disney+ (November 12), franchise luminaries gathered Thursday night at the Academy to discuss the analog to digital transformation.
The presenters assembled for “Galactic Innovations: ‘Stars Wars’ and ‘Rogue One'” included VFX supervisors John Dykstra, visual effects director/cameraperson Richard Edlund, Ilm chief creative officer John Knoll, former Ilm creative director Dennis Muren, sound designer/mixer Ben Burtt, matte artist Harrison Ellenshaw, editor Marcia Lucas, compositor Bruce Nicholson, and R&d supervisor Rachel Rose.
“Galactic Innovations” kicked off with the “Star Wars” breakthroughs at Ilm’s initial warehouse facility in Van Nuys.
The presenters assembled for “Galactic Innovations: ‘Stars Wars’ and ‘Rogue One'” included VFX supervisors John Dykstra, visual effects director/cameraperson Richard Edlund, Ilm chief creative officer John Knoll, former Ilm creative director Dennis Muren, sound designer/mixer Ben Burtt, matte artist Harrison Ellenshaw, editor Marcia Lucas, compositor Bruce Nicholson, and R&d supervisor Rachel Rose.
“Galactic Innovations” kicked off with the “Star Wars” breakthroughs at Ilm’s initial warehouse facility in Van Nuys.
- 6/28/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Registration is now open for the 2019 edition of the View Conference in Turin, Italy. No speakers have been announced yet, but past conferences have featured some of the world’s top creative talents in visual effects, animation, gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. Last year’s edition featured composer Hans Zimmer, Paramount Animation topper Mireille Soria, Ilm’s Rob Bredow and Dennis Muren, and many others.
View Conference will take place this year from Oct. 21-25 in its new Officine Grandi Riparazioni venue.
The conference is popular with speakers and attendees alike for its relaxed atmosphere, Italian setting and high-level networking opportunities.
“View is not just a conference; it’s a community of people,” says View Conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Folks love attending and staying the week to network and relax. Turin is such a rich, magical city with a solid history in the arts. To play...
View Conference will take place this year from Oct. 21-25 in its new Officine Grandi Riparazioni venue.
The conference is popular with speakers and attendees alike for its relaxed atmosphere, Italian setting and high-level networking opportunities.
“View is not just a conference; it’s a community of people,” says View Conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Folks love attending and staying the week to network and relax. Turin is such a rich, magical city with a solid history in the arts. To play...
- 4/18/2019
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
For the tenth consecutive year, thousands of movie lovers from around the globe descended upon Hollywood for the TCM Classic Film Festival. The 2019 festival took place Thursday, April 11 – Sunday, April 14, 2019. Over four packed days and nights, attendees were treated to an extensive lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions, special events and more.
Our favorite festival, Wamg attended the screening of Steel Magnolias on Friday and it was fantastic! In attendance to speak before the film was screenwriter Robert Harking, who based the original play on his sister (the character “Shelby” portrayed by Julia Roberts in the film). He talked about his many inspirations for the characters – mostly women he knew growing up in the South. Fun fact: He also mentioned that Julia Roberts wasn’t the first choice for Shelby. Meg Ryan was originally cast but then dropped out because she...
Our favorite festival, Wamg attended the screening of Steel Magnolias on Friday and it was fantastic! In attendance to speak before the film was screenwriter Robert Harking, who based the original play on his sister (the character “Shelby” portrayed by Julia Roberts in the film). He talked about his many inspirations for the characters – mostly women he knew growing up in the South. Fun fact: He also mentioned that Julia Roberts wasn’t the first choice for Shelby. Meg Ryan was originally cast but then dropped out because she...
- 4/17/2019
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Nora Twomey, Cartoon Saloon co-founder and director of the critically lauded animated feature “The Breadwinner,” has been awarded the inaugural View Visionary Award by the View Conference in Turin, Italy.
View Conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez pointed to Twomey’s “exceptional artistry” for the reason she was given the award.
Twomey, who also co-directed Cartoon Saloon’s “The Secret of Kells” alongside fellow studio co-founder Tomm Moore and was head of story on the studio’s “Song of the Sea,” was nominated for an animated feature Oscar for “Breadwinner,” which won the 2017 Annie Award for best animated feature – independent.
“These three 2D animated films exemplify Nora Twomey’s exceptional artistry,” Gutierrez said. “With ‘The Breadwinner,’ Nora has created a story of a young Afghani girl’s struggle using stunning visuals that honestly portray real-life issues. The bravery and creativity [main character] Parvana shows is inspirational. Parvana and [‘Breadwinner’ director] Nora Twomey give everyone hope that we,...
View Conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez pointed to Twomey’s “exceptional artistry” for the reason she was given the award.
Twomey, who also co-directed Cartoon Saloon’s “The Secret of Kells” alongside fellow studio co-founder Tomm Moore and was head of story on the studio’s “Song of the Sea,” was nominated for an animated feature Oscar for “Breadwinner,” which won the 2017 Annie Award for best animated feature – independent.
“These three 2D animated films exemplify Nora Twomey’s exceptional artistry,” Gutierrez said. “With ‘The Breadwinner,’ Nora has created a story of a young Afghani girl’s struggle using stunning visuals that honestly portray real-life issues. The bravery and creativity [main character] Parvana shows is inspirational. Parvana and [‘Breadwinner’ director] Nora Twomey give everyone hope that we,...
- 10/31/2018
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar-winning visual effects veteran Dennis Muren, known for his groundbreaking work on films in the “Star Wars” franchise (including the original trilogy), “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Abyss,” and “Terminator 2,” among others, will give a keynote talk at the View Conference in Turin, Italy.
Muren, senior visual effects supervisor and creative director of Industrial Light & Magic, will discuss “Visual Effects: Defining That Critical, Elusive & Final 5%” at the October event that celebrates computer graphics, interactive and immersive storytelling, animation, visual effects, games, Vr, Ar, and mixed reality.
Muren’s talk will wrap up the conference on Oct. 26.
Muren joins a strong lineup of keynote speakers, including award-winning composer Hans Zimmer; Paramount Animation president Mireille Soria; senior VP, executive creative director, and head of Ilm Rob Bredow; SideFX president and CEO Kim Davidson; Google Spotlight Stories creative director Jan Pinkava; Cornell University professor Don Greenberg; Magic Leap senior VP...
Muren, senior visual effects supervisor and creative director of Industrial Light & Magic, will discuss “Visual Effects: Defining That Critical, Elusive & Final 5%” at the October event that celebrates computer graphics, interactive and immersive storytelling, animation, visual effects, games, Vr, Ar, and mixed reality.
Muren’s talk will wrap up the conference on Oct. 26.
Muren joins a strong lineup of keynote speakers, including award-winning composer Hans Zimmer; Paramount Animation president Mireille Soria; senior VP, executive creative director, and head of Ilm Rob Bredow; SideFX president and CEO Kim Davidson; Google Spotlight Stories creative director Jan Pinkava; Cornell University professor Don Greenberg; Magic Leap senior VP...
- 8/21/2018
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
It’s been almost 10 years to the day since Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni launched Star Wars: The Clone Wars into select theaters worldwide, and now, the writer-director is teasing the possibility of more animated feature films set within the Star Wars universe.
ComicBook.com caught up with Filoni this past weekend to discuss The Clone Wars and that hotly-anticipated revival, along with the current state of Lucasfilm’s core film franchise, which is now building towards the release of Episode IX next Christmas.
And Dave Filoni? He’s hopeful of another Star Wars animated movie falling into place in the not-so-distant future, even if he’s wary of rushing a film project when The Clone Wars and Rebels both performed so well in the realm of television.
I think the one thing that we’ve been able to achieve with the Star Wars animation we’ve done is that the people,...
ComicBook.com caught up with Filoni this past weekend to discuss The Clone Wars and that hotly-anticipated revival, along with the current state of Lucasfilm’s core film franchise, which is now building towards the release of Episode IX next Christmas.
And Dave Filoni? He’s hopeful of another Star Wars animated movie falling into place in the not-so-distant future, even if he’s wary of rushing a film project when The Clone Wars and Rebels both performed so well in the realm of television.
I think the one thing that we’ve been able to achieve with the Star Wars animation we’ve done is that the people,...
- 8/13/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
This past weekend, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Jurassic Park. Yes, it’s hard to believe, but the iconic Steven Spielberg-directed classic came out 25 years ago!
To celebrate the momentous occasion, Universal Studios Hollywood opened its doors to only the most hard-core fans of the dino-flick, and WeAreMovieGeeks.com was there to soak in all the action.
For three nights, fans were invited to come in costume and celebrate all things Jurassic Park. There were props from the movie on display, including costumes and vehicles, photo ops and other interactive displays, including a virtual reality experience where fans could don Vr goggles and headphones and be transported directly into the “park”, complete with Raptors, a Triceratops and a Pteranodon, as well as an erupting volcano.
One of the most interesting parts of the evening was the panel discussion, hosted by Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow.
Other...
To celebrate the momentous occasion, Universal Studios Hollywood opened its doors to only the most hard-core fans of the dino-flick, and WeAreMovieGeeks.com was there to soak in all the action.
For three nights, fans were invited to come in costume and celebrate all things Jurassic Park. There were props from the movie on display, including costumes and vehicles, photo ops and other interactive displays, including a virtual reality experience where fans could don Vr goggles and headphones and be transported directly into the “park”, complete with Raptors, a Triceratops and a Pteranodon, as well as an erupting volcano.
One of the most interesting parts of the evening was the panel discussion, hosted by Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow.
Other...
- 5/15/2018
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The world of cinema has always been filled with dreamers, and a lot of those dreamers start out with nothing more than a Super 8 or 16mm camera, all the way up to the latest iPhones; little backyard excursions with friends and sisters or parents to fill out the cast for a monster on the loose or a super sleuth flick. Every once in a while there’s genuine talent to back up the enthusiasm; our Raimi’s and Coscarelli’s bear this out. But before them a group of enthusiastic teens actually had their vision realized, and eventually a mutated form of it invaded drive-ins as Equinox (1970), an inspirational and energetic full blown monster mash.
Released in October, Equinox began as a project in the mid ‘60s for creature kids Dennis Muren, David Allen and Mark McGee, combining their love of Famous Monsters of Filmland and Ray Harryhausen’s mesmerizing...
Released in October, Equinox began as a project in the mid ‘60s for creature kids Dennis Muren, David Allen and Mark McGee, combining their love of Famous Monsters of Filmland and Ray Harryhausen’s mesmerizing...
- 2/17/2018
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
Ryan Lambie Dec 7, 2017
He headed up the groundbreaking VFX on James Cameron’s T2: Judgment Day. We talk to Ilm effects legend, Dennis Muren...
At Industrial Light & Magic, Dennis Muren has worked on some of the most eye-popping movies of the past 40 years. Beginning with Star Wars in 1977, Muren has gone on to win a stunning nine Oscars for his visual effects work - often shared with such industry colleagues as Richard Edlund, Carlo Rambaldi and Phil Tippett.
See related Jessica Jones’ Kilgrave: Marvel’s creepiest villain yet Iron Fist season 2: Alice Eve joins the cast Luke Cage season 2 wraps Jessica Jones is the most popular Marvel show on Netflix
For the purpose of this interview, though, we’re focusing on a landmark in CGI: 1991's Terminator 2: Judgment Day. As we already saw in our main feature this week, James Cameron’s sci-fi action sequel took all...
He headed up the groundbreaking VFX on James Cameron’s T2: Judgment Day. We talk to Ilm effects legend, Dennis Muren...
At Industrial Light & Magic, Dennis Muren has worked on some of the most eye-popping movies of the past 40 years. Beginning with Star Wars in 1977, Muren has gone on to win a stunning nine Oscars for his visual effects work - often shared with such industry colleagues as Richard Edlund, Carlo Rambaldi and Phil Tippett.
See related Jessica Jones’ Kilgrave: Marvel’s creepiest villain yet Iron Fist season 2: Alice Eve joins the cast Luke Cage season 2 wraps Jessica Jones is the most popular Marvel show on Netflix
For the purpose of this interview, though, we’re focusing on a landmark in CGI: 1991's Terminator 2: Judgment Day. As we already saw in our main feature this week, James Cameron’s sci-fi action sequel took all...
- 12/6/2017
- Den of Geek
Ryan Lambie Dec 4, 2017
Co-producer Stephanie Austin talks to us about the trials of bringing one of the biggest movies of all time, Terminator 2, to the screen...
In 1990, producer Stephanie Austin, previously known for her work in television, helped shepherd one of the biggest films of the decade to the big screen. Little did she know at the time, as she first looked through James Cameron's ambitious sequel script, that she would soon be producing the most expensive movie up to that point - a new high-watermark in special effects, and a proving ground for other CGI blockbusters.
See related Vic and Bob: an appreciation House Of Fools episode 1 review: The Conan Affair House Of Fools: BBC cancels Reeves and Mortimer's sitcom
Over 25 years later, Terminator 2: Judgment Day still looks as shiny as ever - but the confidence and assured pace of its director's vision gives...
Co-producer Stephanie Austin talks to us about the trials of bringing one of the biggest movies of all time, Terminator 2, to the screen...
In 1990, producer Stephanie Austin, previously known for her work in television, helped shepherd one of the biggest films of the decade to the big screen. Little did she know at the time, as she first looked through James Cameron's ambitious sequel script, that she would soon be producing the most expensive movie up to that point - a new high-watermark in special effects, and a proving ground for other CGI blockbusters.
See related Vic and Bob: an appreciation House Of Fools episode 1 review: The Conan Affair House Of Fools: BBC cancels Reeves and Mortimer's sitcom
Over 25 years later, Terminator 2: Judgment Day still looks as shiny as ever - but the confidence and assured pace of its director's vision gives...
- 12/1/2017
- Den of Geek
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