A Salute to Shepperton Studios
The British film industry is, rightfully a proud one, with hundreds of classic, time tested pictures over the decades leaving a profound mark upon the international film viewing community. Often overshadowed by the gloss and glitter of their brash cigar chomping American ‘cousins’, the British film maker was often working within unbelievably adverse conditions and budgets, particularly during the war years, yet masterpieces were made, a great many of which still stand the test of time. So many wonderful actors, directors, cinematographers, designers and technicians over the ninety years of UK cinema.
As my ‘reason for being’ is traditional era visual effects I’ll concentrate on this fascinating aspect. I have already covered in detail notable British effects artists such as Walter Percy Day, Albert Whitlock, Leigh Took and Ray Caple in their own extensive articles and have touched upon others as well, such as the great Derek Meddings, Peter Ellenshaw, and Cliff Culley. I have waiting in the wings a special Rank-Pinewood retrospective soon as well as a Hammer Films retrospective. It’s all go in NZPete’s matte world, though as I’ve often said, I’m never sure if more than a couple of dozen people on the planet share my passion (and you know who you are: ‘Stix’,’ McTodd’,’ Domingo’, ‘Thomas’ and about a dozen other die hards scattered about the world….)
…Read the Full Article @ Matte Shot
This blog is intended as a tribute to the ingenuity of the traditional matte painter where movie magic was created entirely by hand. Some of the shots will amaze in their grandeur and epic quality while others will surprise in their ‘invisibility’ to even the sophisticated viewer. I hope this collection will serve as an appreciation of the artform and both casual visitors and those with a specialist interest may benefit, enjoy and be amazed at skills largely unknown today
I have gone further back into the archives of Matte Shot – A Tribute to Golden Era Special FX to feature even more articles from this great site, so I hope you enjoy this wonderful journey we’re on together.
PJ Max
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