A Scrapbook of Memorable Matte Moments

No two ways about it, when it boils down to it, the most recognised name in cinematic matte wizardry would have to be the late, great Albert Whitlock. No other name associated with matte painting has had near the impact that Whitlock has had to generations of film viewers. Although many of the names I have written on here previously were masters of the art form in their day, the fact that the public never really knew anything about their deliberately concealed trickery was thanks to overly protective studio bosses who often went all out to deny that the wonders up on that silver screen were anything other than great insightful film making. Incidentally, in the early years those same megalomaniac tyrants did their utmost to try to prevent the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from establishing a category for special effects. True story!

It was probably Peter Ellenshaw who first recieved notoriety and public exposure for the ability to make something out of nothing with his fine matte art, thanks largely to Walt Disney who, unlike other studio chiefs actually was very proud of Ellenshaw and moreso what he was able to achieve with his brushes. Disney was happy to promote Peter’s services for films such as TREASURE ISLAND and other early live action shows – even going so far as to film a short featurette on the inner workings of Peter’s matte department as part of the publicity machine for the 1952 ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRIE MEN (which I would dearly love to see)…

…Read the Full Article @ Matte Shot
A Tribute to Golden Era Special FX

Please Note: Now, I am going further back into the archives of Matte Shot – A Tribute to Golden Era Special FX to feature even more articles from this great site.

This blog is intended primarily as a tribute to the inventiveness and ingenuity of the craft of the matte painter during Hollywoods’ Golden Era. 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.