Tippett Studio Releases Official Statement About the Company's Future; NOT Shutting Down
The company says its Toronto studio remains in active production on a large feature film as it shifts away from a large physical footprint.
- After 40 years of operation, Oscar-winning visual effects artist Phil Tippett is closing his Berkeley-based studio. Tippett Studio confirmed its Toronto branch remains open and fully operational for ongoing projects.
- India-Based VFX firm PhantomFX acquired Tippett Studio prior to its 2024 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The company cited a strategic decision to evolve its physical footprint, noting that large permanent spaces are no longer necessary.
- Enthusiasts flocked to the Berkeley studio between August 28 and 30 for a liquidation auction. Bidders purchased prized memorabilia from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, RoboCop, and Starship Troopers, including original models and signed posters.
- While the Berkeley location has shuttered, Tippett Studio confirmed its Toronto branch is "currently in active production on a large feature film." Phil Tippett stated he has no plans to retire, emphasizing continued dedication to his craft.
- Moving forward, Tippett Studio will maintain its creative capabilities, including stop-motion animation, by utilizing external facilities for physical infrastructure needs. This shift allows the firm to focus on ongoing visual effects work across film, television, and entertainment.
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Tippett Studio Releases Official Statement About the Company's Future; NOT Shutting Down
The news broke over the weekend that Oscar Award-winning visual effects artist Phil Tippett’s (Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Starship Troopers, Mad God) Tippett Studio would be shutting down operations, which seemed to be another shot from the industry straight into the head of practical effects and human-made art. But let’s hold that thought for just a second… It was the […] The post Tippett Studio Releases Official Statement About the Company’s Fu…
Star Wars and RoboCop special effects artist Phil Tippett closes legendary Berkeley studio
Sad news from California: Phil Tippett, the venerated special effects artist known for hand-crafting the Hoth ice battle in The Empire Strikes Back, ED-209 in RoboCop, and his wild magnum opus Mad God, as well as for innovating new stop-motion animation techniques for a new generation of filmmakers (among a dozen other kudos), has closed his Berkeley studio and auctioned off decades’ worth of creative work, according to a report from TheWrap. T…
Tippett Studio, founded in 1984 by Phil Tippett, the special effects master who created iconic Hollywood productions, closed its doors following bankruptcy proceedings. Decades of models, sets, and collectibles belonging to the studio were put up for auction.
Phil Tippett's studio, one of the names that made a mark on Hollywood's special effects world, has closed after a bankruptcy protection process. Mockups, decors and memorabilia from productions such as “Star Wars”, “Jurassic Park”, “RoboCop” and “Starship Troopers” have been auctioned off.
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