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Tippett Studio

From Alfawiki
Tippett Studio
Company typePrivate
IndustryVisual effects, computer animation
Founded1984; 42 years ago (1984)
FounderPhil Tippett, Jules Roman
FateFiled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024
Headquarters
Berkeley, California
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Phil Tippett (founder)
OwnerPhantomFX (acquired March 2024)
Number of employees
150 (2022)
Websitetippett.com

Tippett Studio is a United States-based company specializing in visual effects and computer animation, with a focus on CGI for motion pictures and television advertisements. Having contributed to more than fifty feature films and commercials, the studio has garnered prestigious honors including an Academy Award, four Clio Awards, and two Emmy Awards. As of April 2022, the firm employs around 150 professionals and operates from its headquarters in Berkeley, California.

History

Established in 1984 by Phil Tippett along with Jules Roman, the company originally concentrated on stop motion animation, prominently utilizing the go motion process. Additionally, it crafted live-action props for movies such as RoboCop, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and Ghost. In 1991, Tippett Studio transitioned into computer-generated imagery to collaborate on Jurassic Park (1993) with Industrial Light and Magic, pioneering the Digital Input Device (DID). This innovation integrated computer-linked sensors into articulated character rigs, which earned Craig Hayes a Scientific and Technical Academy Award and secured the studio’s inaugural Oscar. The final go motion work was creature animation for Coneheads (1993).

Between 2002 and 2007, Tippett Studio created visual effects for Blockbuster commercials featuring Ray and Carl during the Super Bowl.

The studio’s most extensive project at that time was Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 film Starship Troopers, where it delivered over 500 visual effects shots and received an Academy Award nomination. Phil Tippett co-directed key battle scenes, prompting the company to double its workforce to manage digital animation and compositing tasks.

In 2000, Tippett Studio reunited with Verhoeven on Hollow Man, with Craig Hayes co-supervising effects portraying the invisible main character’s silhouette interacting with various elements, which resulted in another Oscar nomination.

In March 2024, Indian-based PhantomFX acquired Tippett Studio. However, by May 1, 2024, the studio initiated proceedings for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Motion picture filmography

Awards and nominations

Film

  • Academy Award nominations in the category of Best Visual Effects:
    • Hollow Man (2000)
    • Starship Troopers (1997)
    • Dragonheart (1996)
    • Willow (1988)
  • Academy Award recipient for Best Visual Effects:
    • Jurassic Park (1993)

Television

Primetime Emmy Awards recognizing Outstanding Special Visual Effects:

    • Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)
    • Dinosaur! (1985)

Commercials

  • 2002: Blockbuster Video, Carl & Ray: Kung Fu – Gold Clio Award for Computer Animation
  • 2002: Blockbuster Video, Carl & Ray: Gotta Dance – Bronze Clio Award for Computer Animation
  • 2002: Blockbuster Video, Carl & Ray: Prima Donna – Bronze Clio Award for Computer Animation
  • 2002: Blockbuster Video, Carl & Ray: Kung Fu – Bronze Clio Award for Visual Effects

External links

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