Star Wars and RoboCop special effects artist Phil Tippett closes legendary Berkeley studio
Tippett Studio auctioned off its iconic work, including an AT-AT walker, over the weekend.
Phil Tippett, the acclaimed special effects artist responsible for iconic scenes in films like The Empire Strikes Back and RoboCop, has announced the closure of his renowned Berkeley studio. Tippett, a pioneer in stop-motion animation techniques, auctioned off decades of creative work during a weekend-long "liquidation sale" at his warehouse, attracting fans, collectors, and former employees.
Items up for bid included creatures from Star Wars, props from Jurassic Park, and various pieces from Starship Troopers and Empire. Despite closing the Berkeley location, Tippett Studio remains active in the visual effects and animation industry, with operations now based in Canada. The artist, a two-time Oscar winner, stated that while he retains his Oscars, the closure was a result of changing industry demands and a shift away from practical effects.
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