The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

The average film-goer doesn't pay too much attention to the credits other than the actors and actresses that star in the movie. Some might even expand their knowledge to directors, but beyond that most of the talent behind the scenes goes unnoticed in the public's eye. But many film enthusiasts are very well informed of the work done by special effects master Stan Winston, who died this past June 15th at age 62.

Winston has won four Oscars for his work in visual effects, and collaborated with some of the best directors of today, including Steven Spielberg and James Cameron. His most famous work might be for Jurassic Park, where dinosaurs were brought to life in a most realistic manner. One of the first screenings of the movie had the audience give a standing ovation after the T-Rex made its way on the silver screen. We might take these special effects for granted now, but Winston was the innovator that made scenes like that possible.

Stan Winston was also responsible for many other effects driven movies, such as Aliens, Terminator, Predator, Edward Scissorhands and the recent Iron Man. Most kids grew up on these films, like I did. And when you learned Winston was going to be behind the visuals effects in a movie, you knew at least one part of the film won't have any problems with it.

No doubt his knowledge has been passed on and absorbed by many in Hollywood, but he will be missed by those who knew his talents and creations were indeed something special.