ENTERTAINMENT – Mark Madler Grant McCune, a model maker who worked on “Star Wars” among other sci-fi and action movies, died Dec. 27 from complications from cancer. He was 67. After Industrial Light & Magic relocated from warehouses in Van Nuys following the success of “Star Wars,” McCune stayed behind in the Valley, first working for Apogee Inc. and then starting his own firm, Grant McCune Design, which took over the space on Valjean Avenue previously used by ILM. McCune went on to create models and effects for dozens of films, including “Firefox,” “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” “Speed,” and “Caddyshack.” According to his company’s website, the special effect house also contributed to commercials, television shows and theme parks. But it was for his work on “Star Wars” that McCune will be best known for. He and the many other effects artists working for ILM broke new ground in visual imagery. McCune shared an Oscar in 1978 for Best Visual Effects for his work on “Star Wars.” The technology committee of the Visual Effect Society, based in Encino, extended its condolences to McCune’s family. “He was a giant in the field and an inspiration to countless vfx artists who followed his work into the vfx industry,” read a posting at the VES website. “His leadership and spirit will be missed.” Numerous as his credits were, McCune didn’t talk much about his work. When I called his studio in 2007 for a story I was doing on ILM’s days in Van Nuys, an assistant told me that McCune did not do interviews. He also didn’t speak with Leslie Iwerks for her cable documentary on ILM. McCune did break his silence in 2009 for Popular Mechanics in what the magazine called a “rare” interview. McCune was asked four questions about model making. Having a background in photography often created the best models used in films, McCune said in that interview. “The most important thing is what you see with your eye,” McCune added. “Movies are a lot different from reality. This is because you’ve isolated the viewer’s eye to a certain spot – you can’t look anywhere else.” Digital Roll Out Warner Bros. Pictures International reached an agreement with four theater chains in Taiwan to supply digital feature films. The international distributor will help the theater chains recoup the cost of installing digital projection systems that comply with standards set by Digital Cinema Initiatives, a joint venture of the major Hollywood studios. With digital equipment the theaters will be able to show 3D films that have become an important revenue source for the studios. The theater chains Warner Bros. International signed on with are Showtime Cinemas, Miramar WV Cinemas Co. Ltd., Cinemark-Core Pacific Ltd. and Ambassador Theatres. Industry Awards The International 3D Society will present its second annual Creative Awards on Feb. 9 in Los Angeles. The society will recognize work done in live and animated films, television and video games. There will also be an award based on votes by movie fans done in conjunction with the People’s Choice Awards. The theme of the awards is “Your World in 3D” to reflect how more media platforms use 3D content to tell stories and create powerful messages, said society Chairman Buzz Hays, executive Stereoscopic 3D Producer for the Sony 3D Technology Center. “2010 has been 3D’s breakthrough year for artistic achievements,” added Society President Jim Chabin. “The awards evening will honor those milestones and also preview the incredible 3D coming in 2011.” Last year’s inaugural awards were given to “Avatar,” “Up,” and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. CEO and 3D advocate Jeffrey Katzenberg. Animation Mix DreamWorks Animation will combine traditional hand-drawn animation with computer generated images for its spring 2013 feature film, “Me and My Shadow.” This technique will break new ground for the Glendale-based studio in ways audiences have not experienced before, said Bill Damaschke, Co-President of Production. “We are proud to have assembled a world-class creative team of filmmakers and artists – all of whom have vast experience on both computer generated and traditionally animated films – who are already well along in the production,” Damaschke said. “Me and My Shadow” tells the story of Shadow Stan, an extremely frustrated shadow who yearns for a dynamic life but happens to be stuck with Stanley Grubb, the world’s most boring human. Finally pushed to the brink, Shadow Stan breaks the singular rule of the Shadow World (“They lead, we follow”), and takes control of Stanley. Studio Finances Camelot Entertainment Group reported to its shareholders that 2010 turned out to be a financially strong year. The Universal City-based production and distribution company had gross sales in excess of $2.2 million with revenues of $500,000. For 2011, gross sales are forecast to exceed $6 million with revenues exceeding $2 million. Camelot and DarKnight Pictures have two films nominated for the fourth annual Splatcademy Awards to be given out on Feb. 28. “Never Sleep Again,” a film chronicling the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise was nominated in the Best Documentary category; and “Run! Bitch! Run!” was nominated in the Best No to Low Budget Indie category. “Online awards are a great way to get exposure for films directly to the horror audience,” said Camelot Distribution President Jamie Thompson. “Nominations for our films show the high-demand for the type of content DarKnight holds.” More Awards ABC Network series “Modern Family” received three nominations for this year’s Golden Globe Awards. The series received its second nod for Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical, while stars Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara were nominated for their supporting roles in a series, mini-series or TV movie. The Golden Globe Awards will be presented on Jan. 16. Globes of a Different Sort Bluebird Films in Van Nuys picked up 18 nominations for XBiz Awards that honor work done in the adult film industry. Feature films “Batfxxx” and “Bonny & Clide,” a parody release,” received nomination in multiple categories, including for screenplay and cinematography. “Batfxxx” director Nicholas Steele was also nominated for helming the film. Bluebird received nominations in the studio of the year and feature studio of the year categories. “We’re proud to be able to release new titles every week for our fans to enjoy, and it’s an honor to have the outstanding quality of our product recognized by the industry,” said Steele, who is also the studio’s chief executive. The XBiz Awards will be presented on Feb. 9. Staff Reporter Mark Madler can be reached at (818) 316-3126 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Valley’s Veteran ‘Star Wars’ Model Maker McCune Dies
