Phil Tippett closes Berkeley special-effects studio

Legendary special-effects pioneer and Oscar winner Phil Tippett is closing his namesake studio in West Berkeley after four decades. As part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, a liquidation sale is being held to auction off various studio assets, models, and memorabilia.

Items available for collectors include props and artifacts from iconic films such as ‘Star Wars’, ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘RoboCop’, and ‘Starship Troopers’. The sale features movie posters, film equipment, storyboards, and models, including a Phil Tippett-signed AT-AT Imperial Walker.

Tippett, who founded the studio in his garage in 1984, stated he is retiring from the industry. While he is parting with much of his professional collection, he is keeping his two Academy Awards won for his work on ‘Return of the Jedi’ and ‘Jurassic Park’.