# Closure of Phil Tippett Studio in Berkeley

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/closure-of-phil-tippett-studio-in-berkeley
> Updated: 2026-08-31T04:15:50.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Phil Tippett, the Oscar-winning special-effects pioneer, is closing his namesake studio in West Berkeley, California, after approximately four decades of operation. The closure follows Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

A liquidation sale was conducted to auction off studio assets, equipment, and memorabilia from major film franchises such as ‘Star Wars’, ‘Jurassic Park’, and ‘Starship Troopers’. Notable items included models, storyboards, and a Phil Tippett-signed AT-AT Imperial Walker. While Tippett is retiring from the industry and parting with much of his collection, he is retaining his two Academy Awards.

Further details indicate that the studio was acquired in 2024 by the Indian visual effects company PhantomFX. Although the Berkeley facility is closing, studio representatives clarified that operations continue in Canada, specifically at a Toronto studio currently working on a major film production.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Phil Tippett closes historic Berkeley studio after bankruptcy

Visual effects legend Phil Tippett has closed his Berkeley studio following a bankruptcy filing and acquisition by PhantomFX, auctioning off iconic props from ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Jurassic Park’.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/phil-tippett-closes-historic-berkeley-studio-after-bankruptcy

### 2026-08-27: Phil Tippett closes Berkeley special-effects studio

Oscar-winning visual effects pioneer Phil Tippett is closing his Berkeley studio, holding a liquidation sale of memorabilia and props from films like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Jurassic Park’.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/phil-tippett-closes-berkeley-special-effects-studio

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Cite as: Closure of Phil Tippett Studio in Berkeley. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/closure-of-phil-tippett-studio-in-berkeley