Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is a renowned visual effects company based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM has become a pioneer in the field of special effects and computer-generated imagery (CGI) for the film industry. Located in the Presidio of San Francisco, ILM has been responsible for creating groundbreaking visual effects in numerous blockbuster films. The company has played a crucial role in shaping the way movies are made and revolutionizing the industry with its innovative techniques. ILM has been recognized for its exceptional work and has received numerous accolades, including multiple Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects. Some of the iconic films that ILM has worked on include the Star Wars saga, Jurassic Park, The Avengers, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic to Close VFX and Animation Facility in Singapore Due to ‘Economic Factors Affecting the Industry’

Disney-owned Lucasfilm/ Industrial Light & Magic is to close its VFX and animation facility in Singapore, where more than 300 people are employed. The company points to changes in the global entertainment industry as a factor behind the decision.

“Over the next several months, ILM will be consolidating its global footprint and winding down its Singapore studio due to economic factors affecting the industry,” Disney said in a statement emailed to Variety.

The Singapore studio was founded in 2004 as Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and began operations in 2006 with work on the animated TV series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

It relocated within the city-state in 2013, setting up shop in the futuristic George Lucas-owned Eclipse Building at Fusionopolis. It was nicknamed the “Sandcrawler Building,” due to its similarity to an iconic “Star Wars” vehicle. The Eclipse Building was sold by Lucas in January 2021 to the Blackstone Group.

“Lucasfilm’s decision to wind down its Singapore operations is in response to changes in the industry and business conditions. The global media industry is facing disruption from rapid technological advancements, while studios are coping with challenges relating to talent and profitability,” said Singapore government agencies the Economic Development Board and the InfoComm Media Development Authority in a joint statement.

The ongoing restructuring of the entertainment industry, which is slashing linear TV and physical media operations under pressure from streaming and which has caused major corporate mergers and down-sizing, is clearly a factor in the ILM Singapore retreat. So too, is the effect of the twin strikes in Hollywood by screenwriters and actors.

The closure will be a blow to Singapore’s ambitions to become an Asian or global hub for the entertainment industry. While Singapore has attracted a significant cluster of regional head office functions for major U.S. media groups including Disney, initiatives to create a pole for film financing and major productions have withered. In many ways it has been eclipsed by the growth of industries elsewhere in Asia, especially in India, China and South Korea.

Nevertheless, the Singapore government appears hopeful that a trickle-down effect from ILM’s nearly two-decade presence will endure.

“Throughout Lucasfilm’s tenure in Singapore, the company has developed world-class digital animation talent for the industry through knowledge and skills transfer. Our Singaporean talent have worked alongside and learned from experienced producers, enabling them to develop their skills and play on the world stage,” the two agencies’ statement continued.

“We are proud that Singaporeans have worked on Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ and Marvel’s ‘The Eternals.’ Many have moved on to roles in media companies like Netflix or have gone on to start their own companies. In addition, Lucasfilm’s leaders actively contributed to training generations of students in digital and tech skills at polytechnics and Institutes of Higher Learning.”

“We would like to thank the Singapore Government, industry, and community for their partnership over the past 17 years. We have been able to train and employ a generation of production talent, visual effects artists, and animators. We are very proud of the incredible work the team in Singapore has accomplished and look forward to providing new opportunities for Singapore talent to continue the innovative work they are doing,” said Luke Hetherington, executive in charge of ILM’s Singapore and Sydney studios.

ILM said that it is giving employees as much notice as possible and offering opportunities to relocate to one of the company’s other studios. Since opening in Singapore, ILM has expanded with other studios in Vancouver (opened in 2012), London (2014), Sydney (2019) and Mumbai (2022). These are in addition to the company’s San Francisco headquarters.

ILM also says that it will be working with the local business community in Singapore to offer a job fair with companies that have a need for talent with similar skillsets.

Industrial light and magic san francisco

“A good question…for another time…” -Maz Kanata

How can I send a fan letter to Lucasfilm?

Correspondence to Lucasfilm can be mailed to:

Attn: Fan Mail, P.O. Box 29901, San Francisco, CA 94129-0901

Or emailed to publicrelations@lucasfilm. com with the subject line “Fan Mail”

Please Note: Lucasfilm does not accept unsolicited submissions of any kind which may contain any product, artwork, story idea, or other creative material. Unsolicited submissions will be returned to sender.

Do you offer tours of Lucasfilm and ILM?

Lucasfilm’s campuses are working production facilities and therefore we do not offer public tours. The public is invited to visit and enjoy the 17 acres of beautifully landscaped public property (as well as the iconic Yoda fountain) at the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio of San Francisco, CA. Our main lobby is currently closed to visitors due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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For general and non-press inquiries, please email [email protected].

If you are a reporter working on a story, please email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible. For urgent requests, please also call 415-623-1962. Please note: any non-press requests sent to this address will not be answered.

How do I get a job or internship at Lucasfilm?

All open jobs and internship opportunities can be found on our Careers page.

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The cast of the saga can be contacted through their individual publicists or agents.

How can I get approval to use a photograph or film clip?

Lucasfilm manages the rights to the Star Wars and the Indiana Jones movies, as well as Red Tails, Tucker: The Man and His Dream, Willow, Labyrinth, and Strange Magic, and requests related to those films should be directed to [email protected].

Clearances for American Graffiti are managed by Universal Studios Home Video; clearances for THX 1138 are managed by Warner Bros. Home Video.

For questions related to George Lucas’ student films, you may contact [email protected] or the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

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For information on each of Lucasfilm’s campuses, please see the Campuses section of our website.

How do I request support for my charitable group?

If you are a non-profit organization seeking support, you can enroll to earn theme park tickets from The Walt Disney Company for fundraising and auction prizes by visiting https://www.pointsoflight.org/disneyrewards/

Organizations must qualify under the eligibility requirements listed on the site.

For school projects and research, what is the best source of information about Lucasfilm or Star Wars?

We recommend the following resources:

• The Cinema of George Lucas (Harry N. Abrams; 2005)
• The Making of Star Wars (Random House; 2007)
• Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts (Chronicle Books; 2008)
• Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Special Effects (Del Rey, 1986)
• The Complete Making of Indiana Jones (Random House, 2008)
• Industrial Light & Magic: Into the Digital Age (Del Rey, 1996)
• Ultimate Star Wars (DK Books, 2015)
• www.StarWars.com

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Visit StarWars.com for the latest information on the new Star Wars movies and series. For general news and updates on all Lucasfilm productions and projects, please visit our Blog.

I run a fansite (website/podcast/social media account) about Lucasfilm projects. How can I get on Lucasfilm’s radar to receive press releases, screeners, and more?

We’re delighted that you’re a fan of our series, films, games, and books! If you’re looking to start a fansite, below are some guidelines that we require you to follow.

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If we are not already in contact with you and you’d like to introduce yourself and your fansite, please reach out to [email protected] with your name, social media links, the name of your website, and up to three links to your recent coverage.

George Lucas' former Marin studio closing, some employees vow to save it

The original soundstage and production facility in San Rafael for Industrial Light and Magic, founded by George Lucas, is going away.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) -- In the North Bay, it's the end of an era of movie-making magic.

The original soundstage and production facility in San Rafael for Industrial Light and Magic, founded by George Lucas, is going away. Lucas moved his campus to the Presidio in San Francisco almost 20 years ago.

The facility's new owners are retiring, but one employee would like to save the studio's history and legacy.

It may be a surprise to know hundreds of other films were created inside the nondescript building on Kerner Blvd. in San Rafael.

"Filmmaking and television changed forever in these facilities," said Sean House.

When it comes to special effects in movies, the folks at Industrial Light & Magic are considered superstars. The story of how this company came to life is being played out in a new six-episode series.

Now home to 32TEN Studios, this is the former campus of Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic.

"Right after the success of 'Star Wars,' George Lucas wanted to remove himself from the Hollywood system, so he moved the ILM shop from Van Nuys up here," said House.

House is a longtime model shop supervisor, and says many props and models from movies are still there. That includes the Millennium Falcon, an anchor from "Pirates of the Caribbean," even a model of Chewbacca's head.

Lucas relocated his campus to the Presidio in 2005 and he took the original door with him, which is now on display.

After a decade, the studio's new owners are calling it quits. They told ABC7 News in a statement:

"32Ten is simply going out of business due to adverse business conditions including the declining use of miniature practical effects in film production, and also the halt in production due to the Hollywood strikes."

House says the landlord plans to repurpose the building.

"My feeling is, it's a travesty this is a historic place, it's a tragedy for the Bay Area film community," said House.

ABC7 News reached out to the building's owner but haven't heard back. House says he's launching a campaign to save the campus to continue its filmmaking legacy.

"We are in the process of setting up a GoFundMe," said House.

One of the biggest gems of the property is this original THX theater where the theater sound system was born and speakers are still on the wall.

House is hoping to preserve all the history.

"I would encourage the people who do care about this place and about film to show their support for the continuation of this facility," he said.

Disney is the parent company of Lucasfilm and this station.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

San Francisco News

Some of the iconic films that ILM has worked on include the Star Wars saga, Jurassic Park, The Avengers, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series. With a team of talented artists, animators, and technicians, ILM has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in visual effects. The company is known for its attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work that seamlessly blends with live-action footage.

Legendary rock band KISS becomes immortal with a little help from ILM

The end is only the beginning. KISS have been immortalized and reborn as avatars to rock forever. Created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in collaboration with the band and Pophouse Entertainment Group, the avatars portray each of the four band members in an.

ILM's state-of-the-art facility in San Francisco houses advanced technology and software that enables the creation of stunning visual effects. The company's team of experts utilizes the latest tools and techniques to bring the director's vision to life, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. In addition to film effects, ILM has also ventured into other mediums, including television and virtual reality. The company continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape, staying at the forefront of the industry. ILM's presence in San Francisco has had a significant impact on the city's film and entertainment scene. It has attracted talented professionals from around the world, who contribute to the vibrant creative community. The company has also collaborated with other local production houses, further stimulating the growth of the industry in the area. Overall, Industrial Light & Magic in San Francisco stands as a testament to the power of visual effects and its ability to transport audiences into extraordinary worlds. With its impressive portfolio of groundbreaking work, ILM continues to shape the future of the film industry and inspire generations of filmmakers and artists..

Reviews for "A Creative Powerhouse: Industrial Light and Magic San Francisco's Contribution to Film"

1. John - 1 out of 5 stars:

I was extremely disappointed with my experience at Industrial Light and Magic in San Francisco. The staff was unfriendly and unhelpful, making me feel like I was bothering them by even being there. The exhibits were not well-maintained and many of the interactive displays were out of order. Additionally, the admission fee was extremely high for the lackluster experience that was provided. I would not recommend visiting Industrial Light and Magic if you are looking for an enjoyable and engaging experience.

2. Lisa - 2 out of 5 stars:

I had high expectations for Industrial Light and Magic, but it fell short in many aspects. The exhibits seemed outdated, and there was limited information provided about the filmmaking process. The audio guides were confusing and didn't provide enough information to fully engage with the displays. The overall layout of the exhibition felt disorganized and poorly planned. While there were a few interesting pieces, they were overshadowed by the lack of cohesiveness and a lackluster atmosphere. I expected better from such a renowned company.

3. Mark - 2 out of 5 stars:

Industrial Light and Magic left me unimpressed. The displays were underwhelming and didn't showcase the innovation and creativity that the company is known for. Many of the exhibits lacked explanations or interactive elements, leaving me feeling disconnected from the experience. I found the ticket prices to be quite expensive considering the overall quality of the exhibition. Unless you are a die-hard fan of Industrial Light and Magic, I would suggest looking for other attractions in San Francisco that offer a more engaging and immersive experience.

Iconic Movie Moments: Industrial Light and Magic San Francisco's Most Memorable Visual Effects