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AICN Gives Tribute To STAN WINSTON - A Giant In The World Of Filmmaking Is Gone!

RIP YOU DAMN GENIUS by CasperVonSidecar	Jun 16th, 2008 07:27:58 PM
A true living legend. So sad it hurts me.
RIP by mrfan	Jun 16th, 2008 07:28:07 PM
Loved his work.
GREAT article by ShiftyEyedDog2	Jun 16th, 2008 07:29:47 PM
Glad to see Cameron take time from his busy schedule to pay tribute to this fallen master. Can't wait to read the others.
DatoMan413 by ShiftyEyedDog2	Jun 16th, 2008 07:31:04 PM
I HOPE you're saying "Who cares if I'm first" and not "Who cares if Stan Winston is dead." If so, why bother with the "first"? If not, then you're a first-class asshole.
Today is a sad day.... by closeencounter	Jun 16th, 2008 07:31:14 PM
Stan's work was just as important, just as vital, as any other person in front or behind the camera. R.I.P Mr. Winston.
... by Mr. Lahey	Jun 16th, 2008 07:32:16 PM
Stan Winston's work either terrified me or made me smile when I was a little kid. I'm thankful for both.
Didn't know he was sick... by Mace Tofu	Jun 16th, 2008 07:32:53 PM
but sounds like he was a fighter to the end. Sad day for the FX community : (
Wow... by DatoMan413	Jun 16th, 2008 07:34:20 PM
First a Giant of Journalism, now a Giant of the Imagination Made Reality. His accoplishments made things that lived inside people's heads wondrous reality. Any film geek worth his salt knows his accomplishments, from Miss Jane Pittman, Mr. Roboto, Aliens, and of course, the Terminator. Rest in peace, and we'll say a prayer for your family. End of Sermon.
ShiftyEyedDog2, YOU'RE MISTAKEN by DatoMan413	Jun 16th, 2008 07:37:26 PM
When I saw the post, at the time no posters had posted. I thought First? But it didn't matter. My previous post conveys my thought without further explanation.
Your first post was deleted anyway by ShiftyEyedDog2	Jun 16th, 2008 07:41:32 PM
but I was just clarifying what you meant by it. I'm not here to squabble, though. This is the place for tribute, not typical talkback arguing.
Shit, shit, shit by OgreYouAsshole	Jun 16th, 2008 07:44:40 PM
How did he die?
A master's legacy by PowerRing	Jun 16th, 2008 07:44:41 PM
Stan Will leave behind iconic images and masterworks of effects. It's amazing when you see his work, it holds up many years later against digital. The fire of genius burned in Stan, and he brought great joy to people all over the world. R.I.P.
Could be the most significant loss... by Lerkst	Jun 16th, 2008 07:45:12 PM
in film in my entire life. Stan's work touched everything since I saw Star Wars for the first time. 35 years later, he's designed and created the most important images I will ever see. Yes, the director is important, but Stan's work supercedes that. He's the genesis of so many classics, he was a household name for myself and so many I knew. This is a truly sad day. I will miss your work Stan..
Sad News. by DrRavenwood	Jun 16th, 2008 07:45:14 PM
Met the man once and had the pleasure to get a peek at the famed conference room at his studio in the Valley. I knew, if Harry spoke to Cameron, that attention would be paid to Mr. Winston not only for the creative genius that he was, but for his humanity. In our brief encounter, Stan revealed that he was first and foremost just a nice and friendly guy. An everyman... But more than that, he revealed to me that he was, like all of us, an absolutely unabashed movie geek... who had never lost that love and and who truly marveled at the joy he brought to the rest of us fanboys by what he had created. In other words, he was grateful to have been afforded the chance to do what he loved for a living and appreciative of what a great living it had provided him. He will be missed.
ShiftyEyedDog2 by DatoMan413	Jun 16th, 2008 07:46:36 PM
The my post was not understood by the moderator, either. Not here to argue. I was offended that my words were misunderstood. I'm a huge graphics and design geek, and Winstons work is at the heart of that. Jurassic Park stands out in my mind the most. I grew up with an appreciation for dinosaurs, and never thought, when I was a kid, that I'd never see anything that would look like that. Stan Winston took my favorite dino, the T-Rex, and gave it life. I appreciate this man's accomplishments, and truly sad at the passing of a legend. End of Sermon.
By the pricking of my thumbs by Larry of Arabia	Jun 16th, 2008 07:47:30 PM
Something Wicked This Way Comes...
genuinely sad, a rarity by colinjbooth	Jun 16th, 2008 07:47:51 PM
I grew up on the terminator, predator, aliens. we all have our time to go but some leave behind so much, thank you stan. thoughts go out to his loved ones...
Respect. by Madcapper	Jun 16th, 2008 07:48:00 PM
..and I send my thoughts to his friends and family..
by chipps	Jun 16th, 2008 07:48:38 PM
I was reluctant to post because i didn't really know much about him but I LOVED the effects in those films. After Jurassic Park came out the dinosaurs did a tour and went to a museum near us. One was on a loop that turned and roared. Unfortantly my younger brother stepped into the room at exactly the wrong time and the damm thing turned toward him and roared. He was a tough kid but he shat some bricks. Dad timed the looped and noticed that it turned away again after the roar. He picked alex up and spent half an hour standing in front of the thing (it was the raptor). When ever it roared dad would roar back and it would turn away thus making dad 'the boss' so alex wouldn't have nightmares. Still alex wasn't so sure. These things looked real even when not on screen. They looked fucking real.
Thanks for the magic, much respect... by Mr. Flibble	Jun 16th, 2008 07:49:25 PM

I was hoping it wasn't true by tme2nsb	Jun 16th, 2008 07:50:09 PM
That is why I said it was a hoax. All of these people dying. This makes the 8th person in the past two months that inspired me in life. I met Stan Winston many many many many many many many years ago when I was about 11 (I'm almost 25) - it wasn't a personal meeting either, I was just a lowly extra on a movie I forget the title of (I did a lot of them back then) and meeting him is one of the best moments of my shitting "acting" career...him and Chris Farley. I am very sad that this happened, and I don't know when I'll recover from this. Jokingly, it must have been all of the crappy AVP movies and Terminator.
This still sucks. But serves to inspire. by Traveler 27	Jun 16th, 2008 07:53:28 PM
Like all those I have come in contact with thus far in this business, the most unassuming and genuine souls are the most inspiring. And for THEY do I bust my ass for. I do wish I had worked with him...but It inspires me to keep going. This is a great business...we may not all love Hollywood, but certainly, we love movies. RIP
RIP Stan. by Banshee7	Jun 16th, 2008 07:55:14 PM
I didn't know you, but your work has touched me my entire life. God Bless You.
Thank you for posting this Harry by sideshowbob	Jun 16th, 2008 07:56:12 PM
It got a little misty in here as I read it.
Two giants, seemingly immortal, in two weeks... by LHombreSiniestro	Jun 16th, 2008 07:56:39 PM
I'll miss you Stan, and you too Sydney.
Thank you stan by floatybrownthing	Jun 16th, 2008 07:56:40 PM
For all the memories, the inspiration and the passion. Is there any chance AICN can place something more lasting on the page in memoriam?
V/FX Flowers for the Passing of a Movie Wizard... by Chishu_Ryu	Jun 16th, 2008 07:56:44 PM
Almost 15 years later, I still don't think anything has yet rivaled his work in Jurassic Park...
Excellent tribute by Bobo_Vision	Jun 16th, 2008 07:57:51 PM
In addition to his groundbreaking work, sounds like he lived a charmed life. Looking forward to reading the other tributes.
Stan, thank you for bringing magic into our lives. by OgreYouAsshole	Jun 16th, 2008 08:00:58 PM
God Bless
A sincere thank you.. by Alfred_Packer	Jun 16th, 2008 08:02:19 PM
I dont think you can say enough how about someone who has contributed so much throughout our lifetimes. Its impossible to put a value on it all, the impact in all our collective conciousness of this man's work. My most heartfelt thanks. Alf.
Stan The Man by friskevision	Jun 16th, 2008 08:04:24 PM
His mark will not be soon forgotten.
No joke post from me today by Riley Martin	Jun 16th, 2008 08:04:43 PM
Wow, this guy has been responsible for so much of what made my early life enjoyable. No need to list the things he's done...you all know. Thanks big guy.
Who will save Terminator 4, now? by MyManD316	Jun 16th, 2008 08:05:28 PM
'Cause Stan was one of the only bright spots in the whole fucking production. Rest in peace you crazy son of a bitch. Hopefully you're showing Jesus how miracles are really done.
Beautiful words by Gd00	Jun 16th, 2008 08:08:12 PM
from another great man. Rest in peace Stan
Showing Jesus how miracles are really done. by PowerRing	Jun 16th, 2008 08:10:54 PM
Awesome words! The next aurora and shooting stars will be Stans newest creations.
wolfman had nards by seabiscuits	Jun 16th, 2008 08:15:32 PM
and so did stan winston. r.i.p. brother.
Wo w by rogueleader66	Jun 16th, 2008 08:16:17 PM
What a great article, a great tribute to a true giant, an innovator, a man who gave us so much, you can tell he loves what he did, it showed in all of his work. We should all be as lucky to have lived our lives doing what we loved. Stan Winston will me missed, but never forgotten.
I'm crying man by T 1000 xp professional	Jun 16th, 2008 08:23:23 PM
my prayers are out for his loved ones
Ah, man this does suck. by jae683	Jun 16th, 2008 08:23:42 PM
R.I.P.
Heartbreak by nastee_flembot	Jun 16th, 2008 08:25:35 PM

by nastee_flembot	Jun 16th, 2008 08:25:48 PM

He will never be forgotten. by Vic Twenty	Jun 16th, 2008 08:27:32 PM
Impossible. He lives on in every iconic character and creature he had a hand in bringing to the screen. If you were lucky enough to grow up at the right time to see these creations on the big screen when they were first released, you (and I) will never forget the impact they had. In the days before the internet, the only glimpse of this magic was to be found in movie and monster magazines, and usually not at all before a film's release. That made the reveal all that more frightening and wonderful, because you had no idea what was coming. Stan's work will always stay with us, the lucky ones who do "get it". RIP Stan Winston, and thank you very much.
Yet another Legend I have to mark off my wish list by MattHooper	Jun 16th, 2008 08:28:12 PM
One of the few people I would have begged to work on a film of mine. Gifted, professional, nice guy. Never heard anybody say anything negative about this kid AT ALL !! I truly wish I didn't have to say this yet, but Rest In Peace Stan Winston.
sucks by jrbarker	Jun 16th, 2008 08:28:27 PM
rip
Thanks for doing this AICN by Turd Furgeson	Jun 16th, 2008 08:30:21 PM
You guys are right, main stream write-ups won't get it at all. I'm really glad you got these people who knew and worked with him to say some personal things about him. I hope there are enough students of his work out there to fill some of the void left by his passing. Sad day. May Stan Winston find peace and rest.
A lesson we should all take away by HandsThe Hands of Fate	Jun 16th, 2008 08:34:17 PM
Never lose a single opportunity to namedrop who text messaged you last night.
Sharing Jim's pain by Seth Brundle	Jun 16th, 2008 08:44:24 PM
im touched by the thought that TERMINATOR was the first big hit for Stan Winston, James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger in their respectives areas, then they form a bond for life out of it!!! that seriously looks like movie stuff, amazing letter Jim.... you know....i cant believe it, im genuinely sad for this death, my feelings to Stan family and friends
This is the sadest fucking day in cinema in some time... by JackLucas	Jun 16th, 2008 08:45:20 PM
I will watch Pumpkinhead tonight and ask myself the question that film brings to me everytime it spins in my DVD player... why only the one film as a director? Sadly we will now never know what film making dreams Stan could have made come true for visionaries like Cameron and Spielberg. We can only hope that some new talent with an eye for the fantastic and an appreciation for the practical applications that Stan pioneered over the years steps up to the plate to claim this Legend's torch. Until then, I bow to your talent and look forward to sharing your contributions to my imagination with my children. Thank you, Stan. Thank you so much.
My condolences to his loved ones. by digitalcos	Jun 16th, 2008 08:51:35 PM
Stan means so much to the geek community. The loss is overwhelming. He will be missed.
fifteen years later... by mr_macphisto	Jun 16th, 2008 08:56:02 PM
...and i'm STILL waiting for somebody to top this man's work on "jurassic park". i have never NEVER seen special effects work like that in a movie before or since. god, this fucking sucks. jesus, fuck.
The whole of Geekdom mourns... by argonaught	Jun 16th, 2008 08:57:55 PM
What a great great loss to cinema. We've just lost one of the greatest talents who ever worked in movies. RIP Mr Winston. Without you, it will never be the same.
An absolute giant... by Dulcebase	Jun 16th, 2008 08:58:01 PM
Thank you Stan for doing your thing and changing the world of film forever.
Michael Dougherty? by messi	Jun 16th, 2008 09:00:23 PM
that fuck who wrote superman returns?
He was one of my lifelong idols. by CeltMonkey	Jun 16th, 2008 09:02:28 PM
Toast and raise 'em high, fellas, one of the best is gone. A true legend.
Completely gutted... by Little_Alex	Jun 16th, 2008 09:03:43 PM
Was so sad to read this. I rarely post, but this guy was the best in the business. A genuinely special talent who will be sorely missed. He and Rick Baker were the first two effects guys (different areas) whose name I learned (some quarter of a century ago!!)
I'm glad you guys are doing this by buffywrestling	Jun 16th, 2008 09:04:46 PM
Stan deserves the tribute; he truly does. I'll be checking back often to read and remember the man and the master.
That's one tribute I wanted to read. by hallmitchell	Jun 16th, 2008 09:05:28 PM
Who better to go to than James Cameron. Great tribute. Who cares if mainstream press aren't running it. It's only overweight girls who follow who's in rehab anyway. Everyone gets their news of the internet now. And that attitude is a big reason why.
Farewell, sir. by SebastianHaff	Jun 16th, 2008 09:07:29 PM
I may only be 22, but a lot of famous people have died in my time. Outside of family, this death hurts the most. The entire art of cinema has been wounded, not just in spirit, but literally wounded, as there is a giant hole in the practical effects world, a hole that used to be the existence of Stan Winston. I am sure that there are countless movies to be made in the near future that will have mediocre effects work, merely passable makeup jobs, jobs that Stan Winston could have taken on had he been alive. He'd have taken them on and made them better for it. I can't believe that I'm seriously upset by the death of someone I never knew personally. But I am. This is all just awful. I want him back.
Stan's working T1 robots in Terminator 3 by Seth Brundle	Jun 16th, 2008 09:13:37 PM
The man not only did props, he actually built FUCKIN REAL WORKING ROBOTS for T3!!!!....I remember myself thinking "Fuck, cameron is not on T3 but AT LEAST Stan Winston is so the effects will be cool" his work was one of the few redeeming things of T3
RIP STAN by WallyWonka75	Jun 16th, 2008 09:17:21 PM
Movie effects will never be the same again. One of a kind!
Good letter from Cameron by SlickyVonBoner	Jun 16th, 2008 09:46:15 PM
well written and touching
Goodbye Stan by TiNSeLToWN TeRRoR	Jun 16th, 2008 09:55:09 PM
You will be missed by EVERYONE.
Still can't believe it. by otm shank	Jun 16th, 2008 09:56:57 PM
Also, my respect to Mr. Cameron for his great words. If you asked me to say or write about my friend of 25 years the same day as his death, I would not be able to.
Thank you... by tile_mcgillus	Jun 16th, 2008 09:57:02 PM
Brilliant tribute for a brilliant guy.
Ironic that it takes a death to bring out what is best about thi by toadkillerdog	Jun 16th, 2008 10:12:45 PM
For everyone who has ever harped on the fact that Harry has contacts throughout the industry, this sad event illustrates just how valuable those contacts truly are. When mainstream media ignores the impact of the death of this giant, it falls to sites like this, and only this, and people like Harry and only Harry, to get the first and true reactions from the people who matter most. Damn good job Harry. This is what a geek community is all about. And I truly hope everyone remembers this. But my bet is that it will be forgotten as soon as the next eruption occurs over the Starformers II movie. But today, for this moment, we are geeks united in grief. And we have Harry and this site to thank for providing a forum to express that sadness, and to hear from other giants in the industry who share our sadness. Goodbye Mr. Winston - you provided memories that I and countless millions of others will carry for a lifetime.
To bring out what is best about this site by toadkillerdog	Jun 16th, 2008 10:13:38 PM
Is what the previous post said
I LOVE HOW by JaPra	Jun 16th, 2008 10:16:32 PM
Harry makes a point, OVER & OVER to tell us that he never met Stan Winston. WHO FUCKING CARES? Who cares if you never had the chance to meet and talk with him. This is about HIM, his life, his accomplishments, his dreams, his magic. I'm about over Harry and his need for famous friends. REST IN PEACE STAN! This is about YOU, and no one else.
Created the images of my childhood... by BusDriverStu	Jun 16th, 2008 10:17:20 PM
Aside from deaths in the family, very few could ever make me upset, but this one really leaves me saddened. Winston was responsible for making me believe in the fantastic when I was a kid, participating in the movies that made me fall in love with the art. The man was as iconic as the icons he created, and though I've obviously never met him, he always came off as a genuinely nice guy in every interview. He will be missed.
And CGI claims another victim by Nasty In The Pasty	Jun 16th, 2008 10:19:55 PM
NOTHING will ever touch Winston's animatronic work.
STAN WINSTON: Certification that at least the FX would be good by Stormwatcher	Jun 16th, 2008 10:20:55 PM
That is what the name represented. No matter what, even if the film itself wasn't always T2, then at least you'd be guaranteed the gauntlet on the floor when it came to new visuals. James Cameron is pretty much a man's man in a way that's all class. Glad he's the first obit I have read on this. Will stick out the most when I think about Winston.
RIP to an underrated great by hamo455	Jun 16th, 2008 10:26:52 PM
This was top story on my local newspage's entertainment section, as it should be. It was a damn shock to read it there though. Rest in peace Mr Winston, or maybe raise a little hell if that's more to your liking.
A true cinema legend by Jbreck	Jun 16th, 2008 10:29:26 PM
Stan's work will not soon be forgotten. I hope that one day I can make 1/1000th of the impact on this world that he has. Stan, May the road rise to meet you, the wind be...... May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rain fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you In the palm of His hand. ...and may you be in heaven an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
Farewell, childhood dreams and nightmares... by Billyeveryteen	Jun 16th, 2008 10:39:00 PM
I am forever in you debt, good Sir...
i am angry by GavinVanDraven	Jun 16th, 2008 10:43:34 PM
for this loss. and angry that noboby i have told the news to has any f'ing clue as to who stan the man winston was. it makes me sick. i work at blockbuster, and nobody i work with there had a clue until i listed off a dozen or more movies who the hell i was talking about. i am making a tribute section in my store for his work.
Thank you, Stan. Rest in peace. by Mr. Waturi	Jun 16th, 2008 10:44:03 PM

It's great... by mefrog	Jun 16th, 2008 10:46:41 PM
...that despite all the bitching, and yelling, and debating, and name-calling that populates these talkbacks as we feud, at the end of the day we're all still true geeks and film lovers. And that when someone this legendary, this spectacular, passes on we all come together. Seriously. The respect for Mr. Winston's work here is incredible, and well-deserved. What a legend. What an incredible guy. RIP sir. You shall be missed.
Fucking beautiful by 11ZOMBIES	Jun 16th, 2008 10:51:46 PM
A great tribute to a great man. Cinema has lost one of the true greats.
James Cameron is a good writer by Rupee88	Jun 16th, 2008 10:59:19 PM
Whenever he emails Harry, it just jumps out at you. But of course the content is what matters today and yes, it is sad that Stan Winston couldn't live forever. He gave us all so much joy through his passion and hard work. I met him at a comics/fantasy convention years ago and he was just a good guy...very upbeat and friendly.
You'll be missed, and you'll always be loved by hegele	Jun 16th, 2008 11:10:44 PM
the work and the memories of Stan will continue to enrich and enhance audiences forever.
I met Stan Winston Back in 2006, At Comicon. by GenreBoy	Jun 16th, 2008 11:16:16 PM
It was the first time i ever went. I had only attended Wondercon prior and was excited to go to San Diego. Anyway, on that friday i was walking around in Awe of how huge the convention was and i was near the Sideshow Booth, they had just released the Alien and Predator figures and the T-800 Ekoskelton. Unaware and not paying attention i stepped back to take a picture of the Exoskeleton and i bumped into someone and i turn around an there's a slim man with gray hair, glasses and i turn saying I'm so sorry, man sorry. I look at his badge and it's Green saying "Exhibitor" an below that it said "Stan Winston" realizing who i nearly knocked over i apologized even more. An he just smiled an said it was ok. An i said.."Sorry it's my first time to here an it's alot" an he said "Oh thats great man, how are you enjoying it so far?" an i just said "Alot of fun, ya know i'm going to see the panels an buy alotta stuff." an honestly i probably rambled at him because i couldnt believe i met the guy who gave a shape and scale to every cool creature that i ever saw on the big screen. An i asked how he was and he said "I'm good good" An i asked if i could take a picture with him and he said sure. after that another exhibitor came an Stan said "Hey, i gotta run but listen you have a blast man, Hope this is the first of many for you Buddy." He didnt have to say anything like that,he asked how i was enjoying the convention. Honestly, when does that ever happen? I'm no one important, I'm not a director, or actor,or a studio exec, I was just some random guy who bumped into him and he was interested in how i was enjoying myself.I've gone to the Pebble Beach AT&T pro-am an half the "Celebrities" that are NOT playing are not 1/10th of the personablity that Stan Was. I guess what i'm saying is, Is that if stan was able to be as kind to a random guy like me, than it speaks volumes of him as a man in the world of Hollywood, atleast to me anyway. He will be truly missed. An i've attended Comiccon Since and ya know what...I have a Blast every time. Thanks Mr. Winston. -Michael
Stan At San Diego Con 2007 - Iron Man by rickdeckard1	Jun 16th, 2008 11:19:28 PM
I remember Stan talking to the audience at Comic Con with Favreau, and Downey Jr., right next to him, talking about how excited he was with Iron Man, no since Jurassic Park, had he been that excited about a project. He struck me as a man of passion and through his work incredible genius.
Another great by Series7	Jun 16th, 2008 11:32:21 PM
Yeah as to what GavinVanDraven, I've told a couple of people and half of them said, don't you mean Tim Russet? And I said no and they were like who's Stan, and I explained to him all the movies he was involved with and they couldn't believe how much he's done and how iconic a lot of his work is. Man, he's life in movies must've been amazing. Its the sort of ideal career to have, to get to collaborate with all the best, even though you pretty much are the best. I always enjoyed seeing any dvd extras behind the scenes stuff of his. Though truth be told I do get him and Rick Baker mixed up a lot, which is fine because they've both done amazing work.
AICN you guys rock for doing this by quadrupletree	Jun 16th, 2008 11:59:58 PM
Enough said.
My God...Absolutely Shocking and Heart Breaking... by Read and Shut Up	Jun 17th, 2008 12:04:56 AM
...honestly, this is truly, truly sad news. Stan Winston took those things that lurk in our imagination and made them real, and tangible. Obviously, I never met the man - but I feel like I know him, if only for his work. Stan, thank you - and bless you - for taking a little kid's dreams and putting them up on the big screen. You will be sorely missed.
rip by aicnball	Jun 17th, 2008 12:18:09 AM
while i never got to meet the man, the man proivided so much for movie fans from raptors, t-800, t-1000, t-rexes, and many countless othe v/fx. RIP Stan Winston, a genius in the v/fx that provided many a movie fans tons of thrills
This tribute should really ... by heks	Jun 17th, 2008 12:20:00 AM
... be made a permanent feature of the site, I think. I don't think there's an area for that kinda thing right now, but this topic/post is worth the creation of a new permanent section in my opinion. This just might turn out to be the day that "real" died in the movies ... or at least started down the other side of the hill. It's a sad, sad day. This really sucks. I think everybody who loves movies is gonna feel this. Winston's legacy definitely deserves a permaent monument.
make that permanent monument by heks	Jun 17th, 2008 12:21:04 AM
stupid no-edit feature
The don't make them like... by Bedhead7	Jun 17th, 2008 12:34:23 AM
Mr. Winston anymore. Words like Master, Legend and Hero were invented to describe his level of character and quality. The first time I ever cared about filmmaking was watching Stan talk about the production of Aliens. Biggest loss to film since Mr. Kubrick. Stan, rest in peace.
I'm going to drink a beer by Mezzanine	Jun 17th, 2008 12:59:57 AM
in honor of the late, great Stan Winston. It kills me to think that the man who made my nightmares and dreams come to life as a kid is gone. Together, Stan caused more sleepless nights and more hours of giddy grinning than anyone else in movies. Showing Jesus how to perform real miracles, indeed. Rest in peace, Stan.
Pictures of Stan's Studio Gallery by apersonofinterest	Jun 17th, 2008 01:33:15 AM
This is a repost from another thread but since James Cameron mentioned it, I thought I would share it again. If anyone is interested, I found the pictures I took of his display room. This is the room he would bring his potential clients that would never cease to blow their minds. Talk about closing the deal. These pictures were taken for a quicktime 360 project we were working on that never made it on to the website and despite the fact that I was the President of the company and would not be doing any of the production work, I decided that this project was too important and I'd best personally oversee the photoshoot...And I wanted to play in the big toy room :-). We spent all day in this room taking these pictures. The mirrors behind the props made it extremely difficult to take the pictures without getting in the pictures ourselves. If you look closely, you might see a foot sticking out from behind the conference room table where we would hide while we snapped the pictures. As you can see, Stan produced some of the most iconic creatures in motion picture history. I felt like I was in an art gallery and I kept getting in trouble for touching the props but I couldn't help it...The pictures are all high res, so enjoy! http://tinyurl.com/5jrk7u. I just checked online, and apparently the websites that we designed are still online..Don't laugh! These were designed back when Flash was still brand new. Stan was kinda cheap so our subsequent attempts to get him to redesign the websites were to no avail. http://www.stanwinstonstudio.c om/home.html and http://www.stanwinstonproducti ons.com/. Thank you Stan!! I will never forget you!
This...THIS is why Ain't It Cool News IS the best by thelordofhell	Jun 17th, 2008 01:34:11 AM
I always think it's rather disengenious when I hear about a celebrity death. Because really, we just don't know them as people, we only know them for the work they did, that's why I ususally post a flippant message when these death posts come out (I'm the Abe Vigoda Laughs At You All guy). But this one is different, extremely different. Here we have, right in front of our eyes, exemplary dedications from people who have known this man better than any of us here, and any and all snarky little comments made by me or anyone else on this board just pales in comparison to these testimonials. I am literally in tears writing this response. This has been one of the best posts ever on this site. Thank you Harry, Quint, and to all the people who sent you their words to be shown here. And to Stan, rest in peace, you deserve it.
Awful news! a GIANT in sci-fi and fantasy films! by quantize	Jun 17th, 2008 01:55:39 AM
RIP Stan
Rest In Peace. by DamnMichaelBay	Jun 17th, 2008 01:58:40 AM
You fucking rocked.
Goodbye Stan by JADSTERSDAD	Jun 17th, 2008 02:00:36 AM
Thanks for the magic. I'll miss you.
Terrible loss. by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz	Jun 17th, 2008 02:15:41 AM
This and Tim Russert are like a one two punch to me. I can't even properly comment.
Rest in Peace Sir by Muse1983	Jun 17th, 2008 02:29:00 AM
Cinema has lost perhaps the last true master in creating icons that we will always remember and love. He was a master of the craft and we will all miss him terribly. Thank you stan for creating memories, movie moments and magic that will live forever. God bless you
Descanse en Paz by CuervoJones	Jun 17th, 2008 02:39:09 AM
And, for the record, Jim Cameron is Great.
Maker of dreams come true. Peace to you by Dingbatty	Jun 17th, 2008 02:46:31 AM
and condolences to yours, Mr. Winston.
What the FUCK????????? by alucardvsdracula	Jun 17th, 2008 02:52:09 AM
This is sad toooooo fucking sad. RIP Sir you helped take genre movies to another level. You shall never be forgotten.
Gutted by Brody77	Jun 17th, 2008 02:52:25 AM
Saw this on imdb then immediately came on here. I didn't even know he was ill. Surely if anyone deserves a full blown tribute to their work at the Oscars it's Stan Winston. Thanks for all the joy.
Stan Winston Display Room Password by apersonofinterest	Jun 17th, 2008 03:28:38 AM
Oops. The password for the display room pix is mainstreet. Here is the URL again. http://tinyurl.com/5jrk7u
This sucks by Fineus Fog	Jun 17th, 2008 03:29:18 AM
gonna go watch Aliens now. Be interested to hear what Richard Taylor has to say - I worked on LOTR at WETA and there was nothing but admiration for Stan and others like him
it's happening by ferrisdownunder	Jun 17th, 2008 03:52:56 AM
I knew coming into the 21st century that the filmakers that i grew up with would begin to fall...but goddamn does it hurt. A sad day indeed.
Good work, boys. by Fortunesfool	Jun 17th, 2008 03:59:48 AM
Lets hope to hear from some others before this blends into the news ether.
R.I.P Stan by Captain RawBeard	Jun 17th, 2008 04:25:00 AM
You were and always will be the Man. For me movies have lost that little bit of magic.
What a bummer... by WONKABAR	Jun 17th, 2008 04:28:57 AM
this is a terrible loss
Goddammit... by SoWasRed2012	Jun 17th, 2008 04:41:34 AM
Time to break out the Predator-Aliens-T2-Jurassic Park marathon and the emergency bottle of whiskey. RIP Stan.
by misnomer	Jun 17th, 2008 04:47:23 AM
totally unexpected and very saddening. A real icon to film lovers, he'll be sorely missed. There have been many times in my life where, for a fleeting moment, I wish i'd gotten into special effects- and that ambition has only ever existed because of this guy. Rest in peace stan.
"Aint It Cool News" by JIMBOCOP	Jun 17th, 2008 05:00:35 AM
This is not cool news - not by a long way. I don't often get personally upset when a movie maker passes away, but damn, this has really choked me up. Stan's hands shaped the monsters that are my generation's Wolfman, Dracula and Frankenstein's monster and, from the tributes on this page, it sounds like he was a straight-up guy too. To lose him whilst he was still producing the goods just adds to the hurt. My sympathies go out to all who knew and miss him and my sincerest thanks go out to Stan himself, who will be remembered, if not by the mainstream media, at least by the ones who matter the most - fans who will continue to be marvelled by (and genuinely love) his creations and the current and future film-makers who will continue be as inspired by him as he was by the likes of Willis O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen. Godspeed Stan...
What a damn shame, Cameron is right by ilander66	Jun 17th, 2008 05:05:37 AM
He was truly a legend and contributed so much to to films that millions of people have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy for years to come. There will probably be very little if anything at all about him in the mainstream press (especially here in the UK) but the fans know he was a genius, his family and friends know he was a great man and his legacy will live on. R.I.P Stan Winston Thank you for everything.
Sorry you had to leave by Striking Writer	Jun 17th, 2008 05:08:54 AM
but thank you for being a major part of the movies that shaped my life
great stan winston quote on CGI by misnomer	Jun 17th, 2008 05:13:11 AM
"Ultimately, any new technology, if used properly, should be embraced; however, I think it's very important for people to realize what happens whenever a new technology is introduced. I think it's a wonderful new tool to be able to use digital tools to help create magic. But, the secret is creating magic….and you don't create magic by your audience knowing how you did your trick. The downfall is when too much digital is used. When an audience walks into what I call a "live action movie." I am not talking about a digitally animated movie because that is an animated film and that's an art form. “Toy Story,” “Shrek,” and “Nemo” are wonderful and could not be better. They are great stories and told in a particular art form. But when digital is used in a live action movie, people should not be aware that it's digital animation. It must be magic. The only way to make it invisible is not to make it all digital; mix it up. To have live action and digital so that from cut to cut, from moment to moment, you are not aware of what you are looking at. And then it's magic and it's a brilliant tool. Unfortunately it's only a few filmmakers…there are only a handful of brilliant filmmakers who know how to dazzle you and trick your mind and allow you to believe you are seeing something that is real and that you don't know how it was done because it doesn't look like digital…and it couldn't be done live because they couldn't possibly do that with puppets…it couldn't be done with animatronics and it also couldn't be digital because once you no longer know how it's done as an audience then you are watching a movie. You are watching what is happening and it is magic. And anything that helps us do the magic is a good thing. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of great magicians out there and they don't know how to use the tools and so the magic is gone. So, instead of going to see a movie and seeing magic you end up seeing technology and that's a downfall."
Nice tributes from Stan's peers. by pokadoo	Jun 17th, 2008 05:14:18 AM
Like I said in the other talkback, I am just bummed out. I never new the man personaly, but he has been there in the background for most of my movie-watching life. The movie world has lost a very talented & important man. R.I.P Stan.
Props to AICN for this... by Sledge Hammer	Jun 17th, 2008 05:23:48 AM
There was not a single mention on any australian news broadcasts all day about this, but practically everyone had Amy Winehouse's latest whatever. Made me so damn angry that the passing of one of the true legends of modern cinema doesn't rate even a mention, and yet some two bit drunken skank behaving badly, again, is considered big news. Absolutely shameful. Personally I'm still absolutely gutted by this news. I mean, honestly, what fan of film doesn't love Stan Winston and his myriad contributions to film over the past few decades. A man who clearly loved movies and loved what he did, and who always seemed like a cool guy. And what horror/monster movie fan doesn't have a special place in their heart for the Winston directed Pumkinhead, a film so much better crafted than the weak junk sequels that came after it and tainted the Pumpkinhead name somewhat. But Winston's original? Great stuff. Really great stuff, with a real sense of atmosphere, something far too many directors in the genre these days either ignore or know nothing about whatsoever. The man made us believe Dinosaurs were real, he gave us the Terminator, and refined the Alien and then one upped it with the Alien Queen. From his work on the first two Predators, to his contribution to The Thing, to his work on films like Dead & Buried, Interview With A Vampire, Batman Returns, Edward Scissorhands, A.I., Galaxy Quest, and many more, we really have lost one of the all time greats of movie magic here. A big part of my love of film comes directly from the sheer wonder I got from seeing Stan Winston's work on certain films for the first time, and on the impact that had on me as a genre film lover. I've been a fan of Winston since seeing his memorable work on the old Gargoyles tv movie in the 70's, a flick that got regular tv airplay when I was a youngster. Sure, they may look a bit cheesy now, but back in the day the effects in this tv movie were amazing. He was my generation's Harryhausen, and knowing he's gone, and we won't see his talent and imagination on film again kills me. Just...damn. Rest in peace Stan, and thanks for all the magic.
Very sad news by Bono Luthor	Jun 17th, 2008 05:26:06 AM
I remember seeing Jurassic Park at midnight on my twentieth birthday with some really good friends. It was one of the best experiences, movie or otherwise, of my life. That was before we were so easily spoiled before walking in to a movie. I spent all the next day reading the making of book that my mum and dad had bought me for my birthday, all about Winston and Spielberg and the adventures they had in bringing the movie to life. Those days shine crystal clear in my mind. Happy memories. So, thank you Stan. My thoughts go to your family at this deeply sad time for them.
I'm still mournign for Tim Russert... by depalma25	Jun 17th, 2008 05:53:42 AM
but Jesus, Stan Winston...I'm beside myself...anyone who has listened to any interview Winston has done, you see the enthusiasm and love for film in his voice. "Aliens" was his favorite film and he has talked about this again and again. Rest in Peace..
The BBC finally got something up - about time by kwisatzhaderach	Jun 17th, 2008 06:02:16 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/ent ertainment/7458478.stm Ignore the spaces in this link.
Thank you Stan, rest in peace... by The Grug	Jun 17th, 2008 06:17:38 AM
The magic you brought to so many of the films I grew up with is something I'll never forget. Cheers.
Made the unbelievable believable.. by Crawing	Jun 17th, 2008 06:21:42 AM
RIP, Stan
Made the unbelievable believable.. by Crawing	Jun 17th, 2008 06:21:44 AM
RIP, Stan
Thank you Stan by reni	Jun 17th, 2008 06:24:41 AM
I've grown up watching your incredible work. We're gonna miss you more than you know. Thank you.
Movie Magic by FILMFUNK	Jun 17th, 2008 06:31:27 AM
This guy alongside Tom Savini, Rob Botin and Rick Baker are Magicians! I wasn't into sports or clever at school but I could draw and make stuff and as a kid These practical FX gurus were my Rockstars! Stan Winston created the Predator, The Terminator, Queen Alien and Living (literally) breathing, real as you could get dinosaurs! These guys actually handcrafted the stuff but injected so much more than just a photorealism! whenever I watch a movie coated completley in CG It pops me out of it and makes me angry that it's so obvious! I do apreciate the hard graft that goes into Digital FX but my preferance will always be for a good practical effect done well and my frustration is all your fault Stan because you were so damned good at your job! Thank you most sincearly for the Magic!
Reading those thoughts from his friends made me cry by NomoredirtyjokespleaseweareYanks	Jun 17th, 2008 06:31:34 AM
This is some tragic news. I had no idea till I just clicked on this site. Thankyou Harry and Co. for giving this man the respect he deserves as the true giant of makeup and animatronics over the last 30 years. I just cannot fathom how much he will be missed.
This is so fucking sad... by Motoko Kusanagi	Jun 17th, 2008 06:34:27 AM
What a tragic loss. :-(
One of the greats, I think by Franklin T Marmoset	Jun 17th, 2008 07:15:04 AM
For a lot of people, especially guys of my age, Stan Winston's name is one you remember over and above a lot of the other people involved in making the films he worked on. His creature designs and creations graced many of the films I loved growing up in the video age. This is very, very sad news. Best wishes to his family. RIP, Mr Winston.
This fucking sucks... by ATARI	Jun 17th, 2008 07:15:54 AM
He passed too soon.
Sci Fi tribute? by stardogg	Jun 17th, 2008 07:23:43 AM
I think the Sci Fi channel should do a special tribute show for Stan with clips and interviews from his peers. Good idea or asking too much?
Thanks for so much, Stan. by fireclown	Jun 17th, 2008 07:24:27 AM
I don't know what else to say.
I watched the making of Jurassic Park last night... by Thundercats73	Jun 17th, 2008 07:29:59 AM
... in honor of the man. He's a genius and a visionary. Practical Special Effects will never be the same. He will be missed.
Thanks Stan by Kentucky Colonel	Jun 17th, 2008 07:30:53 AM
Please don't invade my nightmares. Anymore. Well, maybe a little. Just don't haunt me. I'm sure you'd be really good at it, though.
Thank You, Stan by Wrath4771	Jun 17th, 2008 07:35:38 AM
Thank you for making magic real. Because of you, no one can ever convince me that dinosaurs aren't real. Peace and strength to his family and friends.
A great artist - well done AICN by filmcoyote	Jun 17th, 2008 07:55:17 AM
This is easily the best article i have ever seen posted in my 11 years reading this site. Harry, Quint you are so right that the celebrity-obsessed mainstream media would not understand the importance of Stan Winston and his impact and not show the due respect. You can be sure had Lindsay Lohan overdosed today Stan probably wouldn't get a mention on the news (and in the UK sadly he probably won't anyway). Stan was one of the most important effects artists working and either created or had a hand in some of the most influential films of my late childhood and early teens in the 80s and 90s. He was a legend. This salute you guys are doing is not only deserved but vital and i for one salute you in return for making it a reality. Well done.
lost talent by Moshi	Jun 17th, 2008 08:03:01 AM
Stan Winston Studios surely must have created more long lasting movie creatures than anyone else. most of those creations are still household names many years later. Terminator, aliens mind blowing. With Predator, Stan turned around a troubled B movie & made it a classic. For me though it's the Jurassic Park dinosaurs. That film was a quantum leap in visual design & artistry, & a subject close to my heart. I still vividly remember seeing those dinosaurs for the first time, in a magazine pictorial, after a long impatiient wait. I knew they'd be good, but I had no idea they'd be quite that good. The trex & raptor designs seem to have influenced all subsequent interpretations of those animals. I'm really shocked to hear Stan's gone. A genuine loss to cinema. I hope the studio continues to pioneer & amaze without him. I'm sure it will.
Stan's Gallery by Moshi	Jun 17th, 2008 08:15:15 AM
hey, apersonofnointerest, My heartbeat sped up when you said you'd got high res pictures of Stan's Gallery. But I can't link to the site you posted. Fustration! is it still avaliable?
Godspeed by Autodidact	Jun 17th, 2008 08:26:07 AM
Stan's was the first name I came to recognize as a "filmmaker" outside of the actors in a movie. This is because I spent most of my youth watching Terminator, Aliens, and Predator until the VHS tapes wore out. Eventually I noticed the "Special creature effects by Stan Winston" credit in all three films and realized that if he's involved, there's a good chance the movie will kick ass. Godspeed sir.
Fangoria Convention Last Year by Scott Pierce	Jun 17th, 2008 08:31:44 AM
My friend went to see Stan Winston on Saturday of last years Fangoria convention in Seacacus, NJ. When he heard the news he was stunned and looked up at his case with the Fangoria he had signed when he met the legend Stan Winston. He was in shock to say the least. He called me and said did you hear, which is always a bad sign. There's always a moment where you think that can't be. I couldn't make it to last years con- should have quit that job then and gone. You never know when your heroes won't be around anymore. A friend of mine worked on Pumpkinhead in the catering department and told me some cool stories about the film. I remember being in the Fangoria offices watching Pumpkinhead II and wishing it was like the first which is a great film and has an iconic monster. My friend told of what he remembered most vividly about Stan Winston. When Winston was on stage just how much energy he had and talking about the differences between working with Spielberg and Cameron and what it was like to work with them. A moment like that stays with you. Wish I could have been there. There's not many effects legends left. I still can't believe it.
well done, AICN. by Gatsbys West Egg Omlet	Jun 17th, 2008 08:36:28 AM
this is how he should be remembered. by the folks who worked with him, knew him, and loved him. not just a bunch of random fanboys who like his monsters. thanks to all who have written in for this. it helps to humanize the guy, and it makes his death mean all the more.
A legend by Purgatori	Jun 17th, 2008 08:38:52 AM
It's a sad day in the land of the monsters and the people who love them. The creator of some of the best is gone. I am so glad I got to meet him in 2006. I'm glad I got the chance to thank him. You truly were a building block of my childhood Mr. Winston, and I will forever remember you for that and be grateful. Rest in peace sir.
and the interesting part is by Gatsbys West Egg Omlet	Jun 17th, 2008 08:41:02 AM
he will be missed by people who don't even know who he is. in a few years our little brothers and sisters and the next generation of geeks will say "why don't we have any bad ass monsters any more? why was every iconic movie monster created from 1980 to 2008?" and we will know the answer.
we'll miss you, man. by Gatsbys West Egg Omlet	Jun 17th, 2008 08:41:58 AM
tanks for everything.
we'll miss you, man. by Gatsbys West Egg Omlet	Jun 17th, 2008 08:42:06 AM
thanks for everything.
Thank You by verge	Jun 17th, 2008 08:43:29 AM
First to Stan Winston, who created the dinosaurs that captured my imagination unlike anything else as a child. Jurassic Park was the first movie that I think I really LOVED. It was everything to me in terms of passionate film-watching and I will always treasure it. Stan Winston created many wonderful things, but that's the stuff most important to me. And, to top it off, he sounds like he was just the nicest guy in the world. Second, to AICN, this is great and it means a lot to me to read about him from his collaborators. This is very nice.
Thank You by BeyondStatic	Jun 17th, 2008 08:45:52 AM
A wonderful tribute in unfortunate circumstances. Thanks for knowing what's important to us. Stan, you will never be forgotten.
RIP Mr. Winston by just pillow talk	Jun 17th, 2008 08:47:16 AM
Nice touch hearing from people who knew/worked with the man.
Sad day by Ortheas	Jun 17th, 2008 08:59:24 AM
This just ruined my morning. Thank you Stan for providing all of us with icons of our lives. Your creativity and enthusiasm leaves the movie world much less magical.
these are great by CherryValance	Jun 17th, 2008 09:03:29 AM
I'm almost glad now that the mainstream media didn't pick up on this right away. We probably wouldn't have heard such heartfelt tributes if they had. We're all going to miss the work he would have done in the future and what it would have meant to us, but these people obviously lost someone very special to them. My condolences go out to all of them. great job, Quint & Harry.
I met him...... by woggerman	Jun 17th, 2008 09:11:50 AM
In 2001 at Toy Fair. He had just finished his creature feature line of action figures. He was also designing this Terminator Head Web cam that you could control remotely. We had dinner with him and he was one of the most fascinating people I have ever met. I could have listened to his stories as long as he could tell them. He will definitely be missed. RIP
His Work Will Live On To Represent Him... by PR1C3Y	Jun 17th, 2008 09:16:00 AM
When kids these days realise CGI is truly bullshit this is the man they should look up.
This is... by Bruce Leroy	Jun 17th, 2008 09:29:54 AM
a beautiful thing you AICN guys are doing. Since the mainstream media are failing to report this. Stan Winston's passing is a huge loss and i will miss his work on the big screen. It's good to hear from his peers that he was a beautiful human being too. Rest in Peace Mr. Winston. You deserve it.
Stan "The Man" Winston by TheJake	Jun 17th, 2008 09:43:04 AM
I make a sincere plea to all future filmmakers and SFX artists - never forget Stan's legacy of work! If it is possible to shoot it practically, then please, do so! Don't rely on CG!
Highest respect. Who will miss him more, Hollywood or us? by JDanielP	Jun 17th, 2008 10:00:02 AM
That's a good question, isn't it? As a fan of fantasy and sci-fi, this is the most saddening news I've ever heard coming from Hollywood.
RIP by manicart1	Jun 17th, 2008 10:07:05 AM
I'm still kind of processing all this...it's staggering how many brilliant films would be lesser pieces of art without Stan's contribution. Clearly he was the David Lean of visual effects and his loss to the creative industry as a whole is incalculable. To me I think this is as big a deal as losing Steven Spielberg or Stan lee, so I would just like to add my voice to the many hundreds here in offering condolences to Stan's family. He will be sorely missed.
We miss you Stan by Proman1984	Jun 17th, 2008 10:11:43 AM
Thanks for your incredible work during so many years.
My highest respects to Stan and his family... by WerewolfOfLondon	Jun 17th, 2008 10:26:24 AM
Stan is one of the reasons I am a movie fan today... when his name was on the credits, you knew there would be some class-A work... and, yes, his Pumpkinhead scared the bejesus out of me when I was a kid... but the awe I felt when those dinosaurs appeared in Jurassic Park is something I have only felt once since - ironically, that one time since was Iron Man... Stan, your contributions to film will be missed...
Great Tribute to a Legend by Dr.Lizardo	Jun 17th, 2008 10:44:04 AM
This is truly one of the best and classiest things I've seen AICN do. I have been lurking here for a long time and never posted in a TB, but wanted to say thanks to Harry and the gang for doing this. And to say how much Stan Winston will be missed by the Film and Geek communities.
May he rest in peace by SpencerTrilby	Jun 17th, 2008 10:48:05 AM
Glad to hear about him from such great, talented people as Jim Cameron, Darabont, Baker or Dante. Terrible loss for any genre movies fan. Any word yet from Steve Wang? He and Stan Winston had a tumultuous work relationship, but I'm sure Wang could share terrific-yet-respectful anecdotes about working with him.
RIP Stan by jadeanala	Jun 17th, 2008 10:59:58 AM
I read this at 2 am right before I had to drive several hours to NY. I've never posted before but I had to today. This sucks! I can't remember an industry person's passing making me cry but I find I keep biting back tears over this. He was brilliant and one of my idols and he will be greatly missed. Thank you AICN for doing this. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Goodbye Stan by T-Dog	Jun 17th, 2008 11:06:41 AM
Pumpkinhead scared the hell out of me, The Terminator kicked my ass, and Jurassic Park brought the dinosaurs to incredible life. Movie magic has died a little today.
Re: great stan winston quote on CGI by KelseysNuts	Jun 17th, 2008 11:08:44 AM
Minomer... thank you. The best example of how practical FX and CGI can work together - and not look like crap - is the T-rex attack sequence in Jurassic Park. When the T-rex first breaks out of the paddock and steps into the picture and roars, that was brilliant. But, when animatronic T-rex took over, it was equally brilliant. Winston was absolutely correct - the magic is in using the tools correctly. He definitely created magic.
I'm sure I'm not the first to say this... by Klytus_I.m_Bored	Jun 17th, 2008 11:10:06 AM
But Winston's passing really could signal the end of an era, at least with big-budget films. I mean, doing things in-camera not only looks better, but really helps to keep the directors in line. Imagine if Spielberg had wanted to do the fridge thing in an Indy film 20 years ago? It would have been impracticable, which would have saved him from making that mistake. Of course, this doesn't mean that this kind of limitation means NO mistakes, of course (read: Ewoks), but it does mean filmmakers have to be pushed to make things photorealistic and prune down their ideas to just the minimums needed to tell a story. That is often a good thing. Winston's continuing innovation and genius for practical effects helped to mediate that tension between director's vision and what was able to be realized pre-CGI. Now that directors continue to insist (incorrectly) that CGI can solve ALL problems, in-camera effects guys like Winston will, sadly, have a harder time plying their craft. And that's what it is - craft. Pear-shaped computer fuckers like that douchebag Lucas used on the prequels (can't remember that fuck's name) seem to think that computers can "solve" the effects problems of earlier eras. Those sad sacks seem to be oblivious to the fact that those limitations WEREN'T PROBLEMS.
These are what AICN threads should be by I Dunno	Jun 17th, 2008 11:13:36 AM
I don't mean about a dead legend but I mean all the trolls and squabblers and assholes coming together to agree on something. A master of one of the things we all love has passed and it's a sad day.
Not everything is tragic about death by Pazuzu2k	Jun 17th, 2008 11:14:27 AM
When my time comes if I feel that I've accomplished in my own life 1% of what Mr. Winston has I will die a happy man. Well done sir! See you on the other side...
Terminator Tidbit by Klytus_I.m_Bored	Jun 17th, 2008 11:21:11 AM
I remember on one of the "making of" docs on one of the Terminator DVDs, Winston talks about how he put together the final shot of the Terminator in the crusher at the end of the first film. You know, the close up of the head being smashed and they red eye light going out? They did it with a really thin Terminator skull and Winston sat there and turned the dimmer dial down on the red light in the eye. He also puffed a little smoke out of a cigarette into the frame for the smoky effect of the machine "dying." He seemed so thrilled to tell that story - it was so low-tech and you can tell he really got off on that. The effects totally work, which makes it all the sweeter. I really love seeing a master getting a kick out of his own work like that.
I once met a guy... by Mosquito March	Jun 17th, 2008 11:39:45 AM
...who had worked for Stan Winston back in the '80s, who had a full-size foam rubber casting of the monster from PUMPKINHEAD. It looked like it came right out of the film, and may in fact have been one of the originals. He'd dress it up in a hat and coat, put it in the passenger seat of his car, and drive it around town to see peoples' reactions. Stan Winston's creations generated fun even outside of the multiplex, without him even knowing. What an amazing world he inhabited.
Still just can't believe it... by r_number6	Jun 17th, 2008 11:46:16 AM
Thanks, Harry and everyone, for the very touching tributes. It would be nice to also have some words from Spielberg and Arnold, who were both fortunate enough to have seen firsthand some of Stan Winston's best work. I feel a lot like I did when Jim Henson died. Henson created so many creatures & critters that were a big part of my childhood; Winston created so many of the incredible creatures that I loved in my high-school & college days (and well beyond). He was a true master, and he and his worked evolved over the years so that he was never left behind by advances in CGI technology as so many other practical effects artists were (and sadly, his passing will probably mean more FX ground lost to CGI - it may be more advanced, but that don't mean it's better). As was the case with Jim Henson Studios, Stan Winston Studios will obviously live on, but it will certainly not be the same without the master to guide it. Goodbye, Stan. We'll miss you and we'll miss the inspired work you did.
goodnight monster man by Datascream	Jun 17th, 2008 11:48:50 AM
you had a huge impact on my life since childhood. you will be missed :(
In a world of ever increasing dependancy on CGI by sweeneydave	Jun 17th, 2008 11:57:03 AM
the craft of conventional effects is fading away. And we just lost a master craftsman. Rest in peace Stan.
too young to die by foree forehead	Jun 17th, 2008 12:16:06 PM
r.i.p. stan w.
I saw him at an Aliens screening @ the Arclight by Kiki Bridges	Jun 17th, 2008 12:20:44 PM
along with Gale Anne Hurd and Lance Henrikson, but Stan Winston was the Ringmaster. He had the same enthusiasm about the work he did back then and the upcoming projects on his plate. I thought to myself, this guy is one of us, he's not a suit. I want to work with him so much. Mr. Winston, you will be missed.
a legend in his own lifetime... by mansep	Jun 17th, 2008 12:21:03 PM
his work will continue to inspire and amaze... one of the all-time greats. We'll miss him.
there'd better be a fucking oscar tribute by BendersShinyAss	Jun 17th, 2008 12:22:00 PM
I don't mean a mix in with all that was lost this year... i mean an ode to the man who made our eyes widen and our jaws drop!
a first class guy by Hoy	Jun 17th, 2008 12:55:44 PM
i had the opportunity to sit next to mr. winston at the apollo 13 premiere, and then ran into him at a mall a year or two later. i was a fan just like everyone else, and he was one of the most humble, gracious guys you could ever meet. given his work, he could've chosen to be snooty about it, but he wasn't. he enjoyed what he did and was, above all else, a kind man. rest in peace, mr. winston. we'll miss you.
Bad news. A talented man! by moviemaniac-7	Jun 17th, 2008 01:01:21 PM
And he will be missed, but his work will live in dvd collections around the world. RIP
Just a thought by manicart1	Jun 17th, 2008 01:05:47 PM
Maybe we could start some kind of an oline petition for Stan to be given a full tribute at the oscars next year?
Stan Winston and Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. by SkeletonParty	Jun 17th, 2008 01:29:11 PM
My two biggest heroes are gone. Is God even making people like these anymore? I doubt it.
Amazing Tributes for the Man by stuatfunnyordie	Jun 17th, 2008 01:32:39 PM
Any chance of getting a word from Lance Henrikson? Arnold? Michael Biehn? I watched the Aliens documentaries...and when Stan talked, you could totally get the love of film that he had, that glee, almost like a kid, that he got from making imposible, magical things live and breathe. To all of his students...time to pick up and carry the mantle of your master. Carry on. And make him proud...
moshi by apersonofinterest	Jun 17th, 2008 01:38:48 PM
I just checked the link and it works fine. http://tinyurl.com/5jrk7u. and the password is "mainstreet".
He will be missed... by Wes_Reviews_	Jun 17th, 2008 01:48:29 PM
This man truly created movie magic. You can't say that of every filmmaker. Long live his legend and his creations. You will be missed, Stan.
He brought dreams... by Mr. Nice Gaius	Jun 17th, 2008 01:57:03 PM
...and nightmares to the silver screen. Stan was responsible for so much about what we love and look forward to in the movies. So many iconic designs...so many scares...so many thrills and creations of wonder. His passing is a tragic loss to the world of cinema. Thankfully, we'll always have his work to remind us of his talent and magic. He will be greatly missed. R.I.P.
Great job AICN. by Mr. Nice Gaius	Jun 17th, 2008 01:59:40 PM
A noble effort on the site's part to draw attention to this. The tributes and condolences are fantastic.
Something these tributes require by ArcadianDS	Jun 17th, 2008 02:30:44 PM
someone in BLACK please post a 'viewing list' of his best 4 works? It would be nice if you did that for any given obit thread, actually.
Great men die young... by ccchhhrrriiisssm	Jun 17th, 2008 02:45:46 PM
...even if they're old. While the world mourns the likes of great men from politics, those who are on the inside of the movie biz recognize the tremendous loss of Stan. He contributed to so many iconic images from film -- that we can safely say that he had an impact on each of us. From the Terminator...to Jurassic dinosaurs...to aliens -- Stan brought his visions and the visions of writers/directors/producers into the mind of people wanting to be entertained. As a result, Stan Winston still lives. He will live every time we plug in a DVD or BluRay. He will live in images that have been embeddened on the pages of books, in film and in the mind. His shadow will continue to be cast upon Hollywood long after he is gone. He is one of those few men who have impacted others enough to the point of imitation. He is missed...but never forgotten.
Thanks Stan by welshguy	Jun 17th, 2008 02:50:47 PM
For some of the greatest rides iv ever experienced in a movie theatre,you will be missed RIP
Dekker piece did it for me. by Gilkuliehe	Jun 17th, 2008 02:52:13 PM
RIP mister Winston.
As I stated before a Legend has Passed by Roborob	Jun 17th, 2008 02:53:00 PM
May I offer my respects to Stan, his friends, Family and Fans.
We're gonna miss you, man. by Wee Willie	Jun 17th, 2008 03:00:48 PM
Thanks for scaring the bejeesus out of me with your magnificent work since I was a little kid. I'll never forget seeing Aliens in the theater for the fifth time, when I was past the point of being enthralled by the plot and was just sitting there trying to figure out in every remarkable shot with the aliens, the face-huggers, and the alien queen just how the heck did they do that??? Mr. Winston's work never felt like animatronic monsters, they always felt, looked, and moved like living things. Like characters. He's one of the wizards that captured my imagination and got me into the film business. My heart goes out to his family, because from the sounds of it, he wasn't just an amazing creative person, he sounds like he was one heck of a guy.
Galaxy Quest!!! by Wee Willie	Jun 17th, 2008 03:05:23 PM
Man, I forgot Galaxy Quest!!! The alien bad guy... not for one second do you think "Aw, that's just a guy in a suit." Man, this sucks.
These are great tribute letters! Thank You! by Zombieflicker	Jun 17th, 2008 03:13:28 PM
Hey, did you know Amy Whinehouse is still in the hospital?? What a bunch of horse shit! I've never appreciated this website more than I do now Harry. The media just doesn't get it like the rest of us geeks.
You'll be missed Stan... by Mind Vault-1	Jun 17th, 2008 03:21:07 PM
...you were a "star" to me as much as Spielberg, Lucas, Cameron, Zemekis, Scott, Carpenter - anyone you care to mention. The man that gave the Predator his flesh and The Terminator his steel is gone...but not forgotten. Your legacy will live forever Mr. Winston. Stan, The Predator's "real Dad" now parties with his "son" Mr. Kevin Peter Hall. Shake them pillars of heaven gentlemen. Often "imitated" - never bettered. Stan Winston. R.I.P
where is the media coverage? by GavinVanDraven	Jun 17th, 2008 03:26:53 PM
come on 20/20, dateline.... the general public needs to know who this guy is! they need to know just what was lost! this years oscars are going to be a tribute to winston, with his family receiving on his behalf a lifetime achievement award and ledger will win best supporting actor posthumously. you all know you want it. god damn i fucking LOVE you STAN!
There is a space now where you used to stand... by Mecha-Mugatu	Jun 17th, 2008 03:33:10 PM
I remember watching any horror or sci-fi film just for the special affects. Guys like Rick Baker, Rob Bottin and Stan Winston all had there own style. In that scene where the Predator removes his mask... I was in awe. The facial features were so good. To me - that was a standout Stan Winston moment (with many more to come) It got so that as you would watch a movie, you would carefully watch the opening credits and if you didn't already know, you would see "Creature Effects by Stan Winston Studios" and you would smile and say to yourself, "Oh! well then this isn't going to suck!" Thank you Stan. You made our cinema lives better with your passion. We will miss you.
by ChadimusPrime	Jun 17th, 2008 03:39:07 PM
It is a sad day for the film industry. A legend and a hero in mylife is gone. God Bless you Stan
As I look around my shelves today... by Sledge Hammer	Jun 17th, 2008 03:42:26 PM
...to see replica pieces of the Predator, Alien Warrior, Alien Queen, Pumpkinhead, and various Terminators, all of which are very much cinematic icons, I look at this wonderful creations with a shroud of sadness, that no more new Stan Winston creations will ever join their ranks. This truly is a loss that's going to stay with me for a long, long time. My best to his family and friends, people who truly knew him for who he was, and not just the remarkable work that he created, or the enthusiasm that he effortlessly added to any project he talked about. Sleep well Stan. You will be mourned and remembered fondly, and your spirit will live on forever with your many wonderful contributions that you left us with.
just read that bit from his nephew by Gatsbys West Egg Omlet	Jun 17th, 2008 03:49:43 PM
and now i'm all teary at work.
Hell of a way to wake up this morning by disfigurehead	Jun 17th, 2008 03:50:35 PM
This news made for a shitty day at work. Thank you Stan.....
Very, very sad by AlienFanatic	Jun 17th, 2008 03:56:53 PM
I can't believe that the first notice I'd seen of Stan's passing was on the Digital Bit's site. Why not CNN? This man was easily as important to Hollywood as any foolish actor or half-remembered Producer, yet he's back page news. It's a travesty. I have truly admired Stan Winston for the last 25 years, not only for the creatures he created but for the person he seemed to be. (I've read a great deal about him, and he's always been portrayed as passionate, giving, and incredibly humble about his art.) This is a major blow to those like me who admire the SFX guys a HELL of a lot more than 99% of the faces in front of the camera. Stan will be greatly missed by the army of geeks such as myself that truly loved what he was able to accomplish. There was such ingenuity in the man, and such impish glee, that it was infectious and carried through to the final film. It's so, so sad that he's gone. I read James Cameron's remarks and I would dearly love to hear from Steven Spielberg as well. These two men, perhaps more than any others, spent the most time with Stan outside of his own staff. (Frank Darabont's was also fantastic.) Please keep this page highlighted as long as you can justify it. In the SFX industry, Stan was as much of a giant as a Doug Trumbull, a Richard Edlund, a Rick Baker, or any other, and a long-lasting tribute is what he desrves.
Stan Winston always made cool news by Mullah Omar	Jun 17th, 2008 04:03:03 PM
I think it says something about Stan Winston that for a lot of his films, he and his outstanding special effects were as much of a draw than the directors or actors (if not even bigger). The guy is one of a handful that could make the claim, and sadly he is probably one of the last of his kind, what with CGI being the primary currency in special effects these days. Classy tribute from AICN.
Fred Dekker by kwisatzhaderach	Jun 17th, 2008 04:11:40 PM
Loved Fred's A.I. comment. Respect.
sheer hard work by Mr Gorilla	Jun 17th, 2008 04:21:02 PM
When I look at the making ofs for Winston's movies, I can hardly believe the sheer hard work that went into those creatures: figuring out the T Rex's skeleton, then its muscles, fat, and finally skin... It really is dizzying. But, you know, in 1993 Stan, along with Tippett and Spielberg, Williams and many others, made our jaws drop. When that T-Rex came over the fence in the rain, it was a stunning, landmark moment. And God Aliens scared me... Thank you Stan.
These are beautiful tributes. by Psyclops	Jun 17th, 2008 04:21:32 PM
I still can't believe we've lost one of the great ones. Stan's various creations have become some of my fondest memories of being at the movies. I'll never forget the first time I saw the Alien Queen rise up and perform on the big screen as if she were a living creature or that classic moment when the Predator removes his helmet and reveals himself to Schwarzenegger. I still get chills thinking about the first time the T-Rex shows up in JURASSIC PARK, roaring and tearing at the jeep while the two frightened children were inside, or how much I wanted to own my very own robot Teddy from the movie A.I. (a small but equally impressive creation from Stan that nearly stole the picture from Haley Joel Osment). This man was a genius and his work in the industry helped fuel the imaginations of many and proved that nearly anything was possible with practical effects. His work will live on forever.
The sheer amount of apathy by the mainstream media... by Sledge Hammer	Jun 17th, 2008 04:29:46 PM
...over Stan's passing really makes me angry. The man's contribution to cinema is gigantic, helping to create some of the most memorable images that graced the silver screen over the past three decades or so. He didn't just create special effects, he created creatures that were real, believable characters, his work came alive in a way that few are capable of doing. And his logic of design and artist's focus paid off on screen in a way that most could only ever dream of. The man was a giant, his work will live on as long as cinema does, and the apathy of the mainstream media over his loss is nothing short of a crime.
The lack of media attention is disgusting by BusDriverStu	Jun 17th, 2008 04:39:08 PM
Especially considering the shit tabloid stories they are covering. I wrote an angry email to CNN, and I suggest others do the same. While we fans may know the name Stan Winston very well, there are casual moviegoers who do not, and now is the time for recognition.
Thanks for the glorious beasts by TANK2501	Jun 17th, 2008 05:00:04 PM
Just made an account on AICN so that I could just say 'Thank you' Mr winston. You have given me such great visions that have affected my outlook on cinema craft and the choices I have made in my career path. I raise a glass to you Mr Winston, Thank you for your glorious beasts. My thoughts go out to Mr Winston's family, friends, fans and studio.
Thanks Stan. by Edward_nygma	Jun 17th, 2008 05:38:50 PM
This tribute has bought a tear to my eye each time i've come back to it. I'm proper gutted about this.
to gatsby... by Babba-Booey	Jun 17th, 2008 05:57:56 PM
"why don't we have any bad ass monsters any more? why was every iconic movie monster created from 1980 to 2008?" They haven't , Gatsby. We have to preserve the future through teaching our kids. Its out job, as parents, to encourage our kids to exercise their imaginations, and look to the proper influences. If my boys want to get into the biz-make monsters and blow shit up, you think I'm just gonna show 'em a copy of Alias/Wavefront or whatever the fuck is being used in CGI today, and say "go at kids?" A steady diet of Winston, Harryhausen, Tippett, Walas, Bottin, KNB, Baker, and Savini will be required viewing. We're starting the boys out young here...play doh and finger paints. They're a year old now, but if they want to do this kinda stuff, we'll get 'em into model building, go out to the desert and shoot off rockets, lots of science and math, anatomy. Too much PROJECT RUNWAY and THE HILLS has rotted the Gen Y brain worse than any George Romero film.
Is this the start of the end for In Camera Special FX? by secrets of	Jun 17th, 2008 06:48:02 PM
Throughout the last 25 years, I've seen the FX industry in horror movie making nearly dissappear in the United Kingdom. I always kept telling myself that while there were the greats like Stan winston making monster movies, there'll always be a chance to make a great movie here England. My chance to prove this happened a few months ago in Manchester creating severed heads and head explosions for an upcoming feature film called The Tournament which has worldwide theatrical distribution. This dream come true would not have happened if it were not for Stan, Rick, Dick, etc for their talented work and continuous excellence towards the work that is performed in front of the camera and not just with a computer 3d package. My grandchildren will be watching your films as I did watching ray harryhausens films, when I pass away.
Will the mainstream give this genius his due? by BlutoBlutarsky	Jun 17th, 2008 06:48:17 PM
Turn on E!, Access Hollywood, or Entertainment Tonight, and all you'll hear about is what useless celebrity slut is landing in rehab, who's banging who, etc. But will they have the brains and/or decency to pay homage to a man whose contributions to the last 25 years of movies is TRULY IMMEASURABLE? Not only a genius in his field, but a gentleman, and a true class act. One thing that sticks out in my mind is an interview they did with Stan for the DVD release of John Carpenter's The Thing. Stan talked about how he and his crew came on board to create one of the creatures in the movie. He downplayed his own involvement and said that as far as fx work was concerned "This is Rob Bottin's movie." I'm sure that his mentored many worthy protegee's to carry on his work at his studio, but it can never be truly the same without him. But the mainstream probably won't acknowledge him properly. They'll be too busy reporting on Britney Spears flashing he coochie again. Hopefully the Hollywood community will pay him proper tribute at next year's Oscars. As for me, I guess the best tribute I can pay him is to watch Pumpkinhead tonight. Certainly not the best movie he was involved in, but since it was the one he directed, it only seems right.
Amazing talent by bollocks	Jun 17th, 2008 06:54:59 PM
Jeez, you know, people like Stan Winston aren't meant to die. I know we all pop our clogs at some stage, but there are some names that you just can't envision not being there. It somehow doesn't make sense. Anyway, looking at all he created it's amazing at how memorable these creations are, and more amazing that they came from Stan and his team. It's also good to hear he wasn't a victim of his own success - he was a geek at heart and a geek at play. A true gent. The more I hear about Stan and how he was as a person, the more sad I feel about him no longer being here.
Happy Trails Mr. Winston by riddleman1674	Jun 17th, 2008 06:56:15 PM
I've had the honor of meeting "the Man, the visionary, the legned" on a few occasions. He was always such a friendly down to Earth guy. The FX world has lost a giant! Here's to ya....
Mr. Winston, you will be missed greatly by pj_campbell	Jun 17th, 2008 07:38:35 PM
I still remember the first time I watched Jurassic Park. It came out and I was like 4, and the dinosaurs looked so real, it was incredible! They were so real they were almost terrifying and my dad had to assure me that they were robots, nothing else. Then when I saw Terminator not long after that, I was blown away by the design of the Terminator and how real it was. I thought for sure they were real to, but my dad once again told me it was just a robot, not real. But the way Stan made things, you would never know that! They were always so real, and amazingly so! Hollywood won't be the same without you Stan. I hope your in a better place, because its pretty dismal without you here.
I met Stan and what a nice man.. by neilbaj@gmail.com	Jun 17th, 2008 07:54:18 PM
I met Stan during Comic Con while he was promoting "The Time Machine." Even though the movie sucked, Stan has so much enthusiasm about the film. He spoke to fans like they were buddies, joking and bringing everyone into the fun. Seriously...Stan was such a unassuming nice guy, and genius in the world of Hollywood. He will be missed, and hopefully, his company will be able to keep the legacy of his genius going.
by misnomer	Jun 17th, 2008 07:58:31 PM
ot a little but I always thought it was a shame Fox didnt use SWS for AvP. I remember Stan saying he would have loved to do it.
This is incredible guys... by thechadrocks	Jun 17th, 2008 08:22:50 PM
This kind of hit me hard today, waking to the news that he was gone. I've wanted to be a filmmaker since the age of three. Stan Winston was a big part of that, in that some of my most beloved movies from my childhood were all movies he had a hand in. I knew the name of Stan Winston since i was about 5 years old and always thought that he was some kind of wizard. But it's absolutely disgusting that i log online today and find that the news sites that normally pop up on my home page are talking about how to save extra money but cutting some corners at home, or that a "teen star shows some cleavage", with not even a whisper of his passing on the sites. I'm going to be passing this page around to everyone I know in hopes that they do the same. Thank you Harry, Quint, and everyone else for giving a proper send off to Stan for us fans. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Just wanted to say by toshiro-solo	Jun 17th, 2008 09:07:52 PM
That this is one of the best articles I've ever seen on this site since becoming a near daily visitor in early 2002. It's a testament to how huge Stan was in this industry, and to how decent a man it sound like he was. Thanks for keeping on with the additions guys; this has been great.
Going through and hearing about his movies by Series7	Jun 17th, 2008 09:17:38 PM
I now know why some of them probably got made. AKA Teenage Cavemen, directed by Larry Clark. I bet a lot of people decided to do a movie just because they found out Stan was involved.
I hope you're having a damn good adventure! by tenfingersofdoom	Jun 17th, 2008 09:29:45 PM
we will all miss you stan.
Thanks... by pepino	Jun 17th, 2008 10:16:21 PM
for all the wonderful creations,father of lots of icons in cinema history,you are going to be missed .vaya con dios.
Thanks, AICN Crew by Vic_Arpeggio	Jun 17th, 2008 10:23:24 PM
For hosting all these tributes. It brings a little light in to the dark of the sadness of Stan's passing.
Rest in Peace Stan Winston by successor	Jun 17th, 2008 10:27:08 PM
He may be gone, but his work will live on.
any word yet on a tribute show? by GavinVanDraven	Jun 18th, 2008 12:20:48 AM
can we get a petition together? submit it to the networks?
CGI QUOTE by THE KNIGHT	Jun 18th, 2008 12:44:23 AM
I love it! Every production that wants to soley use digital effects needs to take a look at that Stan Winston quote. RIP sir.
Moving tribute to Stan by whytee	Jun 18th, 2008 12:52:03 AM
Thanks Quint, Harry and Moriarty for putting together this beautiful tribute. Stan was one in a million, an awe-inspiring creator and a gentle soul. It IS hard to imagine a world without him.
Rest in peace, Stan. by tiredpm	Jun 18th, 2008 01:15:14 AM

And my sincere condolences to his family... by tiredpm	Jun 18th, 2008 01:24:08 AM
...friends and co-workers. The loss to them is infinitely more profound than it is to those of us who only knew him through the personality of his craft. And yet I feel the need to share a moment of my life that was affected by Stan Winston. In the late 80s, when I was in my early teens, my much elder cousin was staying with us in England while he was working on a local job. He brought with him two movies. The first was Top Gun -- loved it. The second was Terminator. That movie scared the living shit out of me. An eye being gouged out? That frigging machine coming out of the wreckage? And then the catharsis of the damned thing being crushed: "You're terminated, motherfucker!" I had no idea who made that movie. No idea of the people involved in bringing that story to life. But I'll tell you, I jumped time and time again when that Terminator THAT STAN MADE shifted the burning debris and made it's inexorable and inevitable journey towards Sarah Connor. Thanks, Stan. Thanks for so many memories. God keep you.
FX master Stan Winston will be missed by Aaron Sims	Jun 18th, 2008 01:48:12 AM
He will be remembered always, and continue to be an inspiration to filmmakers and artists alike. Stan was a visionary entrepreneur as well as an amazing businessman. He understood the direction special effects was taking before almost anyone, and responded to it by developing several successful offshoots. He also gave me a start in the digital world by having faith in my abilities to rethink my approach to character design from paper and pen to 3d and Photoshop – now standards in the trade. I shall always be grateful to him for that. He was a friend and a mentor.
"Life is such an adventure, I figure death will be too" by LlGHTST0RMER	Jun 18th, 2008 02:54:36 AM
I din't think I'd be chiming in on this TB. I'm a genre fan just like everyone else here, but I'm more inclined to the writing and directing side of filmmaking. So many genre fans (or geeks, I guess,) have such a love for the makeup and FX side of the industry; I'm just kind of a dilettante in that realm. Still, I know that Stan Winston was an invaluable artist in his field and I've always loved the work he's done and the movies that he lent his talents to. And in reading all these wonderful tributes to him, I'm getting the picture of a man unlike 99% of people in the industry - a genuinely decent person, humble and caring, yet amazingly talented. And that quote about death being an adventure just kind of knocked the wind out of me. It's the kind of thing I hope I'll be repeating when my time looks near. Rest in Peace, Mr. Winston. I will certainly miss your work.
This is the death of an inspiration for me... by tomthumbstallywhacker	Jun 18th, 2008 04:20:22 AM
I have been working in the UK prosthetic/ creature effects industry for 15 years and as a child of the 80's was inspired by Stan's achievements in the movies he collaborated on, from Terminator to Aliens & Pumpkinhead etc, they all helped to shape me and made me realise the direction I wanted my life to take. I have been lucky enough to meet a lot of my idols, but I never met Stan and it makes me sad to know that now I never will. Even though I'm based in the UK we all still talk about and keep up with what's happening in the effects industry as a whole and I still can't get my head around the idea that Stan Winston, a constant presence in the FX scene won't be there any more. But I know his crew will carry on his work for him, that they will do his memory proud and my thoughts go out to them as they work on the new Terminator film still reeling from this terrible news. Rest in peace Stan, and thank you for your inspiration, you helped change the course of my life.
More coverage from the mainstream UK media by AdmiralNeck	Jun 18th, 2008 05:36:02 AM
Guardian http://www.shortenurl.com/5lyu z Independent http://www.shortenurl.com/9khn x Times http://www.shortenurl.com/8xzk y Telegraph http://www.shortenurl.com/8cup d I blogged about Stan Winston yesterday, and while writing it I realised how important he had been to me when I was young, and I'd just taken that for granted. Shame I only just realised how much his work meant to me. RIP, Stan, and my condolences to everyone who knew him, worked with him, and loved him.
And thank you AICN by AdmiralNeck	Jun 18th, 2008 05:38:14 AM
for organising this tribute, and a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed.
Terrified & Inspired me. RIP Stan. by Flash-T	Jun 18th, 2008 05:56:58 AM
Nothing more to say really. I'm genuinely gutted about Mr Winstons death. Now that he's gone I'm not so sure my faith in blockbusters is quite as strong.
Empire Magazine Tribute by welshguy	Jun 18th, 2008 06:25:03 AM
With some of Stan's greatest moments http://tinyurl.com/3jdujo
what can be said.... by ZaphodBeeblerox	Jun 18th, 2008 06:37:38 AM
For a few days now I've been trying to figure what to say about Stan's passing since he was not someone I'd ever met personally, but whose work I enjoyed immensely. What I ultimately came up with is often times, what moved me to want to see a movie would be seeing Stan Winston's name in the credits. It's not often that someone who's not a director yet works behind the scenes can have that much impact on the final product of a film. Reading these tributes from those that knew Stan personally it seems as if all of the plaudits he earned throughout his career were nothing compared to the person that he was. It's very easy to respect someone's talents, but often times the person behind those talents may not be worthy of the same respect. It seems as if Stan was worthy of it on both counts. Sincere condolences to his family and friends on his passing.
Thank you Stan by Andrew David	Jun 18th, 2008 06:56:20 AM
...for all the great memories. Your work will always be required viewing. Great tributes from the pro's there. And an especially touching farewell from Alec Gillis. Stan's legend will live on.
SK229 by foree forehead	Jun 18th, 2008 07:00:54 AM
railing against the shortcomings of the modern televisual news media is like railing against the russians for secrecy man!
WOW, Alec by AlienFanatic	Jun 18th, 2008 07:26:46 AM
I just wanted to comment that Alec Gillis's eulogy was fantastic. What a wonderful, wonderful, warm picture of Stan's contribution an personality. I feel as though I've learned a small measure of what a phenomenal human being Stan was like through Alec. Thank you so much.
Rest in peace Stan by stevemac70	Jun 18th, 2008 07:50:14 AM
Stan Winston was a genius who amazed and scared me with his creature designs. He created probably the most memorable creatures in Film history. May you rest in peace Stan.
RIP Stan by Charlie Meadows	Jun 18th, 2008 09:21:24 AM
Master of his craft, gone but never forgotten. He will be missed.
Alec Gillis' tribute... by SimpleSandwiches	Jun 18th, 2008 09:36:33 AM
...made me tear-up. RIP Stan...your creations haunted me in my nightmares and I love you for it.
Doubt we'll her from the bearded one by Brody77	Jun 18th, 2008 09:52:37 AM
I just don't see Spielberg commenting via this site, which is a shame, as the mainstream just doesn't give a toss. I notice the bbc page about Stan lasted a mere day (unless it's back up now?) Absolutely criminal. Personally I don't think a tribute show would do him justice - and knowing network tv they'd only want "names" to talk about him rather than people who knew him well. I find I come back to this several times a day to check for updates - it's good to see such an outpouring of love for a change.
mainstream media... by Wee Willie	Jun 18th, 2008 11:07:19 AM
You know what? Who cares if the mainstream isn't givin' Mr. Winston his due. Stan was "our" guy, and by that I mean he was a movie fan's hero. One of the behind-the-scenes wizards that makes movies real. If the mainstream media is too busy chasing Britney, so be it. The genius of Winston's best work was that you didn't sit there in the theatre saying "Oh yeah, that's just a rubber robot." Instead, you hid behind your popcorn bag, or cowered in your Dad's lap and thought "That giant T-Rex is gonna eat me!!!" I showed Jurassic Park to my kids 7,4, and 4 in tribute and they've been bugging me since to go where the dinosaurs are... I loved the tribute that mentioned what a great boss he was. That kind of thing actually counts for something in the movie business.
Missing him... by wraith777	Jun 18th, 2008 11:14:16 AM
all the more as the days go and read all the touching tributes about what a great family man and boss ma he was. I watched some behind the scenes of Predator last night and one of the documentaries ends with Stan looking at the camera and saying "You're one ugly Mother Fucker" :) Rest in Peace you great guy.
One of the people that made me love movies by Neosamurai85	Jun 18th, 2008 12:31:18 PM
Aliens was deeply ingrained in my childhood mythology, the games I played with friends and the toys I collected. Giger and Winston were gods to me at an age that would trouble more than one adult. Terminator 1 and 2 were those movies I snuck downstairs late at night to watch again and again no matter how hard my parents tried to stop me until at last I'd seen them through. Winston made dinosaurs come to life. Like most kids of the 80s, I worshiped dinosaurs, and like most kids, I knew what was fake. He made Dinosaurs. Period. He was one of the first people to make me believe cinema had no bounds. Anything was and is possible. I met him three times when he visited the Virginia Film Festival. The man was a genuine delight. I was a little kid and I was utterly terrified to meet him, but he refused to let me cower before him, a god in my eyes. He burst into this whole comic routine about how big a deal it was to meet me, until finally I got it. He was just a lucky son of a bitch, grateful for way his life turned out... at least in his eyes. I'd still argue that he was more than that, and his work stands as a testament to how talented he was. He had no ego worth mentioning, though. He smiled like a kid when I asked him to talk about Pumpkinhead. There are very few people living today that I can say shaped my childhood imagination and my love of film. Stan was one of them, and I miss him a lot, but am so grateful I got to tell him thanks in person. Thanks again Mr. Winston, for everything.
"Nah. Life is such an adventure, I figure death will be too." by stuatfunnyordie	Jun 18th, 2008 12:49:19 PM
Words to live by...holy shit, I can't believe I'm crying at work. God bless you Stan.
Spielberg ALREADY COMMENTED by Proman1984	Jun 18th, 2008 01:57:15 PM
He's commments are everywhere on Google. You can add them too.
Thank you Stan and we will miss you! by Violator90	Jun 18th, 2008 02:05:24 PM
Wow! What a blow for Hollywood but especially for us fans. There isn't anything that I can say that hasn't been said over and over by others. But that's what makes Stan the Wizard that he is. I can't remember one single thing that was bad about Stan. That right there is a rarity in Hollywood. And Stan was a rare breed inded. I can't bring myself to refer to him in the past tense coz, in a way that is admitting that he's gone. Yes, I know he's phsyically gone but Hell! He will always be here. From scaring the shit out of me in Aliens to making me feel like a kid again in Jurassic Park. Stan will always, ALWAYS live on. Thanks Stan for everything. We will miss you so much.
From the Hollywood Reporter... by Sledge Hammer	Jun 18th, 2008 02:11:50 PM
Stan Winston, the Oscar-winning special effects, creature and makeup artist whose innovative creations include the full-scale animatronic dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park" and the futuristic Terminators, has died. He was 62. Winston died Sunday at his home in Malibu after a seven-year battle with myeloma, a Stan Winston Studio spokeswoman said. During a film and TV career that spanned four decades, Winston collaborated with such filmmakers as Steven Spielberg and James Cameron and worked on some of his generation's most memorable films. He won four Oscars, for the visual effects in "Jurassic Park," "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and "Aliens" and for makeup on "T2." He also earned Oscar noms for his work on "AI: Artificial Intelligence," "The Lost World: Jurassic Park," "Batman Returns," "Edward Scissorhands," "Predator" and "Heartbeeps." He was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001. In the early years of his career, during which he worked primarily in television, Winston garnered five Emmy noms, winning for "Gargoyles" and "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." Praise for Winston poured in Monday from his showbiz friends and colleagues. "Stan was a fearless and courageous artist/inventor," Spielberg said. "And for many projects, I rode his cutting edge from teddy bears to aliens to dinosaurs. My world would not have been the same without Stan. What I will miss most is his easy laugh every time he said to me, 'Nothing is impossible.' " Producer Kathleen Kennedy told The Hollywood Reporter: "He has a tremendous impact in the world of special effects and makeup and bringing things to life that, for the most part, only existed in people's imaginations. We had an extraordinary working relations with Stan going back over 20 years. He was one of those wonderful personalities to have on the set because Stan was always laughing, always making jokes, and ultimately he delivered what you often thought was impossible." Said Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: "The entertainment industry has lost a genius, and I lost one of my best friends with the death Sunday night of Stan Winston. What will live forever in my heart is the way that Stan loved everyone and treated each of his friends like they were family." Dennis Murren, ILM's senior visual effects supervisor, said, "Stan took risks and said 'yes' when other creature people would say no, and that meant that you could make a movie like 'Jurassic Park.' That's what I think he will be remembered for and should be -- taking a chance because he wanted the movies to be as good as they could possibly be." Murren added: "His work paralleled the growth of the industry, the growth of the tentpole movie." Stan Winston Studio recently created the physical suit in "Iron Man." "He was a giant," the film's director Jon Favreau said. "He was experienced and helped guide me while never losing his childlike enthusiasm. He was the king of integrating practical effects with CGI, never losing his relevance in an ever-changing industry. "We were looking forward to future collaborations," he added. "I knew that he was struggling, but I had no idea that he would be gone so soon. Hollywood has lost a shining star." Said David Gersh, Winston's longtime rep: "He was a kind person, a generous person, had a great sense of humor. There must be 25 characters that he created that are landmark, standout characters that have completely influenced the movie landscape over the last 20 years." Winston was born April 7, 1946, in Arlington, Va. As a child, he enjoyed drawing, puppetry and classic horror films. He continued to pursue his interest in art and performance as a student at the University of Virginia, where he graduated from its fine arts and drama programs in 1968. He headed West after graduation with dreams of becoming an actor but found his true calling as a makeup artist and creator of characters -- a career that enabled him to merge his sensibilities as an artist and performer. After completing a three-year makeup apprenticeship program at Walt Disney Studios in 1972, he established Stan Winston Studio. The studio eventually contributed characters and effects to more than 75 feature films, several music videos and countless commercials. In 1988, Winston directed his first feature, "Pumpkinhead." He also produced a series of horror films for HBO as well as a number of genre films, and he created a line of high-end toys based on some of his studio's iconic characters. He was one of the founders of VFX house Digital Domain, with partners Cameron and Scott Ross. "Hollywood will miss Stan Winston, a larger-than-life creative powerhouse and a wonderful father, husband and grandpa," Ross said. At the time of his death, Winston was in the process of morphing his physical makeup and effects studio into the Winston Effects Group with the team of senior effects supervisors heading the new company. Managing the new company as partners and owners are veteran effects supervisors John Rosengrant, Shane Mahan, Alan Scott and Lindsay Macgowan. The studio's upcoming projects include "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins," "G.I. Joe," "Shutter Island" and "Avatar." ∂ Winston is survived by his wife Karen; son Matt and daughter Debbie; and a brother, Ronnie Winston; and four grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, Free Arts for Abused Children and UNICEF.
At least I got to meet him once... by Bones	Jun 18th, 2008 02:32:53 PM
The 2001 San Diego Comic Con is the seminal moment in my life, it seems. As an aspiring illustrator/concept designer who had spent about a year getting his freelance career off the ground by doing Star Wars Spaceship illustrations for the Star Wars role-playing game and the Star Wars Gamer magazine, the first trip to ComicCon was kind of like a trip to Mecca. It was (and still is) the cultural hub for all geekdom. I had one of those trips that people just are not supposed to have. I made new friends who changed my life, met cultural heroes who inspired my world and actually got a job out of the trip, and ended up moving from Ohio to California because of it. And there, amid the rabid fans and new movies being promoted was Stan Winston, hidden Predator-like among the throng of people staring at the Time Machine display for the Guy Pierce film. Either no one noticed him, or they were too stunned to go up to talk to him. I was too dumb not to, so I went up to the man I had seen in so many Cinefex magazines and making-of specials, put out my hand and just thanked him for his work. He was a little surprised, but genuinely warm and personable. He asked my name and asked what I do, and we talked for about five minutes about how fantastic REAL light hitting REAL objects are in film. And the advantage to thinking in three dimensions, even if you are drawing. It was just a small thing, a little conversation--one of many I am sure that he has had with many fans throughout his amazing career . I wish I had brought a camera with me that trip--or had not been so tentative to show him my sketches--but I didn't...and then the moment was over. He was gone, off to the next panel, or meeting or next fan. I told myself many times that I would have to talk to him again someday. And now that is an impossibility. We are losing our inspirational parents, one by one. And it totally sucks--because that means that our generation will have to do all the heavy lifting. Which we can do, but the safety net of their experience and wisdom are fading. But with Stan now gone, the list of people I wanted to have great conversations with (but can't) grows longer. Goodbye Mr. Winston. Thanks for all the amazing dreams and nightmares. You will be missed. Jeff Carlisle www.jeffcarlisle.com
R.I.P. Mr. Winston by JOHN CONNORS SKIN	Jun 18th, 2008 07:11:38 PM
You went before your time. may your dedication to your work and those around you live long into the next generation of artists and artisans.
In agreement, keep this at the top for a week - I'm in shock..! by workshed	Jun 18th, 2008 08:03:49 PM
I just got back from a tour to find this out. Man... so many fantastic memories of his genius. My fave is, of course, The Monster Squad but nearly everythin he touched was a slice of fried gold. Movies are a poorer place without his name on the quad. So glad everyone feels the same way and in ten years of reading and posting on AICN i can honestly say i have never seen a more heartfely outpouring of grief and love for anyone in the business. Truly shocking. R.I.P. Mr.Winston.
Great and touching tributes by tehDude	Jun 18th, 2008 08:04:57 PM
I live in England and have been a fan of Stans since way back in the 80's. I followed his work in Fangoria and Gorezone, as well as in his movies, which was a bit difficult as I was a teenager and they where often 18s (thank god for VHS). One of my best memories was sneaking into a cinema at 14 in order to see Aliens by pretending to be disabled. I went with my paralysed uncle who had a spare wheel chair and it worked a treat. Thanks Stan for memories and the movies. You will be missed.
He was my hero. by bioforge	Jun 19th, 2008 02:34:08 AM
I never got to meet him. Good bye Stan.
Get his thread back on top Harry by kwisatzhaderach	Jun 19th, 2008 05:29:25 AM
It's more important than Wanted.
Please put this back on top. by stuatfunnyordie	Jun 19th, 2008 11:51:34 AM
Just...please.
I agree, back on top please. by Neosamurai85	Jun 19th, 2008 12:40:11 PM
Stan Winston is one of OURS. His work is at the heart of what AICN is about. This is a special loss and should not simply be buried as other headlines roll in. Please, put this back at the top. Peace.
Agreed, this should not be allowed to get bumped down the list.. by Sledge Hammer	Jun 19th, 2008 03:08:57 PM
...until after the funeral, at the very least. The difference beteen a tribute and a news item is that a tribute is meant to stand as a lasting reminder, so lets have that for the legendary Stan Winston, at least for a little while, eh?
Put it back on top Harry - Stan deserves it by SpencerTrilby	Jun 19th, 2008 04:04:09 PM
and kudos to Alec Gillis - among the others - for his letter.
Damn. Damn. Damn. by Brians Life	Jun 20th, 2008 12:16:56 AM
And that was not a tribute to Florida from WHAT'S HAPPENIN? Stan Winston...God DAMN! I've known that name since I was 8 years old. I've know the feelings he's been capable of producing in me since I was 8 years old. Wow! Stan Winston, you've done well, sir. I thank you.
Thanks TBers - Stan deserved it by Convert	Jun 20th, 2008 12:59:00 AM
Talkers – I have been blessed to have worked for Stan for many years and I just have to tell you THANK YOU…from the bottom of my heart, for such kind, complementary and respectful words. They’ve brought me and others close to the man such comfort in these last few days. I gotta tell ‘ya…I’ve been reading your comments for years…often scathing and hysterical…flippin’ hilarious, too! But, here…now…heartfelt and tender…a glorious tribute to a brilliant, kind and exceptional man who had an everlasting effect on us all. There’s not much I can say about him that hasn’t already been said more eloquently by others, so I’ll just leave you with my profound gratitude for honoring a most deserved man. Cheers!
And furthermore... by Convert	Jun 20th, 2008 01:07:03 AM
Thanks to Harry and Quint for making this all possible in the first place!
Jurassic Park without physical effects by fisheater	Jun 20th, 2008 01:41:10 AM
Would have sucked. My god its scary as fuck when that T REX shoves his head in the car. The movie blends CGI, which wasn't that great at the time and looks a little dodge, with his work so fukn well. In this case i think PGing the original books gore elements didn't hurt it at all. I had to watch it again, and i would say that alone is why he should be remembered as possibly greater (to my generation) than even Harryhausen. I want to watch all his work again, lol, well Aliens and T2 asides. Must have seen those 2 50 times already.
The best AICN article since... by MaxTheSilent	Jun 20th, 2008 02:20:10 AM
...that Stallone Q&A from ROCKY BALBOA.
if i had to name a list of ten biggest influences on my life. by GavinVanDraven	Jun 20th, 2008 03:24:15 AM
stan winston would be in that short list. i always wanted to be an effects artist. but i didnt have as much talent as passion, and i gave it up. but if it werent for the love of stan's work, i never would have even tried. i saw T2, Aliens, predator, and finally Jurassic Park... and i was hooked. i asked my dad who was the guy who did all that? "stan winston" he said. we both loved that guys work. we would watch a movie JUST BECAUSE stan did the effects. even if the movie was going to blow, we knew we would get an eyefull of genius. i lost my dad 3 years ago. i miss watching movies with him. that was the first person i wanted to tell. he aint fucking there anymore either though. fuck.
Thanks Harry and Co. by Neosamurai85	Jun 20th, 2008 05:01:48 AM
Much appreciated.
The coolest parts by Abominable Snowcone	Jun 20th, 2008 07:19:03 AM
of some of the coolest movies I've seen were provided by this Man. Hat off to you, Mr. Winston, from the Warciples. Forever King of Latex monstrosities. Irreplaceable you are.
Still Crying by Sebilrazen	Jun 20th, 2008 07:30:06 AM
Every time I think about his passing I get a little misty eyed. He's one of the good ones.
Thanks Stan, You'll be sadly missed. by secrets of	Jun 20th, 2008 08:02:54 AM
Stan was a very inspirational person, his contribution to film history is phenominal. My thoughts go out to his family and studio staff. A BIG thankyou for inspiring my life and career. Julei Anderson Secrets Of p.s. Thanks AICN for keeping this tribute to the top of the news column.
These are all great by Virtual Satyr	Jun 20th, 2008 08:03:28 AM
I never saw any bit of news of his death on the news channels. Probably because he had no controversy. Reading these tributes, you can see that the man was a genuine good guy. It's a sad state of affairs that Drunken & Drugged Celebs get more news time than a man who has accomplished more in the film business than all of those 2-bit celebs put together. I went through my stack of Time Magazines and found one that had Stan on it. Great article about him and his work.
Golden Ticket by Series7	Jun 20th, 2008 09:12:44 AM
Reading this memories makes me feel that Stan was the real life Willy Wonka.
to paraphrase Harry by ArcadianDS	Jun 20th, 2008 09:32:18 AM
If shit got Stan Winston on it, shit would not wipe Stan Winston off.
Sad Loss by Con Shonnery	Jun 20th, 2008 12:44:10 PM
He created so many memorable movie moments and has obviously won a place in the hearts of many. I hope his family and friends get some consolation from the tributes being paid here.
Loved His Work by BilboRing	Jun 20th, 2008 01:55:09 PM
A true pioneer like the late great Jim Henson. RIP Stan Winston. And Pumpkin Head ruled!
Kingdom of the Crystal Skullfuck... by stuatfunnyordie	Jun 20th, 2008 02:27:05 PM
Don't forget that while Stan is stringing ectplasmic alien goo all over the pearly gates, he's also giggling to himself and reveling in his mad genius. "Oh man, God's gonna love this!" Yup...that's what he'd be thinking. And thanks Harry for listening to us geeks and putting this back on top...it's the little things...
Maybe it's better this way by AlienFanatic	Jun 20th, 2008 03:34:04 PM
At first, and like many others I've seen posting here, I considered the lack of mainstream attention to Stan Winston's passing as an affront. A tragedy. But then I have to wonder what kind of a country we've become if the greatest eulogy we hope to receive comes from a talking head on TV? The forums in places like this, where colleagues and those that REALLY knew him, are where a tribute to someone like Stan seems to belong. His life is being discussed, and appreciated, by those that loved what he did, or who were touched by him personally. What difference does it make whether or not some tabloid rag or a glitzy EW-style TV show honors a man like him? It's far, far more impressive to see the incredible things his "family" have to say about him, and I feel it's far more fitting. (I wish, with all my heart, I'd gotten to meet him, more so after reading days worth of these tributes. The world may have lost an incredible artisan, but even more it lost one hell of a human being.)
I loved this man... by MR. MURDOCH	Jun 20th, 2008 04:42:33 PM
Can Effects Artists be "auteurs"? I think so. That photo is gold.
Sigh by JamesT	Jun 20th, 2008 04:52:28 PM
Thanks Harry. Stan will surely be missed.
RIP Stan... by Brundlefly	Jun 20th, 2008 04:57:03 PM
Sad news indeed. Mr Winston & his crew were responsible for some of the greatest creature effects work in modern cinema, work that truly inspired me, prompting me train as a Make Up Artist. A colossal loss to the world of cinema - God Bless you sir.
A Perfect Tribute by tiberius__76	Jun 20th, 2008 08:07:31 PM
To everyone who has contributed, I just want to say thank you. This outpouring of heartfelt sentiments is truly incredible and a testament to Stan’s genius and humanity. I had the honor of working for Stan for just over seven years…. Actually, “honor” is too small a word. It was a blessing. I had been working for an all-too typical Hollywood ego maniac who relished in threatening everyone under him with a daily “why don’t you just go clean out your desk” routine. It was then that I got a call from a friend who told me that a colleague of his worked for Stan and needed an extra hand. The position would be a bit of a step down in status and pay, but I had known who Stan was since I was a little kid. My love of filmmaking sprang from an early interest in special effects and for a long time that’s all I wanted to do. I didn’t have to consider the offer; I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially considering I wasn’t an effects artist. I made plans to tell my old boss that I’d be leaving at the end of the next work day, but sure enough he gave me the old “why don’t you go clean out your desk” spiel. I just smiled, walked out of his office and did just that. Stan gave me so many opportunities I can’t even begin to count them. I started out matching invoices in accounting and ultimately finished my tenure as an associate producer on one of his films. In between I got to don monster suits, help make mummies for Indy and meet just about every one of my childhood idols. And that sums up Stan: he made your dreams come true – on the big screen and in real life. Hollywood is quick to pigeonhole people, but Stan believed that if he had someone who was anxious for the opportunity – even if they weren’t “proven” – there was no reason to look outside. Stan often said that he didn’t really do all that much; that he just surrounded himself with brilliant people. But every artist in that shop knows that is only half true. Yes, he did have a nose for talent, but he was there everyday. And even on those days when he didn’t get his hands dirty he was there to offer guidance, work out solutions and push each and every person to their full potential. He was always humble. He was the best at what he did but was always open to other people’s ideas and could be persuaded to see things differently. That is one of the rarest traits in the entertainment industry and why he was the maestro of his art. Stan taught me the realities of the industry and comforted me when I was going through a tough break up. He nurtured my creativity and helped me grow as a person. And yes, he did a mean Jerry Lewis. God bless you, Stan. I will forever cherish those years and the wisdom you so selflessly imparted.
This tribute makes me cry every time I come back. by SkeletonParty	Jun 20th, 2008 09:22:56 PM
God damn. I need to step it up on my life.
This tribute gets more beautiful each time I come back by jadeanala	Jun 21st, 2008 06:17:06 PM
My mother, who had no idea who Stan was, wanted to read this when I told her about how amazing and heartfelt the tributes are. Thank you again for doing this AICN.
It's been almost a week now and I'm still depressed... by Sledge Hammer	Jun 21st, 2008 07:03:13 PM
...but I'm glad at least to see the tribute still going, and know that there's no danger of any of the people here ever forgetting what a gift Stan Winston was to the cinematic world, and I'm heartened by the knowledge that those who worked with him over the years will do their best to continue his legacy of cinematic wonder and excellence. Those that knew Stan Winston's name will never forget it, which I guess in a way is the ultimate, living, breathing tribute. Godspeed Stan.
RIP by Darth Thoth	Jun 21st, 2008 08:42:06 PM
Wow. Stan Winston is gone. ... But he will forever live in our hearts and imaginations. God gave him a gift to touch peoples' lives and therefore he is eternal. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Thank you Mr. Winston for all that you have done for me in my life- the countless hours of joy and fun you put in my heart. God bless you and thanks. And lastly, thank you AICN for doing this tribute and to all those who submitted thoughts about this great man and shared a little on how he affected their lives as well. RIP Stan Winston and may God bless your soul. Thank you.
MOST OF MY FAVOURITE MOVIE MEMORIES by BurgerTime	Jun 21st, 2008 11:11:28 PM
Came from the imagination of Stan Winston. Who will bring the magic now that the master magician is gone?
The Winston Effect... by melchiah	Jun 22nd, 2008 09:23:09 AM
Some already said that Stan Winston is responsible for some of there most profound and warmest movie memories. I only can repeat it. He was a wizard but what I liked most about his monsters is that they all were so damn cool. If there is one consolation than maybe the fact that his designs and creativeness will live on through the people who worked with him and continue to continue his legacy, some of them still proudly carrying the title "Stan Winston Studio". He will truly be missed all over the world. And so a big thanks for the guys at AICN for creating this page, too. This is a chance for all friends and fans of one great man to be heard.
We need one from John McTiernan by Seth Brundle	Jun 22nd, 2008 11:29:33 AM
i saw on the Predator making of that Stan Winston pretty much saved the movie since the original predator sucked so hard that the suits could have pulled the plug on the production, then Stan came with his design
This continuing tribute is great by JMotts	Jun 22nd, 2008 03:01:32 PM
I never post on talkbacks but I just have to say how great it has been reading all of these tributes and stories about Stan Winston. It is amazing to read such poignant stories, and some from people who only worked for him briefly years ago. The man certainly made a tremendous impression on the lives of the people who knew him, and he certainly will always hold a place in my heart for his amazing work. Great job to AICN for continuing to post these tributes!
Cameron read some of your notes at the service by the_jujy	Jun 22nd, 2008 10:57:56 PM
From an article on the net about the memorial service: "Frequent collaborator Cameron told those gathered he spoke with Winston the day before he died. Cameron said Winston expressed something that he never had before: Winston told his colleague and friend that he loved him. Cameron also let “the fans speak for Stan” by reading several messages posted after Winston’s death by users of the movie news and gossip Web site Ain’t It Cool News. “He inspired a generation of fans,” Cameron said. “I think that just maybe the words of a bunch of people who didn’t even know him personally may be his best tribute.”" God Bless Stan. The Washington Post did a terrible piece on his importance today and it made me thankful for this thread.
I never met the guy by jae683	Jun 23rd, 2008 07:32:39 AM
I've never been to his studio, unfortunately, nor have I met any of his employees (aside from what was posted here). But his work is etched into my childhood. From aliens to dinosaurs, and everything in between. I still don't think enough people realize what an impact he had on film. Simply put, when I was a kid monsters were everything, and he made the best monsters.
It's weird... by SoWasRed2012	Jun 23rd, 2008 08:35:38 AM
I never realised it until now, but Stan Winston is one of the biggest reasons I decided I wanted to work in films when I was a kid - I'd obviously already seen so much of his work by this point, but the scene that stands out for me, the one where I really remember thinking 'holy shit, that's what I wanna do with my life' is when Arnie stands in front of Joe Morton and peels the skin off his arm and says "now listen to me very carefully". In that one moment I knew I'd be obsessed with films forever.
Sad, sad, sad.. by sid1920	Jun 23rd, 2008 09:03:44 AM
I've never met Mr. Winston, but his work is truly epic and formed my youth and passion for movies. Thank you!
Yet again by kwisatzhaderach	Jun 23rd, 2008 12:32:39 PM
James Cameron proves himself to be the man. It sounds like a fitting farewell to a legend of the cinema, and how cool that we here at AICN were all represented. Way to go Jim.
Unbelieveable by buffywrestling	Jun 23rd, 2008 12:55:27 PM
This tribute is an absolute experience, especially for something that started off so sad for me. I went on in the other thread about how I grew up on Fangoria and I finally got to live out a dream on Oct. of last year to work on a studio horror picture. I was only on the set a week putting MUFX on extras but it could have been picking up paper towels for all I cared. To watch the work, to touch the tools....it is something I will never forget. And dreams like those started with Stan Winston. Everytime I come back there is just more and more outpouring of generosities. I can't explain how it feels to me read some your heros talk about your hero in tribute. Overwhelming seems to small a word. Thank so much for sharing.
Just Posted on Yahoo News.... by stuatfunnyordie	Jun 23rd, 2008 01:17:43 PM
LOS ANGELES - Friends, relatives and show-business colleagues gathered Sunday to remember Oscar-winning special-effects maestro Stan Winston, the man responsible for bringing the dinosaurs of "Jurassic Park" and other iconic movie creatures to life. ADVERTISEMENT Winston died at his home in Malibu surrounded by family June 15 after a seven-year struggle with multiple myeloma. He was 62. Winston's son Matt recounted his father's last day as being filled with laughter, hugs, kisses, tears and music from the Beatles. At the end of the private memorial service at the Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, Matt played the last song Winston heard before he died: the Beatles' "Golden Slumbers." Colleagues including "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau, Sigourney Weaver, Tom Arnold, Ernie Hudson and Robert Patrick joined Winston's family and friends to reminisce and listen to personal stories from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rabbi Judith Halevy, brother Ronny Winston, uncle Mitchell Karlan, son-in-law Erich Litoff, and directors James Cameron and Steven Spielberg. "What Stan did is that he took our dreams — he took all of our dreams — and he blended them with his own dreams," Spielberg told mourners in attendance. "He then workshopped those dreams with pencil, clay and later years on the computer. He would basically give life to all of our ideas. He would make them come to life." In a career spanning four decades, Winston created some of the most memorable visual effects in cinematic history. He helped bring the dinosaurs from "Jurassic Park," the extraterrestrials from "Aliens," the robots from "Terminator" and even "Edward Scissorhands" to the big screen. He was a pioneer in merging real-world effects with computer-generated imagery. Winston won visual effects Oscars for 1986's "Aliens," 1991's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and 1993's "Jurassic Park." He also won a makeup Oscar for "Terminator 2." He was nominated for his work on "Heartbeeps," "Predator," "Edward Scissorhands," "Batman Returns," "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" and "A.I." Frequent collaborator Cameron told those gathered he spoke with Winston the day before he died. Cameron said Winston expressed something that he never had before: Winston told his colleague and friend that he loved him. Cameron also let "the fans speak for Stan" by reading several messages posted after Winston's death by users of the movie news and gossip Web site Ain't It Cool News. "He inspired a generation of fans," Cameron said. "I think that just maybe the words of a bunch of people who didn't even know him personally may be his best tribute." Winston's survivors include his wife, Karen; and his son, daughter, brother and four grandchildren.
Full Page Tributes in The Hollywood Reporter dated 6/19 by stuatfunnyordie	Jun 23rd, 2008 05:19:22 PM
From Warner Bros.: "We mourn the passing of Stan Winston-A kind and generous artist-A treasured friend and colleague" From Universal:"We mourn the passing of a Cherished Colleague" From James Cameron: "My Dear Friend, Your imagination filled the world with creatures and characters that will live forever.I will miss you. Jim" From The Stan Winston Studio: "Thank you for your courage, leadership, and generosity and thank you for taking all of us along with you on the adventure of a lifetime..." with love from your family at the Stan Winston Studio From Sir Anthony Hopkins: "We will miss you Stan! You were a great man and a great artist. With love and respect, Anthony Hopkins From the Make Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild: "You Made Us So Proud." All were full page ads with great pics of Stan for most of them...the one from his studio gave me chills, great effective pic...
Harry, Quint, all at AICN... by tiredpm	Jun 24th, 2008 01:01:33 AM
I'd like to propose a permanent top of the page banner for the Stan Winston tribute. Separate section, above the ads, wherever. I think when a titan in the history of motion pictures passes away (and especially when that titan was of our time, shaped our memories and birthed many of our passions) they deserve a permanent tribute. There will be trolls who will post. Delete them. Manage it as you see fit. But I think something should be permanent. Just as the Alien Queen, the Predator, the Terminator and living and breathing dinosaurs (seriously, what the FUCK?!? I witnessed 600 people in a cinema in Liverpool be terrified by something that died 65 million years ago and THAT'S ALL STAN) are a part of our memories, present and future, Stan should have a memorial that celebrates his achievements, both past and future. My two cents, I hope it is considered. If not, thanks for giving us the chance to post all this in the first place.
Long Term Tribute by Con Shonnery	Jun 24th, 2008 01:20:17 PM
I like the idea of a longer lasting tribute to Stan. What I'd suggest is, as he was obviously a great supporter of new talent, some sort of scholarship or award to encourage new talent in the effects industry.
I wish someone had recorded the eulogies... by Bones	Jun 24th, 2008 02:29:13 PM
I mean, they showed Tim Russert's on TV, why not Stan Winston? It would be amazing to hear all these entertainment giants actually speak on Mr. Winston's behalf. Maybe on YouTube...
1987 by jaymzzz	Jun 26th, 2008 01:35:56 PM
I was reading the wonderful tributes on this site for several days. Now I decided to write about my own experience regarding stan's creations. It was in 1987, I was 4 years old back then, this being one of my earliest memories. Although I can only recall a few fragments this experience had the most everlasting impact on my life. It made me love monsters and sci-fi as well as drawing and modeling things myself. Well anyway here's the story: It was a late summer afternoon, I was awakened from my midday sleep by some faint noise coming from the tv in the living room. I got up and sneaked to the living room to take a look at the tv through a crack of the door only to see a man in armor stuffing a gun into the mouth of an eyeless creature, shouting “Eat this!” and pulling the trigger. That was my first scene I saw from ALIENS. I managed to watch the movie unnoticed to the scene where the Alien Queen tears Bishop apart. Thats when my dad and his buddy realized I was watching. Since it was too late to send me off they let me watch the final minutes with them. Of course I didn’t really get the whole story back then nor was I able to apreciate Jim Cameron’s brilliance as a director. But those damn creatures did scare the hell out of me resulting in some nightmaras afterwards;-) Almost 21 years have passed, I am almost as old as my old man was back then. I didn’t become a crazy maniac, instead I became an Alien/Monster/Sci-Fi geek and a great admirer of Stan Winston’s art. So thank you Mr. Winston for scaring me shitless when I was four years old...

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AICN Gives Tribute To STAN WINSTON - A Giant In The World Of Filmmaking Is Gone!

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