Alec Gillis

Alec Gillis

Born:August 29, 1959

Place of Birth:New York City, New York, USA

Known For:Writing

Biography

Alec Gillis, a renowned special effects artist and creature creator in the film industry, has left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his exceptional talent and innovative techniques. Born with a passion for the art of practical effects, Gillis began his career working on iconic films such as "Aliens" and "Predator," where his skill and creativity quickly gained recognition among industry professionals and audiences alike.

With a career spanning over three decades, Gillis has become a pioneer in the field of creature design and animatronics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in bringing fantastical beings to life on the silver screen. His work on films like "Tremors" and "Starship Troopers" showcases his ability to blend realism with imagination, creating creatures that captivate and terrify audiences in equal measure.

In addition to his work as a special effects artist, Gillis is also a talented director and writer, with credits on films such as "Harbinger Down" and "Practical Magic." His diverse skill set and deep understanding of storytelling have allowed him to bring a unique perspective to the projects he is involved in, elevating them to new heights of creativity and artistry.

Known for his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to his craft, Gillis has earned the respect and admiration of his peers in the industry. His commitment to practical effects in an era dominated by CGI has set him apart as a true master of his art, with a portfolio of work that continues to inspire and awe audiences around the world.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alec Gillis is also a mentor and teacher, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of filmmakers and special effects artists. His passion for his craft is infectious, and his willingness to pass on his skills ensures that his legacy will continue to thrive for years to come.

In an industry where technology is ever-evolving, Alec Gillis remains a steadfast advocate for the art of practical effects, proving time and again that there is no substitute for the magic of handcrafted creatures and effects. His contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping the way filmmakers approach visual storytelling and inspiring countless artists to pursue their dreams in the world of special effects.

As a co-founder of Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc. (ADI), Gillis has been at the forefront of practical effects innovation, working on a wide range of projects that have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of creature design and fabrication. His collaboration with fellow industry veteran Tom Woodruff Jr. has yielded some of the most iconic creatures in modern cinema, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse duo in the world of special effects.

Alec Gillis's work continues to captivate audiences and industry professionals alike, with his commitment to excellence and passion for his craft shining through in every project he undertakes. Whether bringing terrifying monsters to life or crafting intricate animatronics, Gillis's artistry and creativity have set a standard of excellence that few can match.

With a career marked by innovation, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of perfection, Alec Gillis stands as a true visionary in the world of special effects, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and amaze audiences for generations to come.

Images

Alec Gillis

Filmography

Acting

Prey

Prey

Predator Puppeteer (ADI)

2022

When danger threatens her camp, the fierce and highly skilled Comanche warrior Naru sets out to protect her people. But the prey she stalks turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal.
Aliens

Aliens

Alien (uncredited)

1986

Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.
Alien Resurrection

Alien Resurrection

Hero Alien Warrior (uncredited)

1997

Two hundred years after Lt. Ripley died, a group of scientists clone her, hoping to breed the ultimate weapon. But the new Ripley is full of surprises … as are the new aliens. Ripley must team with a band of smugglers to keep the creatures from reaching Earth.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator

AVP: Alien vs. Predator

Technician (uncredited)

2004

When scientists discover something near Antarctica that appears to be a buried Pyramid, they send a research team out to investigate. Little do they know that they are about to step into a hunting ground where Aliens are grown as sport for the Predator race.

Production

Spider-Man

Spider-Man

Makeup Designer

2002

After being bitten by a genetically altered spider at Oscorp, nerdy but endearing high school student Peter Parker is endowed with amazing powers to become the superhero known as Spider-Man.
It

It

Makeup Effects Designer

2017

In a small town in Maine, seven children known as The Losers Club come face to face with life problems, bullies and a monster that takes the shape of a clown called Pennywise.
It Chapter Two

It Chapter Two

Makeup Designer

2019

27 years after overcoming the malevolent supernatural entity Pennywise, the former members of the Losers' Club, who have grown up and moved away from Derry, are brought back together by a devastating phone call.
San Andreas

San Andreas

Makeup Effects

2015

In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey across the state in order to rescue his estranged daughter.
Tremors

Tremors

Creature Design

1990

Val McKee and Earl Bassett are in a fight for their lives when they discover that their desolate town has been infested with gigantic, man-eating creatures that live below the ground.
Panic Room

Panic Room

Makeup Effects

2002

Trapped in their New York brownstone's panic room, a hidden chamber built as a sanctuary in the event of break-ins, newly divorced Meg Altman and her young daughter Sarah play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with three intruders - Burnham, Raoul and Junior - during a brutal home invasion. But the room itself is the focal point because what the intruders really want is inside it.
Hollow Man

Hollow Man

Makeup Designer

2000

Cocky researcher Sebastian Caine is working on a project to make living creatures invisible. Determined to achieve the ultimate breakthrough, Caine pushes his team to move to the next phase — using himself as the subject. The test is a success, but when the process can't be reversed and Caine seems doomed to future without flesh, he starts to turn increasingly dangerous.
The X-Files

The X-Files

Makeup Effects

1998

Mulder and Scully, now taken off the FBI's X Files cases, must find a way to fight the shadowy elements of the government to find out the truth about a conspiracy that might mean the alien colonization of Earth.
Jumanji

Jumanji

Makeup Designer

1995

When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the game, which proves risky as all three find themselves running from giant rhinoceroses, evil monkeys and other terrifying creatures.
Skyline

Skyline

Creature Design

2010

When strange lights descend on the city of Los Angeles, people are drawn outside like moths to a flame where an extraterrestrial force threatens to swallow the entire human population off the face of the Earth. Now the band of survivors must fight for their lives as the world unravels around them.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter

Special Effects Makeup Artist

1984

After his revival in a hospital morgue, Jason fixes his vengeful attention on the Jarvis family and a group of hitherto carefree teenagers.
The 6th Day

The 6th Day

Makeup Effects

2000

A world of the very near future in which cattle, fish, and even the family pet can be cloned. But cloning humans is illegal - that is until family man Adam Gibson comes home from work one day to find a clone has replaced him. Taken from his family and plunged into a sinister world he doesn't understand, Gibson must not only save himself from the assassins who must destroy him to protect their secret, but uncover who and what is behind the horrible things happening to him.
The Monster Squad

The Monster Squad

Special Effects Makeup Artist

1987

Count Dracula adjourns to Earth, accompanied by Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and the Gillman. The uglies are in search of a powerful amulet that will grant them power to rule the world. Our heroes - the Monster Squad are the only ones daring to stand in their way.
Galaxy of Terror

Galaxy of Terror

Prosthetics

1981

As a lone spaceship proceeds on its long voyage across space, the crew are surprised to encounter a strange pyramid form. Surprise turns to horror as one by one, they discover that their darkest nightmares are all starting to become real. The pyramid has to be behind it all somehow, but how can they save themselves from its influence?
The Santa Clause 2

The Santa Clause 2

Makeup Effects Designer

2002

Better watch out! The big guy in red is coming to town once again. This time, Scott Calvin -- also known as Santa Claus -- finds out there's an obscure clause in his contract requiring him to take on a wife. He has to leave the North Pole to fulfill his obligations, or else he'll be forced to give up his Yuletide gig.