From building miniatures of the iconic Millennium Falcon for the first “Star Wars” film (1977), to using computer graphics to create the shape-shifting cyborg in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991), to bringing to life the most realistic dinosaurs since the Jurassic Era in “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997), Dennis Muren used both models and computers to create cinematic fantasy for more than a generation. In fact, Muren’s Oscar-winning work bridged the gap between the stiff, rubbery B-movie creatures of the past to the slick, stylized computer-generated imagery that later saturated
First became interested in visual effects at age six (date approximate)
1957
Began making his own films at age ten with a $10 Keystone 8mm movie camera
As a teen, obtained a better camera and began experimenting with stop motion and rear projection
Began work on "The Equinox", a 16mm sci-fi adventure film, during his first year at Pasadena City College; invested $8000 in the project
Completed "The Equinox" which was then picked up by a small distributor who added 40 minutes, had it blown up to 35mm and released in 1970; credited as producer and for special effects; recouped initial investment
