In a defining era of Hollywood, one man brought our greatest nightmares and wonders to life, permanently changing how the world experiences movies.
This new feature documentary celebrates multi Oscar-winner Stan Winston, the special effects visionary behind the monster magic of The Terminator, Jurassic Park, Predator, Aliens and many more…
Featuring exclusive unseen Hollywood archive and new interviews with James Cameron, as Frank Marshall boards as Producer
London-based Documentary specialist Dogwoof and Strange Bird have joined forces with Kennedy/Marshall, Whisper and Haviland Digital on MONSTER MAKER, a new feature documentary about Stan Winston, the four-time Academy Award-winning special effects artist behind some of cinema’s most iconic characters and creatures in The Terminator, Jurassic Park, Aliens, Predator and Edward Scissorhands.
Directed by Barney Douglas (McEnroe), MONSTER MAKER explores a transformative era in Hollywood when blockbuster action films and groundbreaking horror franchises redefined popular culture. At the centre of it all was Winston, an imaginative outsider whose artistry and innovation helped shape generations of moviegoers’ dreams… and nightmares.
From the Terminator emerging from flames, to the Predator removing its mask and the groundbreaking dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, many of cinema’s most iconic characters and creature effects were created by Stan Winston and his team. Through never-before-seen archive material, behind the scenes footage of iconic Hollywood movies, and interviews with family, friends and collaborators including James Cameron, MONSTER MAKER tells the story of the visionary artist whose work helped define modern blockbuster filmmaking.
Whilst celebrating the innovations that transformed the industry, MONSTER MAKER explores the man behind the creations. Intimate family films reveal a dedicated father, collaborator and mentor whose legacy continues to shape filmmakers and audiences around the world.
Principal photography begins this week in London with Jeff Goldblum among the first contributors to be filmed, who worked with Winston on Jurassic Park.
The Winston Family said: “We are so thrilled that Barney Douglas – along with producers Tamzin Merchant, Paddy Kelly, Dogwoof, The Kennedy/Marshall Company and Whisper – are coming together to tell Stan’s story with MONSTER MAKER. We miss him every day and this documentary is sure to be an exciting and emotional journey for us all as Stan’s life of imagination, innovation, and movie magic are finally shared with the world on the big screen”
James Cameron added: “one of my great pleasures in life was my close collaboration with Stan Winston… the man, the artist, and the ringleader of so many other talented artists, on films such as The Terminator and Aliens. Stan was a true pioneer who created creatures and characters both wondrous and terrifying, but always memorable.”
MONSTER MAKER is produced by Frank Marshall, who will also appear in the film alongside former LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy. The documentary is directed and produced by Barney Douglas, with Tamzin Merchant, Paddy Kelly and Steve Williams producing for Strange Bird. Drew Masters & Chris Grubb Executive Produce for Whisper. Dogwoof co-produces, with Anna Godas, Oli Harbottle and Will Kane serving as Executive Producers. Keith Haviland executive produces for Haviland Digital.
CREDITS
A Strange Bird Production, in association with Whisper & Haviland Digital Director: Barney Douglas. Producers: Barney Douglas, Tamzin Merchant, Paddy Kelly, Steve Williams, Frank Marshall, Aly Parker. Co-Producers: Dogwoof; Kennedy/Marshall Company. Executive Producers: Anna Godas, Oli Harbottle, Will Kane, Tony Rosenthal, Helen Butcher, Drew Masters, Chris Grubb, Keith Haviland.
