Draft:Michael C. McCormick
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Michael Carl McCormick (born: June 18th 1940) Nationality: Irish-American Occupation: Special Effects Artist, Sculptor, Puppeteer, Designer, FX Makeup Artist, and Director
Biography
[edit]Michael McCormick is a veteran special effects artist, sculptor, puppeteer, and designer, with a career spanning over five decades. He is widely recognized for his expertise in design, fabrication, and performance in various areas of special effects, including makeup, creatures, puppetry, and special props. He has contributed to numerous films, television series, commercials, and theater productions.
Career
[edit]McCormick began his career as a professional sculptor and puppeteer in 1960, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the world of special effects. Over the years, he has worked on several landmark films and television productions, contributing his unique skills to both the design and performance aspects of the industry.
Notable feature film credits include:
[edit]"People Versus the State of Illusion" (2012) – Lead Performance
"UNSPEAKABLE" (2002) – Special Effects
"MANIACS" (2001) – FX Makeup and Special Effects
"DRAGON RIDERS OF PERN" (1999) – Model Construction and Design
"TWO OF A KIND" (1993) – Puppet Construction, Performance, and Special Effects
"UNSOLVED MYSTERIES" (1993) – FX Makeup and Performance
"WHITE SANDS" (1991) – Special Effects Makeup for "Beast Museum"
"HIGH DESERT KILL" (1989) – Alien Creature Design, Build, and Performance
The Dark Crystal (1982) McCormick played a pivotal role in the creation of The Dark Crystal, where he was instrumental in designing and fabricating the film’s iconic creatures, the Skeksis. He contributed to the construction of these complex and lifelike puppets, helping to bring Jim Henson’s vision to life.
Labyrinth (1986) McCormick's contributions to Labyrinth were crucial, as he worked on the feasibility study for Ludo, designed and built all the goblin armor, and focused on the intricate detailing of the costumes. He was also specifically involved in the creation of David Bowie's Jareth costumes, providing key design and fabrication support for one of the film's most iconic characters.
Return of the Jedi (1983) McCormick’s work on Star Wars: Return of the Jedi involved designing and creating the beloved character Salacious Crumb, the mischievous and unforgettable jabbering creature that became one of the film’s standout characters. His work on Salacious Crumb contributed to the unique blend of puppetry and visual effects that helped define the Star Wars universe.
Other Notable Works
[edit]"DARK CRYSTAL" (1979-1981) – Design and Fabrication of Skeksis, Camera Ready Props
"LABYRINTH" (1983-1985) – Feasibility Study for Ludo, Goblin Armor Design, Jareth Costume Design and Fabrication
"RETURN OF THE JEDI" (1981) – Design and Creation of Salacious Crumb
In addition to his work on The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and Return of the Jedi, McCormick has also contributed to various other projects, including television commercials, independent productions, and stage performances.
Theater and Teaching
[edit]In addition to his film and television work, McCormick has contributed to the theater world, co-authoring and directing productions like "Museum Piece" (1992) in Taos, New Mexico. He also designed and created the "Largest Audrey 2" for the Albuquerque Civic Lights Opera’s production of "Little Shop of Horrors". He also had a hand in the creation of a "Ghost Train Ride" at the National Wax Museum in Dublin, Ireland (2002-2003), where he was also responsible for daily puppet performances.
McCormick has taught at various institutions, including the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Haystack Mountain School for the Arts and Crafts in Maine. He has conducted workshops in mask-making and puppetry in Dublin, Ireland, and has also taught foundry methods and design at the University of New Mexico, University of Arizona, and California College of Art and Crafts.
Awards and Recognition
[edit]McCormick has earned recognition for his work, including a Regional Emmy Nomination for "Serving of Punch" (1987/1988), a 30-minute independent PBS production. He also won a New Mexico Music Industry Award for Best Score written for Television. His contributions to the film and entertainment industry have solidified his reputation as a pioneering artist in the special effects community.
Professional Memberships
[edit]Screen Actors Guild (SAG)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
Personal Life
[edit]McCormick divides his time between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the UK