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Kerner Optical, now known as KernerFX, is the visual effects division of the Kerner Group, based on Kerner Blvd. in San Rafael, California. Kerner was, until three years ago, part of the LucasFilm family as the physical and practical effects division of Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic. While KernerFX now provides its world-class VFX services to other studios, Kerner still works on ILM projects including 2009's Star Trek.
KernerFX provides industry leading services including model making, creature design and manufacture, and makeup shops; special effects and pyrotechnics; property and set construction; camera engineering and design; rigging and mechanical effects; stereoscopic 3D and blue/green screen capabilities; a research and development department; and fully operational stages and production facilities for interior and exterior filming.
History
When ILM moved its digital effects departments to San Francisco in 2005, it was determined that the physical production departments would remain in the original San Rafael facilities. ILM's former physical production departments ultimately became KernerFX, operating independently of and in conjunction with ILM. KernerFXl finalized its purchase from ILM in 2006, with the company officially opening for business in August of that year. [1]
Since separating from the LucasFilm family in 2006, Kerner has worked on such films as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (which featured Lee Arenberg and Greg Ellis), Evan Almighty (which starred Jimmy Bennett), Transformers (written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci), and Paramount Pictures' The Spiderwick Chronicles and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. More recent films include Eagle Eye (executive produced by Kurtzman and Orci), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Terminator Salvation (starring Anton Yelchin), and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (again written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci).
In August of 2009 Eric Edmeades acquired a controlling interest in the group and assumed the role of CEO.
Parent company
KernerFX is the VFX division of The Kerner Group which provides a variety of other services including the manufacture of life-like dummies for training military medics, 3D camera rigs, 3D viewing technology and concert walls and software products including FrameFree; a program that makes user generated 3D content a reality.
Lore
When ILM first moved into the San Rafael location over 30 years ago there was a door marked "Kerner Optical." Lucas opted to leave this sign in place and commented, later, on the KERNER CO sign in front of the property explaining that it was there to keep the fans from snooping through the property and garbage bins. ILM operated as "Kerner Optical" for over thirty years and the new management opted to keep that name as a tribute to ILM's legacy.
Kerner's Star Trek crew
- Ian Chriss - Best Boy Electric
- Tom Cloutier - Key Grip
- Bernie Demolski - Best Boy Grip
- Rod M. Janusch - Gaffer
- Spencer Mulcahy - Dolly Grip
External links
- Kerner.com - official site
- Kerner Optical Research & Development
- Kerner Optical Opens for Business (Digital Content Producer)
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