Tom Woodruff Jr.

Last updated

Tom Woodruff Jr.
Tom Woodruff Jr.jpg
Woodruff Jr. in 2018
Born (1959-01-21) January 21, 1959 (age 65)
Alma mater Lycoming College
Occupations
Years active1984–present
Spouse
Tami Spitler
(m. 1983)
Children3

Tom Woodruff Jr. (born January 21, 1959) is an American actor, director, producer and special effects supervisor. He won an Academy Award for Best Special Effects for his work on the 1992 dark fantasy film Death Becomes Her ; that same year he was also nominated for the same award for Alien 3 .

Contents

Some of his most notable works include: Starship Troopers (1997), Cast Away (2000), It (2017) and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018). [1]

Early life

Woodruff was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on January 21, 1959. He grew up in nearby Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania and attended Loyalsock Township High School and graduated in 1977. Upon graduating high school, he enrolled at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania where he earned a dual degree in business administration and theater. [2] Woodruff grew up a fan of films with monsters and creatures and created an interest in doing similar effects, working around the lack of materials in his city – in his own words, the only theatrical makeup supplies to be found was greasepaint at the back of a local pharmacy - such as using art class to create masks based on Planet of the Apes out of plaster bandages. [3]

Career

Arrival in Hollywood (1980s)

After graduating college, Woodruff moved to Los Angeles with his wife in 1982, pursuing his dream of working with special effects. [2] He worked in a camera store while using his free time to visit studios seeking a job, and after six months he managed to become a make-up artist in the 1983 movie Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn . After production wrapped one of his co-workers would bring Woodruff as a make-up assistant in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , [4] with that film's lead make-up artist Tom Burman bringing Woodruff along to The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension . Once Woodruff worked in 1984's The Terminator as an assistant special effects supervisor, [5] he would join Stan Winston Studios, working with the effects crew on the 1986 films The Vindicator and Aliens , in the latter also making his debut on screen playing a Salvager. [6] [7] This would soon be followed by Woodruff playing many creatures in the movie he did effects for, such as Gill-man in the 1987 comedy-action film The Monster Squad , the eponymous demon from Pumpkinhead , and the Alien.

Amalgamated Dynamics (1990–2010)

In 1988, as Stan Winston prepared to direct A Gnome Named Gnorm and scale back on big effects work, Woodruff and fellow Stan Winston Studios effects supervisor Alec Gillis left his company and founded effects studio Amalgamated Dynamics in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. The company soon became highly requested in Hollywood, with movies such as Alien 3, Death Becomes Her (both nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, won by the latter), Demolition Man, Wolf and Starship Troopers . [8] To date the company has worked on over 150 film and television projects, growing in size and scope, starting from just the duo working in three to four movies at once to a team of 95 people in 2004's Alien vs. Predator . [4] In the 2010s, Woodruff has continued to do practical effects in films such as Grown Ups 2 , Ender's Game , Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 , Harbinger Down , Unnatural , It , Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Godzilla: King of the Monsters . [9]

In 1993 his alma mater Lycoming College awarded Woodruff the Dr. James E. Douthat Outstanding Achievement Award for alumni.

In early 2017 Woodruff and his company Amalgamated Dynamics announced they would be creating and designing the cosmetics for Pennywise in the Andy Muschietti directed horror film It. In addition to Pennywise Woodruff and business partner Alec Gillis designed and built the dead bodies for the corridors for the film. [10] Woodruff in particular designed and made the teeth for Pennywise with a great deal of comfort needed for actor Bill Skarsgård portraying Pennywise to be able to speak clearly and smile in a way needed for the film. His contributions in this area were recognized by Muschietti after the film's release when he said "... without all the hard work from Tom, Alec and all the guys Pennywise wouldn't have had such a big impact on the audience that it did. [11]

Woodruff and his team received praise for their work on It. They were nominated for Best Makeup by Hawaii Film Critics Society and again at the 44th Saturn Awards. [12] [13]

Woodruff and Amalgamated Dynamics were the designers and builders of the life like dinosaurs in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom . [14]

Recent and future projects (2019–present)

In 2019 Woodruff served as the lead creature character designer for Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Also in 2019 he served as an executive producer for the short film Playtime which was released on March 9, 2019. [15] He played Burke in the horror film The Mortuary Collection . In 2019 it was revealed Woodruff and his company would be used during the filming of Godzilla vs. Kong . [16] The film completed filming in early 2020 and Woodruff was credited as miniature effects supervisor. In late 2019 it was announced Woodruff would serve as the creature designer for the upcoming Guest House film. Director Benjamin L. Brown confirmed Woodruff would have a role in his upcoming horror film Severed Road. Woodruff is also the executive producer in the upcoming science fiction film Wellwood . [17] [18] In 2022, Woodruff worked in both Smile and Prey . [3]

Personal life

In 1983 Woodruff married fellow Loyalsock and Lycoming grad Tami Spitler. [19] The couple have three children named David, Taylor and Connor. In 2013 Woodruff delivered the commencement speech at his alma mater Lycoming College. [20] In 2019 Woodruff and his wife moved back home to Pennsylvania, settling back in their home-town of Loyalsock Township. [4] Woodruff's son, David T. Woodruff, works in special effects and costumed acting like his father today. [21]

Filmography

Film

Tom Woodruff Jr. filmography
YearWorkRoleNotes
ActorDirectorProducerSpecial effects
/ Make-up
Visual effects
/ Animation
1983 Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn Yes check.svg
1983 Star Trek III: The Search for Spock Yes check.svg
1983 The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension Yes check.svg
1984 The Terminator Yes check.svg
1986 Aliens Yes check.svgYes check.svgCredited as Salvager
The Vindicator Yes check.svg
Invaders from Mars Yes check.svg
1987 The Monster Squad Yes check.svgYes check.svgPortrayed Gill-man
1988 Pumpkinhead Yes check.svgPortrayed Pumpkinhead
Alien Nation Yes check.svg
1989 Leviathan Yes check.svgYes check.svg
1990 Tremors Yes check.svgYes check.svgCredited as Grabboid
1992 Alien 3 Yes check.svgYes check.svgCredited as Lead Alien
Death Becomes Her Yes check.svg
1993 Demolition Man Yes check.svg
1994 Wolf Yes check.svgAnimatronic designer: mechanical wolf
1995 Mortal Kombat Yes check.svgYes check.svgCredited as Goro
Jumanji Yes check.svgYes check.svg
1996 Michael Yes check.svg
Tremors 2: Aftershocks Yes check.svg
1997 Alien Resurrection Yes check.svg
Starship Troopers Yes check.svg
1998 The X-Files Yes check.svgYes check.svg
1999 My Favorite Martian Yes check.svg
2000 Hollow Man Yes check.svg
Cast Away Yes check.svg
Mattress of SolitudeYes check.svgShort film; portrayed Batman
Bedazzled Yes check.svg
2001 Evolution Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Bubble Boy Yes check.svg
Tremors 3: Back to Perfection Yes check.svg
2002 John Q. Yes check.svg
The Santa Clause 2 Yes check.svg
2003 Looney Tunes: Back in Action Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Scary Movie 3 Yes check.svg
2004 Tremors 4: The Legend Begins Yes check.svg
Alien vs. Predator Yes check.svgYes check.svgCredited as Grid
2005 Elektra Yes check.svgYes check.svg
2006 Failure to Launch Yes check.svg
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause Yes check.svgYes check.svg
2007 Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem Yes check.svgYes check.svgPortrayed Predalien
My Cousins KeeperYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg
2009 Race to Witch Mountain Yes check.svgCredited as Siphon
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant Yes check.svgPortrayed Wolfman
Old Dogs Yes check.svgPortrayed Gorilla
2010 Skyline Yes check.svg
2011 The Thing Yes check.svg
Zookeeper Yes check.svgYes check.svg
2012 Astronaut: The Last Push Yes check.svg
Beautiful Wave Yes check.svgCredited as Coach Parks
2013 Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters Yes check.svg
Fire City: King of MiseriesYes check.svgYes check.svg
Grown Ups 2 Yes check.svg
Ender's Game Yes check.svg
2015 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 Yes check.svg
Harbinger Down Yes check.svgYes check.svg
Kids vs Monsters Yes check.svg
UnnaturalYes check.svg
2016Change of HeartYes check.svgYes check.svg
2017 It Yes check.svg
2018 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Yes check.svg
Sorry to Bother You Yes check.svgCredited as Equisapien
The Predator Yes check.svg
2019 Godzilla: King of the Monsters Yes check.svg
PlaytimeYes check.svg
The Mortuary Collection Yes check.svgCredited as Burke
2020 Guest House Yes check.svgYes check.svgPortrayed John
2021 Godzilla vs. Kong Yes check.svg
2022 Prey Yes check.svg
Smile Yes check.svg
TBASevered RoadYes check.svg
TBA Wellwood Yes check.svg

Television

YearSeriesRoleNotes
1989 Monsters Herbert
1990 Tales from the Crypt Utility Monster
1998 Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction Kirby the Gorilla
1999 Chicago Hope Stevie
1999 Seven Days Kiki the Gorilla
2011 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Bernie the Gorilla
2012 Harry's Law Gorilla
2013Blood and Guts with Scott IanHimself
Horror HalkuDemon Rufus
2016 Zoo Gorilla Suit Performer
2019 Room 104 Elmer

Awards and nominations

YearCeremonyCategoryFilmResultNotes
1991 Saturn Awards Best Special Effects Tremors NominatedNomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
1992 Academy Awards Best Visual Effects Death Becomes Her WonWin shared with
Alien 3 NominatedNomination shared with
British Academy Film Awards Best Special EffectsDeath Becomes HerWonWin shared with
  • Ken Ralston
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
Alien 3NominatedNomination shared with
  • Richard Edlund
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
1993Awards Circuit CommunityBest Special EffectsDeath Becomes HerWonWin shared with
  • Ken Ralston
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
Alien 3NominatedNomination shared with
  • Richard Edlund
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
Saturn Awards Best Special EffectsDeath Becomes HerWonWin shared with
  • Ken Ralston
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
Alien 3NominatedNomination shared with
  • Richard Edlund
  • Alec Gillis
  • George Gibbs
1995 Saturn Awards Best Make-Up The Santa Clause NominatedNomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
1998 Saturn Awards Best Special Effects Starship Troopers WonWin shared with
Alien Resurrection NominatedNomination shared with
  • Erik Henry
  • Alec Gillis
1999 Saturn Awards Best Make-Up The X-Files NominatedNomination shared with
2001 Saturn Awards The 6th Day NominatedNomination shared with
2012 Rondo Hatton Awards Best Short FilmJoe Comes to LifeNominated
Saturn Awards Best Make-Up The Thing NominatedNomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
2017 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Makeup & SFX The Monster WonWin shared with
  • Alec Gillis
2018Hawaii Film Critics SocietyBest Makeup It NominatedNomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
44th Saturn Awards Best MakeupItNominatedNomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis
2023 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards [22] Best Creature FX Prey WonNomination shared with
  • Alec Gillis

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Godzilla</span> Fictional monster

Godzilla is a fictional monster, or kaiju, that debuted in the eponymous 1954 film, directed and co-written by Ishirō Honda. The character has since become an international pop culture icon, appearing in various media: 33 Japanese films produced by Toho Co., Ltd., five American films, and numerous video games, novels, comic books, and television shows. Godzilla has been dubbed the King of the Monsters, an epithet first used in Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956), the American localization of the 1954 film.

<i>Kaiju</i> Japanese media genre

Kaiju is a Japanese term that is commonly associated with media involving giant monsters. The kaiju film genre is credited to tokusatsu director Eiji Tsuburaya and filmmaker Ishirō Honda, who popularized it by creating the Godzilla franchise and its spin-offs. The term can also refer to the monsters themselves, which are usually depicted attacking major cities and battling either the military or other creatures.

<i>Alien vs. Predator</i> Science fiction action horror franchise

Alien vs. Predator is a science fiction action-horror media franchise created by comic book writers Randy Stradley and Chris Warner. The series is a crossover between, and part of, the larger Alien and Predator franchises, depicting the two species — Xenomorph (Alien) and Yautja (Predator) — as being in conflict with one another.

<i>Alien vs. Predator</i> (film) 2004 film by Paul W. S. Anderson

Alien vs. Predator is a 2004 science fiction action horror film written and directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, and starring Sanaa Lathan, Raoul Bova, Lance Henriksen, Ewen Bremner, Colin Salmon, and Tommy Flanagan. It is the first film installment of the Alien vs. Predator franchise, the fifth film in the Alien franchise and third film of the Predator franchise, adapting a crossover bringing together the eponymous creatures of the Alien and Predator series, a concept which originated in a 1989 comic book written by Randy Stradley and Chris Warner. Anderson wrote the story, with the creators of the Alien franchise, Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett receiving additional story credit due to the incorporation of elements from the Alien series, and Anderson and Shane Salerno adapted the story into a screenplay. Their writing was influenced by Aztec mythology, the comic book series, and the writings of Erich von Däniken. In the film, scientists are caught in the crossfire of an ancient battle between Aliens and Predators as they attempt to escape a bygone pyramid.

<i>Godzilla</i> (1998 film) Film by Roland Emmerich

Godzilla is a 1998 American monster film directed and co-written by Roland Emmerich. Produced by TriStar Pictures, Centropolis Entertainment, Fried Films, and Independent Pictures, and distributed by TriStar, it is a reboot of Toho Co., Ltd.'s Godzilla franchise. It is also the 23rd film in the franchise and the first Godzilla film to be completely produced by a Hollywood studio. The film stars Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Maria Pitillo, Hank Azaria, Kevin Dunn, Michael Lerner, and Harry Shearer. The film is dedicated to Tomoyuki Tanaka, the co-creator and producer of various Godzilla films, who died in April 1997. In the film, authorities investigate and battle a giant monster who migrates to New York City to nest its young.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gigan</span> Godzilla kaiju

Gigan is a kaiju from Toho's Godzilla franchise who first appeared in the 1972 film, Godzilla vs. Gigan. Gigan is a giant extraterrestrial space monster, resembling a species of reptile, who was turned into a cyborg by the alien race known as the Nebulans. Gigan sports a huge buzzsaw in its frontal abdominal region, large metallic hooks for hands, and a birdlike beak. Gigan is considered one of Godzilla's most brutal and violent opponents, and the first kaiju in the Toho sci-fi series to make him noticeably bleed. Complex listed the character as No. 2 on its "The 15 Most Badass Kaiju Monsters of All Time" list.

<i>Godzilla</i> (franchise) Japanese media franchise

Godzilla is a Japanese monster, or kaiju, that has been featured in films, television series, novels, comic books, video games, and other merchandise. The films series are centered on the fictional kaiju Godzilla, a prehistoric reptilian monster awakened and powered by nuclear radiation. The films series are recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "longest continuously running film series", having been in ongoing production since 1954, with several hiatuses of varying lengths. There are 38 Godzilla films: 33 Japanese films produced and distributed by Toho Co., Ltd., and five American films; one by TriStar Pictures and four films by Legendary Pictures.

<i>Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem</i> 2007 film by the Brothers Strause

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem is a 2007 American science fiction horror action film starring Steven Pasquale, Reiko Aylesworth, John Ortiz, Johnny Lewis and Ariel Gade. The directorial debut of The Brothers Strause, the film was written by Shane Salerno and is a direct sequel to Alien vs. Predator (2004) as well as the second and latest installment in the Alien vs. Predator franchise, the sixth film in the Alien franchise and the fourth film in the Predator franchise, continuing the crossover between the Alien and Predator franchises.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monster movie</span> Film genre

A monster movie, monster film, creature feature or giant monster film is a film that focuses on one or more characters struggling to survive attacks by one or more antagonistic monsters, often abnormally large ones. The film may also fall under the horror, comedy, fantasy, or science fiction genres. Monster movies originated with adaptations of horror folklore and literature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loyalsock Township High School</span> Public school in Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania, United States

Loyalsock Township High School is a medium-sized, suburban high school located in Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania. As of the 2016–2017 school year, the school reported an enrollment of 597 pupils in grades 9th through 12th.

<i>The Thing</i> (2011 film) 2011 film by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.

The Thing is a 2011 science fiction horror film directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., written by Eric Heisserer, and starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Eric Christian Olsen. It is a direct prequel to the 1982 film of the same name by John Carpenter, which was an adaptation of the 1938 novella Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell. It tells the story of a team of scientists on a Norwegian Antarctic research station who discover a parasitic alien buried deep in the ice, realizing too late that it is still alive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gareth Edwards (director)</span> British filmmaker (born 1975)

Gareth James Edwards is a British film director and screenwriter. He gained recognition for Monsters (2010), an independent film in which he served as writer, director, cinematographer, and visual effects artist. He subsequently directed the big-budget adventure film Godzilla (2014) and the science fiction films Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), The Creator (2023), and the upcoming Jurassic World Rebirth (2025).

Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc. (ADI) is an American visual effects company specializing in animatronics and prosthetic make-up, headquartered in Chatsworth, California. It was founded in 1988 by Stan Winston alumni Tom Woodruff Jr. and Alec Gillis, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona. Notable work includes Death Becomes Her, for which they won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, Starship Troopers, which was also nominated for an Academy Award, and the practical creature effects seen in the Alien franchise from Alien 3 onward. Woodruff also portrays creatures in the films ADI works on, such as the Alien.

<i>Harbinger Down</i> 2015 American science fiction monster horror film

Harbinger Down is a 2015 American independent science-fiction monster horror film written and directed by Alec Gillis and produced by Tom Woodruff Jr., the founders of the special effects company StudioADI, and starring Lance Henriksen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Gibbs (special effects artist)</span> British special effects artist (1937–2020)

George Gibbs was a British special effects artist who is best known for his work in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Creature suit</span> Type of realistic costumes

Creature suits are realistic costumes used to disguise a performer as an animal, monster, or other being. They are used in film, television, or as costumed characters in live events. Unlike mascots, they are often made with a high degree of realism. In contrast with prosthetic makeup, which is applied to an actor's skin, the wearer is not normally visible outside their movements controlling the costume, although in some cases, part of the wearer's body is still visible.

<i>Godzilla: King of the Monsters</i> (2019 film) American film by Michael Dougherty

Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a 2019 American monster film directed and co-written by Michael Dougherty. Produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is a sequel to Godzilla (2014) and the third film in the Monsterverse. It is also the 35th film in the Godzilla franchise, and the third Godzilla film to be completely produced by a Hollywood studio. The film stars Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Charles Dance, Thomas Middleditch, Aisha Hinds, O'Shea Jackson Jr., David Strathairn, Ken Watanabe, and Zhang Ziyi. In the film, eco-terrorists release King Ghidorah, who awakens other monsters known as "Titans" across the world, forcing Godzilla and Mothra to surface and engage Ghidorah and Rodan in a decisive battle.

Wellwood is a 2018 science fiction film directed by Eliza Hooper.

References

  1. "With horror industry heavy hitters already in place from the 1970s, the 1980s built upon that with the rise of brilliant minds in makeup and effects artists, as well as advances in technology". Bloody-Discusting.com. March 6, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  2. 1 2 Rashid, Jerry. "A special homecoming" (PDF). Lycoming magazine. No. Spring 2011. Lycoming College. p. 14.
  3. 1 2 Tom Woodruff, Jr. - Creature Effects Designer & Monster Suit Performer
  4. 1 2 3 Mussina, Mark (December 5, 2019). "After almost 40 years, Academy Award winner returns to Williamsport's CTL". NorthcentralPA.com. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  5. Tom Woodruff Jr., Stampede Entertainment
  6. "One of Tom Woodruff Jr.'s most abiding memories of playing an alien in the Alien movies". Vanity Fair . May 18, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  7. "The Worst Parts of Playing the Xenomorph in Alien". CinemaBlend.com. May 19, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  8. VFX Artists Tom Woodruff & Alec Gillis Of StudioADI Celebrate 30 Years
  9. "Tom Woodruff Jr working on Monsters FX Inbound". May 23, 2017.
  10. Zelig, Leonard (January 17, 2018). "Interview with Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. of Studio ADI". The Fincher Analyst. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  11. "Practical-ly Perfect: Pennywise, Past and Present with Alec Gillis, Tom Woodruff Jr., and Bart Mixon". Daily Dead. October 17, 2017. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  12. Hammond, Pete (June 28, 2018). "'Black Panther' Tops 44th Saturn Awards With Five; 'Blade Runner 2049' , 'Shape Of Water', 'Get Out' Also Score". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  13. Ryan, Jackson. "The Last Jedi, Black Panther win big at the 44th Saturn Awards". CNET. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  14. Failes, Ian (July 9, 2018). "The Unexpected Techniques 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' Used to Create Super-Realistic FX". Thrillist. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  15. Playtime , retrieved June 24, 2020
  16. "Godzilla Vs Kong: Release Date, Cast, Trailer, Plot And Every Detail At One Place". Auto Freak. June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  17. N'Duka, Amanda (January 30, 2018). "'Game of Thrones' Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes To Produce & Star In The Indie Film 'Wellwood'". Deadline. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  18. "StudioADI Providing Extraterrestrial FX to Sci-Fi Film Wellwood". Dread Central. February 5, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  19. "Award-winning Hollywood special effects creator to speak at Lycoming College". Lycoming College. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  20. "Academy Award winner to deliver Lycoming College commencement address". Lycoming College. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  21. "David T. Woodruff's bio at IMDb.com". IMDb .
  22. Gilchrist, Todd (January 27, 2023). "Jordan Peele's 'Nope,' Ti West's 'Pearl' Lead Fangoria's Chainsaw Award Nominations". Variety . Retrieved May 23, 2023.