Nicholson tapped for Pinnacle

New director, viz f/x supervisor hails from ILM

By MARC GRASER

In a move that signals its attempt to attract more features work, Seattle-based Pinnacle Studios has tapped former ILM and Tippett Studios visual effects supervisor Bruce Nicholson as director/visual effects supervisor.

Additionally, Meg Partridge has been tapped as executive producer, a new position, where she will oversee all visual effects, animation, design and production services.

After focusing on commercials and television work, Pinnacle Studios, formerly known as Pinnacle Post, is venturing into producing f/x for features, as well.

The company recently landed Miramax's "Reindeer Games," which is shooting in Vancouver. Pinnacle will create 100 shots for the film.

It most recently created 140 f/x shots for Disney's "I'll Be Home For Christmas."

Nicholson, who was "attracted to Pinnacle because of its fast-growing reputation for creative and quality work within the industry," will oversee all of Pinnacle's feature effects projects and attract more work.

"It was time for a change," Nicholson said of his decision to leave ILM. "I wanted to get into a facility that was smaller and more of a startup operation that would introduce a lot more excitement into my career."

He most recently served as a visual effects supervisor on "Armageddon." His previous credits include serving as optical supervisor on "Poltergeist" and "Return of the Jedi," and compositing supervisor on "Willow" and "Neverending Story."

Company prexy Warren Franklin previously worked on "Empire Strikes Back," while at ILM as veep and general manager.