Made in 1981, "Albert Whitlock: A Master of Illusion" is the original , first ever 'behind the scenes' look at movie making. This multi-award-winning documentary takes a fascinating behind the scenes look at the creation of Special Visual Effects by two-time Academy Award-winning matte artist, Albert Whitlock, for the Mel Brooks' film "History of the World: Part I". Narrated by Bill Taylor, it also features Mel Brooks, Alfred Hitchcock, Robert Wise, Hal Ashby, Richard Schickel, and Frank McCarthy. After licensing "Albert Whitlock: A Master of Illusion" for air, KCET asked if the documentary could be used as a pilot for a series about movie making. In a research and development deal with KCET, Walton Dornisch created and wrote "Made in Hollywood".
"Albert Whitlock: A Master of Illusion" was honored with numerous awards and recognition, including the United Staes Film and Video Film Festival in Park City, Utah, the Golden Athena at the Athens Film Festival, the Bronze Hugo at the Chicago Film Festival, the Silver Medal at the New York Film & Video Festival and a cash award at the Sinking Creek Film Festival. When licensed by Churchill Films from 1985 to 1989, and using the title "Visual Effects: Wizardry on Film", it received the Red Ribbon at the 1985 American Film Festival, was honored at the National Education Film Festival, received the Golden Eagle at Cine 1985, and the Chris Plaque at the Columbus Film Festival.
"Albert Whitlock: A Master of Illusion" was honored with numerous awards and recognition, including the United Staes Film and Video Film Festival in Park City, Utah, the Golden Athena at the Athens Film Festival, the Bronze Hugo at the Chicago Film Festival, the Silver Medal at the New York Film & Video Festival and a cash award at the Sinking Creek Film Festival. When licensed by Churchill Films from 1985 to 1989, and using the title "Visual Effects: Wizardry on Film", it received the Red Ribbon at the 1985 American Film Festival, was honored at the National Education Film Festival, received the Golden Eagle at Cine 1985, and the Chris Plaque at the Columbus Film Festival.