On the latest episode of 8111 I talk with “Optical God” Jon Alexander! Jon grew up in Ohio. As a young person he loved the Wizard of Oz. He recently retired from ILM after 38 years (and change).
During the Vietnam era Jon’s lottery number came up. While serving he learned the value of building good relationships and working across rank and experience. This knowledge and experience helped him be successful in his career in visual effects.
Later, Jon attended a few universities where he considered majoring in engineering. He eventually landed at Ohio State where he earned his undergraduate degree in Cinema. He made numerous short films there and shot film for the football team.
In 1980, Jon moved to Los Angeles and landed a job working for a small company called Calico Creations doing motion control work. In 1986, Jon was hired by ILM to come work in the animation department on Howard the Duck. He later worked in the optical department where he became expert on the MC (motion control) optical printer. He transitioned into digital composting where he worked on all manner of film projects, special projects, simulator rides, you name it.
Jon is a great storyteller and his career mirrors the technological development of visual effects from the analog age to today. It was great to get to talk to Jon about his incredible career. He’s one of my all time favorite former co-workers.
There’s another great interview by ILM PR about Jon’s amazing career here.
