Paula Karsh grew up in Pittsburg and earned a Master's degree in Education. She later moved to California with her husband, who was enrolled at Stanford in their film program. She spent some time teaching and later found a job working at a film production company where Lucasfilm was one of her first clients. This later led to an opportunity to come to ILM and work on their Production Services team.

Paula worked as the Head of Production Services for 27 years. She has an amazing story and insight into the needs of a visual effects and film production company. When Dennis Muren calls you in the morning and wants a dead turkey vulture to study the way the wing moves for Dragonslayer, and he needs it by that afternoon, Paula is the one who can get you what you need. Her work, and the work of countless others behind the scenes helped make possible so many of the films you love. While she never won and Oscar, her and her team's work at ILM made it all possible with their critically important work.

Post ILM, Paula worked doing hospice care, and also as a volunteer firefighter. Paula is an amazing human being and it was amazing to catch up with her and hear her story.