The Digital Matte Painting Handbook

Albert Whitlock

Albert Whitlock (1915–2000) got his start in the film industry working as a sign painter and scenic artist on early English productions, including Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934), Sabotage (1936), and The Lady Vanishes (1938). Whitlock moved to America in 1954 and worked with Peter Ellenshaw at Walt Disney Studios, where he honed his skills as a matte artist. In 1961, Whitlock left Disney to head up the matte department at Universal. He became known as “Universal’s secret weapon” for his ability to deliver seemingly impossible shots. Robert Wise only agreed to direct The Hindenburg (1975) if Whitlock signed on to take charge of the effects; Wise was convinced that only Whitlock could recreate the world of the ...