Story perspectives

Phil Tippett Studio Closes Berkeley Facility After Bankruptcy

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Phil Tippett Studio closed its Berkeley, California facility after a 40-year run.
The closure followed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2024 after PhantomFX acquired a majority stake.
A three-day liquidation sale emptied the 6,200-sq-ft warehouse, selling Star Wars holo-chess models and an AT-AT walker from Aug. 28–30, 2026.
Filmmaker Phil Tippett said he will keep his Oscars, continue stop-motion, and use external facilities; the Toronto studio stays active.

History

Historical Context

Rhythm & Hues Studios, founded in 1987 and three-time Oscar winner, filed Chapter 11 on February 11 2013, laying off 254 staff. The move sparked a protest of nearly 500 VFX artists at the 2013 Academy Awards and led to a March 29 auction where Prana Studios affiliate 34x118 Holdings bought the company for about $30 million. The bankruptcy underscored mounting financial strain on Hollywood VFX houses.

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Story summary

Phil Tippett Studio closed its Berkeley, California facility after a 40-year run.
The closure followed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2024 after PhantomFX acquired a majority stake.
A three-day liquidation sale emptied the 6,200-sq-ft warehouse, selling Star Wars holo-chess models and an AT-AT walker from Aug. 28–30, 2026.
Filmmaker Phil Tippett said he will keep his Oscars, continue stop-motion, and use external facilities; the Toronto studio stays active.

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