JKNOLL STUDIOS

A Message From Our CEO, John Knoll

Greetings,

 

I am delighted to welcome you to our world of imagination and innovation. For over three decades, our journey at our studio has been marked by groundbreaking achievements and visionary storytelling. From my early fascination with visual effects, inspired by the iconic Star Wars universe, to co-developing Photoshop and pioneering photorealistic CGI animations, this incredible odyssey has been a testament to the power of creativity and technology.

 

My venture into the realm of filmmaking began with a spark ignited by the original Star Wars film. This ignited a lifelong passion for visual effects, and I embarked on a journey that led me to USC School of Cinema, where I honed my skills and built the foundation of what was to come. As destiny would have it, I walked the halls of ILM in 1978, taking in the captivating world of visual effects. That moment fueled my determination to contribute to this industry in a profound way.

 

Over the years, I had the privilege of being part of remarkable projects, from “The Abyss” to the “Star Wars Prequels” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The pursuit of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking has always been at the core of my passion. The introduction of groundbreaking technologies, such as the digital effects for “The Abyss” and the creation of Photoshop alongside my brother, Thomas Knoll, highlighted our commitment to shaping the future of visual storytelling.

 

In 2013, I took on the role of Chief Creative Officer at ILM, a step that allowed me to channel my experience and enthusiasm into fostering a creative environment where imagination thrives. One of my proudest achievements is the formation of a studio dedicated to crafting photorealistic CGI animations. The marriage of artistic expression and cutting-edge technology has given rise to astonishing cinematic experiences, from fantastical worlds to lifelike creatures that blur the line between reality and fiction.