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Bill Taylor

Bill Taylor A.S.C. is a visual effects supervisor and director of photography. He began his career as an optical cameraman specializing in blue screen compositing. In 1974 he created optical effects (and title song lyrics) for John Carpenter and Dan O'Bannon's ultra-low-budget DARK STAR. THE HINDENBURG (1975), Taylor's first film as Whitlock's cameraman, received the Oscar for visual effects. When Whitlock retired in 1985, Taylor and his matte artist colleague Syd Dutton founded Illusion Arts, where they have earned credits on nearly 200 films. Taylor served as visual effects supervisor on THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS (2001), BRUCE ALMIGHTY (2003), CASANOVA (2005), MILK (2008). As Illusion Arts wound up its 26 year run, the company completed dozens of shots for Michael Mann's PUBLIC ENEMIES (2009) for supervisor Robert Stadd and some key environments for GI JOE (2009). Most recently, he was visual effects supervisor on FIRST IN FLIGHT (2012) and LAWLESS (2012), a Cannes Film Festival contender. Bill has also worked as second unit or models unit cinematographer for SERENITY (2005), THE NANNY DIARIES (2007), RAMBO (2008), and SOUL MEN (2008). Taylor is currently co-chair of the Motion Picture Academy Science and Technology Council, and recently completed his fifth term as Academy Governor representing the Visual Effects Branch, where he chaired the Executive Committee. He is the most recent recipient of the John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation “in appreciation for outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy.” Taylor has received a Saturn, an Emmy and a Motion Picture Academy Technical Achievement Award. He is a Life Member of the Visual Effects Society, and the recipient of the Society's 2009 Founder's Award. Bill is also the recipient of the 2011 Art Directors Guild Award for Contribution to Cinematic Imagery.

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