Variety writes that Lucasfilm is looking to unload the physical production unit of special effects dynamo Industrial Light & Magic. This move marks the end of the company’s origins as a models-and-miniatures special effects house. The article notes, “With the shift to digital effects, Lucasfilm has found it difficult to keep that portion of the company fully employed.” The property’s purchaser is Mark Anderson, who has worked as a model maker for ILM over 15 years. Thus, the unit will be renamed “Kerner Optical,” due to its location in ILM’s former venue on Kerner Avenue in San Rafael, California.
ILM "in talks" to sell physical production unit