Saying goodbye to the old ILM Kerner complex

[Robin Phillips]

For those unaware, the old ILM complex (now in its 3rd iteration of ownership, first ILM, then Kerner Optical, then 32ten) is closing. quite possibly for the last time. Its a major loss to the bay area film community, as the C building stage is really the only proper sound stage in northern california. it also just sucks to see the model shop finally shut down. 

I came across this video from the auction inspection on monday, though I'd post it for anyone who has never been and wanted a peek inside. 

 

[David Mullen ASC]

Such an important part of cinema history disappearing!

[Robin Phillips]

1 hour ago, David Mullen ASC said:

Such an important part of cinema history disappearing!

they're slicing up the THX theater and selling off the chairs. the current property owner has suggested turning it all into a warehouse, but at least in that scenario the building would keep standing. S building, sold in the Kerner Optical bankruptcy 12 years ago, still stands but its a soap factory now.

auction link for anyone who wants to grab something https://mailchi.mp/d0b0791ec35b/closing-down-9413371?fbclid=IwAR2Pgu1NNvAGNAz0K3fOsM1zbtGj8C1d0QB3CpP_-jYBYjXgE2uG27INrt0

[Jeff Bernstein]

Lucasfilm CEO Charlie Weber asked his close friend Bob Gindy, a real estate consultant, to help find a production space for the growing company. Gindy located a few commercial buildings in San Anselmo, in a quaint downtown area not far from Parkway and the other Lucasfilm “houses.” But none was configured for the industrial nature of special effects. For that, something “greasier” was required. Gary Kurtz found the perfect location in the automotive workshops of central San Rafael, in one of the few utterly forgettable areas of picturesque Marin County. There, on Kerner Boulevard, wedged between the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and Highway 101, Kurtz found a large car workshop that was for sale. Lucasfilm purchased the building and, after some initial remodeling, began to facilitate ILM’s move to Marin. The expensive and chaotic process would take months, through the fall and into 1979.

 

The unheated concrete building was a harsh environment, exacerbated by the plaster dust falling from the ceiling as workmen added a second story at the same time as the team was trying to get Empire’s effects put together. The sign in front of the building read “The Kerner Company.”

 

Lucasfilm was a secret club. The members of one of the hippest and most-elusive companies in the 70s were scattered throughout residential neighborhoods, industrial streets, and quaint villages in Marin County.

 

“We were all undercover,” said Edlund, “because otherwise we’d have the Star Wars wharf rats out there, and they’d be diving into the garbage.”

 

Michael Rubin, Droidmaker (Gainesville, Florida : Triad), 82–3; 144.

 

 

 

Edited November 2, 2023 by Jeff Bernstein

[Karim D. Ghantous]

I really loved reading about the beginnings of Lucasfilm, Star Wars, and all that. What an exciting time to be alive. And what a positive impact there was on the culture. I recall, back in the early '80s, listening to the Star Wars radio play. 

Certain types of people today are really trying their best to take the fun and excitement out of everything. That will change, but we just have to go through it!