In the fall of 1978, Mike Fulmer was an accomplished professional model maker when he started working at George Lucas’ INDUSTRIAL LIGHT & MAGIC. He was one of the original chief model makers in ILM’s infamous model shop, where he worked for 13 years. Seven of the 11 credited film projects he worked on received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
Mike’s level of detail in his model work was remarkable. He excelled in his unique paint schemes. He demonstrated a worn & weathered look for the two-foot version of the MILLENNIUM FALCON, in the 1980 George Lucas film EMPIRE STRIKES BACK to the pristine look of the U.S.S. EXCELSIOR in the 1983 film, STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK. I learned many painting and model making skills working alongside him.
Our work usually required a huge amount of patience and skill. I don’t think we could have achieved as much as we did if it were not for Mike leading the pack and providing humor to cut through the tension of many of these projects.
His creativity was not only limited to feature films. In his post ILM days he became one of the first museum curators for the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics Museum) located in Muncie, Indiana. While there, he played a major role designing and installing the breathtaking exhibitions from the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s & 60’s. Starting in 1996, Mike created electric toy train accessories for the LIONEL Corporation. He also created several full size hot rod vehicles for private car enthusiasts, and authored several screenplays during his career.
The following pages show Mike’s personal collection of intricate ‘balsa wood & tissue’ rubber powered airplanes. His collection also includes several museum quality ‘hard models’.
Steve Gawley,
1990 Academy Award Nominee for Best Visual Effects. ILM model maker & model supervisor, 1975-2007.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE & SCROLL
In the last six photos, Mike is stunt double for Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark on the ILM lot when Indiana Jones is dragged under the moving truck.
In the next photo, Mike is discussing, with Model Shop mold maker, the late Wesley Seeds, how the wiring will be installed in the bottom half of the FX model of the BTA ship mold for Enemy Mine.