From the "Biz" Archives:

by Mark Rabinowitz

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has awarded its John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation to longtime special effects maven, Pete Clark. The award will be presented on February 28 at the Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. According to an Academy press release, the award, named in honor of the late director of special projects at Warner Hollywood Studios, is awarded in appreciation for "outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy." The medal has been given at intervals by the Academy Board of Governors since 1977, upon the recommendation of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee.

Clark began working in the industry at MGM in 1968, working on "Ice Station Zebra" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie," among others, before moving to become director of advertising at the Mole-Richardson Company in 1967. In 1969 he moved to the Research Center of the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers as manager of development engineering, and stayed until the Center closed in 1976. Since that time Clark has operated his own motion picture technology consulting firm.

Clark has been a member of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee since 1974, serving for many years on its Rules and Steering committees and himself received a Scientific and Technical Award for co-developing, with 3M, Nextel simulated blood. In addition, he served as chairman of the Visual Effects Award Executive Committee and is a founding member of the Academy's Visual Effects Branch. His book, "Special Effects in Motion Pictures," remains a definitive book on the subject.