The Cinema Experience - Escapism at its best

The Oxford Dictionary defines escapism as "The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy." The genre of science fiction is one form of escapism. As a genre for film, it entangles the audience into the imagination of a team of people from behind and in front of the camera. The science-fiction movie is born from the painted words of an author's written vision alongside a director's interpretation. The vision is shared amongst the amazing talents of movie poster artists, cinematographers, costume designers and out of this world musical composers. We swathe ourselves into the folds of escapism and lay before its artistic representation limited by area, time, and space upon a screen.

It was in April 2018 that the Martigues Science-Fiction Film Festival (MSFFF) premiered, the first of its kind in Martigues, France. The event showcased the strong presence of France in the science-fiction genre of comics, novels, film and across social media platforms. The beautiful location was friendly and welcoming, the small shops decorated their storefront windows with movie themes whilst providing shade to visitors and locals who came for the festival.

Countless movies were screened across several theatres in Martigues of which we were able to attend three screenings: Small Soldiers (1998), 2010 (1984) the sequel to Space Odyssey 2001 and Soylent Green (1973). The impact of viewing these classic science-fiction films on the big screen advanced the meaning of cinemas during this experience. Cinemas are a stage of action, where the imagination of others is projected and made accessible to many. Cinemas offer a place and opportunity to relive or enjoy films of all ages. The theatrical experience enables you to get as close to the art as possible in an atmosphere that can be unifying where you sit side by side with fellow attendees sharing experience and emotion through art.

The guest of honour, director Joe Dante was a daily presence at the MSFFF. Having directed movies such as Gremlins, Small Soldiers and Inner Space, Joe Dante’s creative work touchesupon the comedic aspect held within the realm of science-fiction whilst addressing the hidden possibilities of natural and human invention and evolution. Getting the chance to see Small Soldiers on the big screen enabled an audience, nearly a quarter of century later after its initial release, to relive the 90s escapism where you and the screen filter out the world around you and supplant you within the atmosphere of an earlier time period. Watching a former release in a renewed cinema experience enables you to travel for a moment into a captured visual field of time and space. Joe Dante’s films have presented us with his vision of cinematic expression where an audience can experience evolved states of existence and invention, its expression of dangers, challenges and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. Science-fiction enables our mind to think farther away and ahead into an infinite realm of possibilities. That is what cinema offers us, escapism. We cheer for the positive outcomes and are heavily rewarded when they are won at last, and we grieve when the greater outcome is lost.

As the months move forward with the possibility of once again attending a local cinema we look toward another moment of escapism. It is here where we can share experiences of artistic expression and interpret the screen's story through the lens of our own experience, desires, inner conflict, and hopeful resolution. It is in this that we might be able to renegotiate the world around us as we recover from so much change, and in this former familiarity we can sit together and return to a source of cinematic comfort and inspiration.

**MARTIGUES SCI-FI FILM FESTIVAL KEY ART POSTER - ARTIST PROOF**
**Original lithographic print from the MSFFF event. Limited edition, event exclusive.**
**Limited posters available now exclusively from the artist. Visit the** shop here.
23x33" (approx) Lithographic Print. AP (Artist Proof) Signed by the Artist
Officially licensed poster from the event features guest of honour Director Joe Dante and other guests at the event including writer Benjamin Legrand, Director Marc Caro and Illustrator Paul Shipper
Ships Worldwide.

Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster 2020 - The SDCC@Home Special

Sit back, and enjoy this rare, almost fireside chat amongst some of the finest illustrators in the film poster field from the last 50 years!

San diego comic-con@home - Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster - The Sequel

Last year ASIFA HOLLYWOOD and PAUL SHIPPER STUDIO teamed up in association with BLICKS ART to organise the MASTERS OF THE ILLUSTRATED FILM POSTER panel at San Diego Comic-Con’s 50th event. The panel featured talented artists who have been in the industry for over 50 years sharing their experiences in art and entertainment advertising. San Diego Comic-Con 2020 (SDCC) is back from July 22nd-26th, and so is the panel on Sunday July 26th at 3:00pm (PST)!

You can join the Comic-Con@Home events and attend over 300 panels without the lengthy waits in line, but sat down in the comfort of your own home. Comic-Con@Home will be streaming panels via YouTube and a selection of panels will be hosted by IGN in connection with the SDCC event (see below for further details).

MASTERS OF THE ILLUSTRATED FILM POSTER - THE SEQUEL. This year’s panel has a few suprises! The 9 panelists discuss their humble beginnings and their experiences in the art and entertainment industry from the past to present day. The history of the illustrated movie poster can be tied into the history of art itself, the panelists have expressed that they have 'learned from the masters' and that 'we all stand on the shoulders of giants.' This year we welcome artist Paul Shipper (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) as host to the ASIFA Hollywood panel featuring artists Steve Chorney (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Who Framed Roger Rabbit), James Goodridge (Deadpool, Alita Battle Angel), Greg Hildebrandt (Star Wars), Rory Kurtz (The Graduate, Baby Driver), Robert Rodriguez (The Jewel of the Nile, City Slickers II), Akiko Stehrenberger (Girl on Fire, The Last Black Man in San Francisco), William Stout (Wizards, Life of Brian) and Drew Struzan (Hook, Back to the Future).

Watch out for more across all social media channels and share in the excitement with the event hashtags! #MOTIFPanel #SDCCAtHome #SDCC2020 #ComicConAtHome

The Panel event takes place Sunday July 26th, 3:00 PM (PST); 11:00 PM (BST)

You will be able to watch via San Diego Comic-Con@Home’s streaming of the panel on YouTube Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster - The Art of Film and TV Posters at: https://comiccon2020.sched.com/event/d5zj

You can also view it as part of IGN’s selected best of lineup including live stream show Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster - The Art of Film and TV Posters at: https://www.ign.com/articles/san-diego-comic-con-at-home-ign-how-to-watch-full-schedule-sdcc

Interview with prestigious Illustration Magazine

In case you missed it, I was recently interviewed in Issue 66 of Illustration Magazine. The magazine is well known amongst illustration lovers and collectors. Predominantly showcasing the illustration work of the Golden Age, highlighting the incredible artists and their craft from this period who are sadly no longer with us. Publisher Dan Zimmer is helping keeping the art alive and well.

I am incredibly honoured to be the first living illustrator to grace the magazine with an interview and showcase of some of my own work across 20 pages. Author Stephen Jared talks to me about growing up and the early part of my life; through school, college and university to working professionally today.

I encourage you to get a copy or if you are a fan of illustration, go ahead and get yourself a subscription - published quarterly, it is an absolute must! A wonderful archival magazine that will be cherished in anyone’s collection.

Here is a little snippet from the interview:

Many thanks to Stephen Jared and Dan Zimmer for making this happen.

You can get a hard copy or digital download of the magazine here: Illustration Magazine #66

When your childhood influences can shape your future career

It’s a time-old tale - what if you were to time travel back in time to tell a 13-year-old you the things you are getting to work on today… oh boy!

Scrapbook 1984/85

Sketches and Paintings - Early 1990's

Star Wars Painting 1997

John Williams Tribute painting 1998

Raiders of the Lost Ark 20th Anniversary 2001

Some advice I would likely give to myself would be to never be ashamed of the things you love and enjoy while growing up. Let the TV shows, the movies, the books, comics, toys and games wash over you and become engrained in your existence, it usually is coming from the right place, deep in your heart and soul. There were times growing up where I can remember being made to feel that I shouldn’t be into certain things any more - ‘grow up!’ they would say. There is peer pressure that can stop you from being into something you enjoy too. One thing I have found is that the things we are into as children can shape your future if you don’t give up on them. The stuff you loved growing up, you can continue to enjoy as you go throughout your life. In essence, the memories you have, however rose-tinted they may be, can define your future. No one can know where your path through life will lead to or end up - but we can steer towards our own interests to shape our own futures in the hopes that our choices can help make the world an even better place.

At this stage of my life and career, I feel very humbled and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Growing up dreaming about working on official work for something like Star Wars, to actually being hired to create art for the franchise! 🤯 I still find myself in awe of the enormity of this even happening in reality … Is it fate at hand, coincidence, has prayer got something to do with it or is it merely willing things to become a reality? It is hard to put one’s finger on it. It could be all of the above. All I can really suggest is that it has been a dream of mine to do this kind of work. Without knowing how to even make it become a reality, keeping the faith has been my mantra. Never giving up despite any naysayers. Believing there is even the slightest possibility.

“If you build it, they will come.”

Be passionate, be consistent. Work hard. Never give up.

Empire Magazine cover art celebrates movies

Welcoming in the New Year is the release of the latest EMPIRE Magazine featuring 6 exclusive covers illustrated by Paul Shipper. Their March 2020 issue, released on January 23rd, celebrates the ‘100 Greatest Movies Of The Century’ covering the last 20 years of movie releases. The covers feature Gandalf, Wonder Woman, Donnie Darko, Mad Max, Marvel’s Avenger Iron Man, and the Star Wars Saga’s Rey and Kylo Ren. Find out more about the latest release of EMPIRE Magazine here.

“Extremely proud to kick off the new year with these illustrated covers for EMPIRE Magazine - the first time illustrated cover art has been used on the newsstand copies of the greatest film mag ever!” - Paul Shipper

Happy New Year from all of the team at Paul Shipper Studio! Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2020!

Movies & Memories: Bela Lugosi & the Art of Halloween

Paul Shipper, 2016 sketch of Bela Lugosi from Mark of the Vampire (1935) - closeup image. — Paul Shipper, 2016 sketch of Bela Lugosi from *Mark of the Vampire* (1935) - closeup image.

A favourite time of year, Halloween movie nights became themed with autumn favourites and the local TV channel’s choice picks. Popcorn always flowed and the nightlight would glow the brightest on those Halloween evenings. Trick-or-treating was not always a prominent feature of Halloween for me until I was 11. When I did go out trick-or-treating for the first time I was astounded at how much candy you could collect. My small pumpkin pail overflowed with shiny wrappers and candy bars of all sizes. From that Halloween forward, a pillow case was my prime accessory for collecting my spoils.

Paul Shipper, 2016 sketch of Bela Lugosi from Mark of the Vampire (1935) - full image. — Paul Shipper, 2016 sketch of Bela Lugosi from *Mark of the Vampire* (1935) - full image.

Homespun and likened to the classic Universal Monsters, vampires, werewolves, witches and ghosts were always common costume choices by fellow trick-or-treaters. The iconic vampire with the widow’s peak hairline and formal count attire proved most popular. Count Dracula’s accent was mimicked from the authentic Hungarian accent of the man who portrayed the vampire himself, but I did not then realise who he was. My mom had two large paper figures of Frankenstein and Dracula that she would hang up every year. I remember looking intently over the turqoise face of Frankenstein, his bolts and stapled joints, and then examining the figure of Dracula who had a presence, a certain enchantment to him. Bela Lugosi was the man behind this iconic image of Dracula that endured, someone I did not get to know better until I was in my mid to late 20s. My proper introduction to Bela Lugosi’s Dracula occurred at a local jumble sale, a flea market of sorts. There, in a box of lonely VHS cassette tapes, was Universal’s Dracula with Bela Lugosi adorning the cover. This was him, the Dracula who shaped the costumes and imaginations of so many. All I knew was that I had to watch it in its completion. Luckily, my family still had a VHS player and as I hurriedly purchased the movie, I looked forward to sitting down to view it with my full attention. The journey of Renfield and the carriage ride to Castle Dracula instantly transfixed me; I was glued to the scenes that must have inspired Joel Schumacher’s motion picture version of The Phantom of the Opera. When Count Dracula appeared, his emotion and acting was transferred through his eyes and in the silences of the shots. And, that was it, Bela Lugosi had entered my life and would remain. An actor who appeared on stage in many Shakespearean theatrical performances in Hungary, Bela was a veteran to the war and also worked in Europe during the silent film era. Bela made his acting transition from silent film, to the stage performing Dracula across the US. He almost missed out on the role of Dracula, however it was one that haunted him and he most surely had to play. Silent no more, motion pictures and sound were able to combine Bela Lugosi’s intense expressions and his pronounced accent. The magic of Bela’s acting is directly transferred to its audience, not excluding the bewitching inspiration viewed in the art of movie poster illustrators. Often, the accompanied illustrated movie posters to Lugosi films captures his magic, a unique and mysterious appeal where his expressions, he alone could claim, would draw its viewers into the seats of cinemas.

The classic 1930s and 1940s movie posters were an era with a true painted style, something that has sadly dwindled through recent decades. The marriage of actor and artist is completed in the presentation of its movie poster. A movie poster campaign is a visual feast or teaser of a feeling associated with the film that is meant to intrigue you or pull you in by the theme of its feature. The mass anonymity of the artists who painted many classic movie posters defeats our ability to celebrate the work of a particular artist, however their art remains in the careful collections of many in both memory and in print.

The most expensive movie poster ever sold, as reported by Digital Spy, is the one sheet for Dracula featuring the image of Bela Lugosi, the yellow and orange warm hot tones stand out against the icy cold and dark blue background. It is the eyes that emit something more, that unique expression belonging to Lugosi himself and represented well by movie poster artists.

Movie poster artists such as William Stout (White Zombie - MONDO screenprint), Drew Struzan (Dracula - sketch) and Paul Shipper (Mark of the Vampire - sketch) continue to be inspired by Lugosi films proving that once introduced, his character continues to haunt you. This is seen clearly in their illustrative work which emits the undead Lugosi aura present in their art.

Modern artistic influences of Bela Lugosi: original movie poster of Dracula (1931), the most expensive movie poster ever sold; Drew Struzan’s 2012 sketch of Dracula and his brides; Lugosi stands as William Stouts central figure for White Zombie (1932) in his 2015 screenprint with MONDO.

Art of The Neverending Story

Warner Bros. 1984 original one sheet movie poster. Illustrated by Richard Hescox.

Every time it comes for me to sit down and reflect on movies and movie poster art I hesitate before glancing overwhelmingly within my mind over so many movies and memories. But, I quickly think of movie poster art and find my hasty browse slow to a reflective gradual halt. In this instance, my focus soon stopped and reflected on the image of Falkor, a mythical Luck Dragon from The Neverending Story.

Based on the novel by Michael Ende, The Neverending Story (1984) promised a tale of fantasy. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the German production was mainly filmed in Munich, and, at the time, was the most expensive film outside of US production. The cast included Noah Hathaway (Atreyu), Barret Oliver (Bastian), Tami Stronach (Empress), Patricia Hayes (Urgl), Sydney Bromley (Engywook), Gerald McRaney (Mr. Bux), Moses Gunn (Cairon), Alan Oppenheimer (Falkor), Deep Roy and many others.

Artist and illustrator Richard Hescox created The Neverending Story’s illustrated one sheet movie poster that would grace the cinemas and frame many childhoods. The flying Falkor and Atreyu are painting soaring amongst the clouds with fellow cast members lining the bottom suggesting an epic and fantasy driven adventure. A traditional artist, Richard Hescox has worked on other entertainment campaigns such as E.T., The Dark Crystal and illustrations for a series of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. He continues to make original art pieces of imaginative themes and landscapes of fantasy.

In an October 13, 2013 interview with TheOriginalVanGoghsEarAnthology, Richard Hescox spoke about his art, inspiration and philosophies of illustrating where he reflects on the question of art as a powerful force:

“I like to think of art (all branches: literature, poetry, song, drama, music, sculpture, painting, etc…) as Hyper communication. Talking is basic communication. But make those words a poem and the concept embeds itself far more effectively in the listener. Graphic arts do the same. A talented artist can communicate a concept more subtly, and at the same time more powerfully to the viewer. The mark of good art is the amount and quality of communication that it effects (a test that too much modern art fails at).” -Richard Hescox (Interview 2013, TheOriginalVanGoghsEarAnthology)

Though the author of the original novel The Neverending Story felt that the movie did not reflect his book in its entirety, it has, nonetheless, made an impact over the many decades since its release 35 years ago. In 1990 my 2nd grade teacher scheduled a movie day at school where we could bring a sleeping bag and watch a movie, and on this occasion it was The Neverending Story. This one moment was instantly enmeshed with the events around me that year, friends, moving, changing schools twice and the magic of Falkor. The art of film and movie posters are powerful forces. The importance of the illustrated movie poster is the imaginative power of the artist and relaying this to a receptive audience, a freedom to create an image of fantasy and showcase the film in one image. However, it is the impact of their art that can remain impressionable and is often our reference point in memory.

“I feel the most pleasure when I find that a painting I have done, and which I feel a huge aesthetic charge from, has also touched others in unexpected ways. The communication I strive for has to be felt by viewers of my paintings on a deeper than literal level. Therefore I am most excited about creating the next painting that achieves that.” -Richard Hescox (Interview 2013, TheOriginalVanGoghsEarAnthology)

San Diego Comic-Con 2019 Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster - Panel, signings, meet & Greet - Friday July 19th & Saturday July 20th, 2019

San Diego Comic-Con 2019 Panel, Signings, Meet & Greet

2019 is the year to celebrate, not only 50 years of San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), but also the illustration careers of film poster artists that span over the last 5 decades. Do you have your Friday & Saturday passes for this year’s SDCC? If you do, then be sure to check out the Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster Panel which is on Friday July 19th, 1pm-2pm at the main convention centre Room 23ABC. If you couldn’t make it into the convention centre for the panel, you can still attend the Meet & Greet session at the Theatre Box in San Diego Friday July 19th, 4pm-5pm! See artists from the panel on Saturday July 20th, 11am-4pm at the ASIFA-Hollywood booth #1534 for art, autographs and more. If you don’t have a pass or if you couldn’t make it to the event this year keep in touch with our blog and across all social media platforms #MOTIFP #SDCC50 #SDCC2019. Find further details about SDCC 2019 and Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster below!

Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster Panel

Friday July 19th, 2019 1pm-2pm Room: 23ABC

San Diego Convention Center

with…

Steve Chorney
Jason Edmiston
James Goodridge
Rory Kurtz
Robert Rodriguez
Paul Shipper
Akiko Stehrenberger
William Stout

Join us and discover the discussion behind the film poster with artists who work in the entertainment industry. Every attendee gets an exclusive comic-con collectible program

Meet & Greet… At the Theatre Box San Diego, TCL Chinese Theatres

Friday July 19th, 2019 4pm-5pm

Theatre Box, 701 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Meet the panel artists at this exclusive venue. Bring your program along for this spotlighted free signing session and converse with the entertainment industry’s movie poster illustrators.

ASIFA-Hollywood ‘Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster’ Booth Signings

Saturday July 20th, 2019 11am-4pm

ASIFA-Hollywood Booth #1534, San Diego Convention Center

See the Masters and their art at the main convention center at the ASIFA-Hollywood Booth #1534.

11am-12pm Steve Chorney & James Goodridge
12pm-1pm Robert Rodriguez & Paul Shipper
2pm-3pm Steve Chorney & Paul Shipper
3pm-4pm Robert Rodriguez & TBC

Visit Panel artists at their SDCC Convention center booths

Jason Edmiston at Booth #4617
William Stout at Booth #4803

Organised in association with ASIFA-Hollywood

Produced by

David Derks
Paul Shipper
Kelee Siat

Movies & Memories: Going behind the scenes with the ‘art’ of illustration blog

The former Paul Shipper Art blog has returned! As a features blog, it will take a behind the scenes look at the entertainment industry through the art of illustration. We aim to bring you a unique perspective from the art world, and to keep you informed about entertainment news, appearances and events surrounding the artists of film poster illustration and their work. Leading on from this mission, my first task as the features writer is to introduce you to the face behind the words, and it is here that I will attempt it through my experiences of the entertainment industry and a couple of movies that stood out in my childhood highlighting the work of Bob Peak (Excalibur) and Carl Ramsey (Poltergeist).

Excalibur (1981) Illustration by Bob Peak

Growing up in the US in the 80s and 90s, I was inspired by the characters from adventurous plots and mysterious storylines swathed in the enchanting sets of cinema. These films, though not always historically accurate, were full of mystery, adventure, the supernatural and a dash of horror. They made an indelible mark on my inquisitive mind and led me on a sure path to examine ancient mythology. The allure that cinema had encouraged me to examine history on a much deeper level and forgave the historical tangles and (mis)representations that it portrayed. Movies for me, as a child, went hand in hand with their visual and iconic artwork that appeared on their VHS cassette boxes and posters in the local video stores. I rarely went to the cinema growing up, so I understood the long duration of wait time between the big screen release in the cinemas to its arrival at the local video rental store. A high box office earner at a video store would claim an entire wall display and I can recall on many visits there would be ‘no rental copy available’ disappointment. In the event of this, I would examine the shelf video box scanning over its front cover art and (re)reading the movie synopsis on its reverse. Sometimes a video store clerk would just happen to return a top title back on the shelf and I would be there at the right time!

My family are comic-book fans which encouraged my imagination to paint a world around me where anything was possible. I was often outside playing superheroes and ‘fake fighting’ either as Storm, Kitty Pryde or as my own created comic-book character Deadly Princess Kelee to defeat those invisible bad guys. Whether I was performing family comedy skits, or digging for creepy crawlies and catching lightening bugs, it was rare that a weekend would go past that I wasn’t sitting in front of the television enjoying a daytime episode of Star Trek, I Love Lucy, The Munsters or one of the many classic television reruns.

Some of my fondest memories were of my mom rushing to make a massive bowl of popcorn before Doctor Who began, an entertainment family tradition. Like many, the tradition of television and movies wove itself into my family’s everyday life. Two movies stand out instantly in my recollection when I think of family tradition and the 1980s, Excalibur and Poltergeist.

“Behold Excalibur! The sword of power! Forged when birds and beasts and flower were One with Man, and death was but a dream!” - Merlin (Excalibur, 1981)

The 1981 film Excalibur was a tale of King Arthur that combined an element of grit with enchantment, exemplifying how betrayal and drama surrounds any tale of epic proportions. My first striking memory of this movie was Bob Peak’s movie art on our VHS box. It was in the late 80s/early 90s when I remember looking at the fairytale-like enchantment of the light and colours. The arm of the Lady of the Lake and the glinting light reflecting off of the sword in Bob Peak’s art is just as enchanting as the scene in movie. Comparatively, the film was a less misty-eyed version of King Arthur to what you might have read or watched as a child. O Fortuna, the theme of King Arthur’s ride will always be synonymous with this moment. I remember watching Nicol Williamson’s performance as Merlin, each word would rise and fall in every scene, you could not help but share in the sense of being scolded alongside the characters that he spoke to. Helen Mirren was that day forward known as Morgana in my mind and Nicol Williamson as Merlin. This movie swirled a fantastical vision of mythology with a realistic tone. The film made the mystical seem less dreamlike and more a possibility by exhibiting the natural human flaws in personal choice and consequences.

From historical mythology to modern phenomena, the 1982 movie Poltergeist depicted paranormal experiences coming to life where a family draws on their own bond and strength to overcome the unusual events that befall around them. There was a slight documentary feel, not too unlike Close Encounters, which saw the development of paranormal activity through the family’s day to day routine. The name Carol Anne was often uttered in my household followed by warnings of not to go into the light. A snowy television screen often prompted a quote or two from the movie, an iconic image captured by the movie poster by Carl Ramsey. I was both scared and in awe of Poltergeist.

“There is no death. It is only a transition to a different sphere of consciousness.” - Tangina (Poltergeist, 1982)

Poltergeist is a family classic which only added to our shared tales about phenomena and ghost stories. This movie gave me a sense of how a strong bond can guide you through the most complex of situations, it is just a matter of knowing when to stay away from and when to walk towards the light.

Television, movies and its accompanied artwork has made such a strong impression on me as an individual. It is our experiences through the arts that help us identify our interests and even our prospective career path. I welcome you to this new blog series and I look forward to sharing more Movies & Memories with you in the coming weeks.

-Kelee Siat

Official Back to the Future Art Print

I am thrilled to announce this limited edition print of my recent Back to the Future 30th Anniversary artwork created in conjuction with Under The Floorboards, officially licensed and approved by Bob Gale, Michael J. Fox and Universal Pictures.

18x24" Art Print.
Limited edition of 150 signed and numbered. There will also be an artist proof edition of 50 which will be available from the artist at a later date.
Litho Printed on 200gsm stock.
£35 each (shipped) with profits from the sale of these prints being donated to the “Up to 88” TEAM FOX Campaign for Parkinson’s research.

We are also producing 20 metal prints of the artwork which will come in a special edition archival box. Only 10 will be available to purchase (attached photos are not the final product - very close though!)
£100 each plus shipping. (To be announced)

A heads up - the cost of this print is only £35 which INCLUDES Worldwide SHIPPING! All proceeds/profits go to Michael J. Fox's Charity supporting Parkinsons Research... Please lets get this sold out :) Celebrating a great cause, a great movie and hopefully you think it's great movie art :) go to www.underthefloorboards.com and get your copy today and help our future :)

BUY NOW

New York Comic Con 2015

I am flying to New York today. I will be at New York Comic Con on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

You can find me at the Hero Complex Booth #236

I will be there with some amazing art friends signing prints maybe sketching and meeting fans at the following times:

Thursday: 10-1pm

Friday: 1-4pm

Sunday - to be confirmed but I will be around all day :)

if you are going I hope to see you there!!

I will have some new with me along with other prints and hopefully a few surprises.

Cant wait!

///PS

Follow me on http://Instagram.com/paulshipper and http://twitter.com/paulshipper to keep updated on the con and see all the release info as it happens!

Monsters: Dark Continent Official Screen Print Release

Monsters: Dark Continent a new release from Vertigo Films and the sequel to the Gareth Edwards' hit Monsters have partnered with the Poster Posse and Hero Complex Gallery to produce 3 illustrated film poster designs which are now available to purchase as screen prints

My poster is available here at http://hcgart.com

Product details

Inspired by Monsters: Dark Continent
Screen Print
Limited Edition of 240
Approximately 18" x 24"
$35.00

Also be sure to check out and snag prints by my talented compadres Orlando Arocena and Marko Manev here

I will have some AP's coming my way if anyone is wanting a signed print.

Showcase 100

Next week a gallery show will open at the Framers Gallery in London. It's called Showcase 100 and is in collaboration with The Little Chimp Society and Hire an Illustrator.

Today a book has been launched in conjunction with the gallery show which is available from today!

I will be in attendance at the private view next Thursday - hope to see you there!

The Showcase 100 exhibition will be held from 7th – 11th April 2015 at The Framer’s Gallery in central London. This is an excellent art space in the heart of the Fitzrovia area and is easy to get to by train, tube and bus.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/710733742303427/

The final 100 artworks will be on display and available to purchase at the show, as will the accompanying book.

7th-11th April 2015

The Framers Gallery
36 Windmill Street (Artefact Showroom)
London W1T 2JT
T: +44(0)207 580 4878
http://www.theframersgallery.co.uk/

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10.00 – 17.30
Saturday: 11.00 – 17.00

Good Arrow at MCM Comic Con

I had a great time at the MCM Comic Con at the Birmingham NEC today. Among launching the new Rollerball BluRay we had a giveaway with MCM to win 24x36 Giclée prints of the Rollerball art and BluRay's.

happy winners of the print and bluray stopped by to say hello

Stay tuned for info on the posters coming soon next week in conjunction with the official release of the Film from Arrow Video.

It was wonderful to meet Graham Humphreys at the stand today too. He was painting a commission live on the arrow stand and will be back there tomorrow so if you are there be sure to pop by and say hello!

A Quint cosplayer snagged a mini Jaws print.

Great meeting so many of you today who stopped by to say hello! some familiar faces from other conventions and lots of new ones too. Thanks!

Thought Bubble 2014

I am very proud to say I will have a table at Thought Bubble, Leeds this coming weekend! I am really looking forward to meeting some of you face to face.

I will have Prints from the shop (plus some new additions) comic books, screen printed poster...

And... An art book! (if they are printed in time!)

I'll also be doing a set number of 5X5 sketches on Saturday and Sunday. Once they are all sold out, that's it! To avoid disappointment, I have 20 slots open for pre order NOW. these are ONLY for pickup at Thought Bubble either on Saturday or Sunday. First come first served.

Head to the Shop to place an order now

So, if you are a fan of art, illustration, comics and posters you have to be coming along to Leeds this weekend! Some of my favourite artists EVER will be there too including Adam Hughes, Jock, Olly Moss, Laurent Durieux, Jason Edmiston, Tony Harris to name a few... see my highlighted list ;)

I will be in the Thought Bubble Tee Pee on Table 53 (it even rhymes!) next to my poster buddy Matt Ferguson at Table 52...

Hope to see you there!!!

...PS

For more information head to the Thought Bubble website.

Good Milo!

An exciting update to the news that the poster I illustrated for the film 'Bad Milo' was nominated and a finalist at this years Key Art Awards....Well I am proud to tell you that It won a Silver Key Art Award in the Illustration Category/Print technique!

Being a huge fan of film posters and movie advertising I have followed the Key Art Awards for many years - What an amazing feeling to have a poster I worked on make it to the awards and win!

Thank you so much to Gravillis Inc. who I worked with on the poster for entering the poster this year. Thanks also to the Hollywood Reporter and the Key Art Awards! It was an awesome night... Not only did we get an award but illustration Legend and Mentor, Drew Struzan was honoured with a Saul Bass Award for his contribution to the craft... Wish I could have been there!

Key Art Awards / Bad Milo

I heard some exciting news this morning and I wanted to share it with you all. The poster I worked on with Kenny Gravillis for Jacob Vaughan's film Bad Milo has made the final selection at the Key Art Awards in the category of Print Technique for Illustration...

Key Art Awards Finalist

It was really wonderful being able to catch up with Director Jacob Vaughan during a trip to LA last year... a truly awesome guy!

Wonderful meeting #badmilo director @jacobjvaughan for lunch today!

paulshipper's photo on Instagram

The World's End - An Illustrated Film Poster

Okay, being followed on Twitter by a celebrity you admire is one thing... but when they send you a direct message asking if you would be interested in creating a piece of art for them... well, that's... SUPER cool!

Simon Pegg was very generous in publicly liking and tweeting my Star Trek poster art earlier last year to his fans and since then we have kept in touch with each other from time to time, culminating in an unexpected commission from him to create an illustrated poster for his latest film 'The Worlds End'!

Simon wanted me to see the film before I started on the poster design. His assistant invited me to a screening that would be in Wellington a few weeks away... a press screening I presumed...I was planning on going, until I realised the mid term school holidays were to start that weekend -- The film would be out the following week here so decided I would wait a week and spend some quality time with my daughter that weekend.

The day before the screening, Simon Tweeted this:

Rather epic dawn breaking over Sydney as we come into land. One more flight to go. Get ready Welly!
— Simon Pegg (@simonpegg) July 12, 2013

Edgar Wright, Martin Freeman, Simon Pegg, Peter Jackson and Nick Frost #worldendsnz Wellington premiere pic.twitter.com/zKG0miiwct
— 3 News Entertainment (@3Entertainment) July 13, 2013

Bloody Hell! Simon and the Cornetto Crew were on their way to New Zealand! - Turns out it's the NZ Premiere I've been invited to! ....and there was no way I could get down to Wellington in time... Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch (at the time I was drawing him for the Star Trek: Khan comic book covers) were there too as they were filming the Hobbit... oh and look, Edgar Wright and Peter Jackson! (After telling a good mate this story, he called me a fool. Hah, I sure felt like one!)

After getting over the fact that I had been invited to the New Zealand Premiere and NOT gone! I went to see the film the following week and absolutely LOVED it! Now the ideas for the poster began....

Once I had the rough composition sketched out I emailed it to Simon to have a look at...

The World's End - Colour Rough Comprehensive

I got a quick fire reply from Simon by Direct Message on Twitter: (NB. Whenever I receive a message from Simon and I read it, I ALWAYS hear his voice saying it)...

Honestly, I can't ever recall a client messaging me like that before... I totally love this guy!

With no major changes needed except for adding Simon and Nick's names at the top of the poster and adding 'A Film by Edgar Wright' under the main title, Simon was completely happy with how the poster looked and gave the go ahead to work on the final art...

And here it is:

The World's End - Finished Illustrated Poster

Edgar Wright, Director of 'The World's End' was kind enough to write to me recently recalling the moment he received his gift:

Thanks to @SimonPegg for this incredible present. pic.twitter.com/evVMzzjBKP
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) December 26, 2013

“Simon had delivered a suspiciously poster shaped Xmas present to my house. I was already excited, but when I unwrapped it and saw Paul’s amazing poster I literally said ‘That’s fucking awesome’.

If our movie had been made in 1983 instead of 2013, I could imagine the poster looking a lot like this. Like many film fans I miss actual art on film posters and Paul Shipper’s genius work is precisely what’s missing.

I can happily call this my favourite ‘World’s End’ poster.”

— Edgar Wright

A Poster Artist can not ask for higher praise than that! Thanks to you Edgar for taking the time to write to me and to Simon... well, this was all your idea!

An honour and a pleasure creating this illustrated 'World's End' film poster for you... You're a true Gentleman and a Living Legend mate!

Should you so desire, here's a link to download a 2560x1440 version for your desktop wallpaper.

Journey to the West - Illustrated One Sheet

Screen Shot 2013-12-18 at 12.19.15 pm.png

When I first watched the trailer for Stephen Chow's latest film I thought, Woah! it reminds me of a show I grew up with in the UK... 'Monkey Magic'... As I researched a little more, turns out that this film by Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer) is based on the same material! Very Crazy Cool... The film looks as crazy, if not more so than the TV show I was so fond of as a kid...

It is an absolute pleasure to be asked to illustrate a poster to promote this film for Magnolia Pictures and Magnet. This is another film that thematically lends itself to this kind of 'old school' advertising, my favourite kind!

It is so awesome to see a company looking towards illustrated posters to promote their films and feel very fortunate and proud to be a part of it…

The Poster art made its debut on CraveOnline and has had some nice feedback...

Screen Shot 2013-12-18 at 12.16.30 pm.png

“Yes, from the writer/director/star of Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer comes a demon-fighting fantasy with a new poster in the Drew Struzan mold, just to sell you on its epicness.”

— www.craveonline.com

“It’s great to see what I would call a ‘classic’ illustrated movie poster being used as the primary marketing tool, much like artists Drew Struzan and John Alvin used to produce. Paul Shipper has a talent for portraying emotion and character in his pieces, this being no exception, and has captured what I expect to be the fun and humour of a Stephen Chow movie. In tone, it very much reminds me of the poster for Big Trouble in Little China.”

— www.CultCollective.co.uk

About the Film:

Based on one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature of the same name, Stephen Chow's ‘Journey To The West’ is a contemporary remake of the misadventures of a Buddhist monk as he makes a pilgrimage from China to India. - See more at: http://www.magnetreleasing.com/journeytothewest/

The Panel event takes place Sunday July 26th, 3:00 PM (PST); 11:00 PM (BST)

San Diego Comic-Con 2019 Panel, Signings, Meet & Greet

Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster Panel

Friday July 19th, 2019 1pm-2pm Room: 23ABC

with…

Steve Chorney

Jason Edmiston

James Goodridge

Rory Kurtz

Robert Rodriguez

Paul Shipper

Akiko Stehrenberger

William Stout

Join us and discover the discussion behind the film poster with artists who work in the entertainment industry. Every attendee gets an exclusive comic-con collectible program

Meet & Greet… At the Theatre Box San Diego, TCL Chinese Theatres

Friday July 19th, 2019 4pm-5pm

Meet the panel artists at this exclusive venue. Bring your program along for this spotlighted free signing session and converse with the entertainment industry’s movie poster illustrators.

ASIFA-Hollywood ‘Masters of the Illustrated Film Poster’ Booth Signings

Saturday July 20th, 2019 11am-4pm

11am-12pm Steve Chorney & James Goodridge

12pm-1pm Robert Rodriguez & Paul Shipper

2pm-3pm Steve Chorney & Paul Shipper

3pm-4pm Robert Rodriguez & TBC

Visit Panel artists at their SDCC Convention center booths

Jason Edmiston at Booth #4617

William Stout at Booth #4803

Organised in association with ASIFA-Hollywood

7th-11th April 2015