Clark James
Special Effects Coordinator
• IATSE Local 44 (28 yrs) - Special Effects Classification
• California Pyrotechnic Operator License (33 yrs) - SFX 1st Class
• Federal Explosives Licenses - Manufacturer of High Explosives
• DOT HazMat Training Re-Certification (2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024)
• Alliance of Special Effects & Pyrotechnic Operators (30 yrs)
• Local 44 Special Effects Training Course (2008-9)
• CSATF Special Effects Qualification Committee (2023-24)
• Cal Fire Special Effects Advisory Committee (2022-2024)
• Los Angeles County Fire Safety Officer Training (1994)
• Safety Advisory for Fire and FX in Entertainment (SAFFE) (9 yrs)
• Entertainment Services Technology Association Committee (4 yrs)
• Motion Picture Academy Science & Technology Committee (2023-24)
• Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (15 Yrs)
• Visual Effects Society (25 yrs)
• Scuba - Open Water (30 yrs)
• Hollywood Magic Castle (42 yrs) - Honorary Lifetime Member
• SAG-AFTRA (32 yrs)
Wind, Snow, Ice, Rain, Water Effects, Steam, Fog, Smoke, Sparks, Pyrotechnics, Explosions, Fire, Breakaways, Cobwebs, Dust, Slimes,
Dynamic Rigging, Flying, Vehicle FX, Bullet FX, Blood Gags, Knives, Mechanical Devices, Radio Control, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Stunt Props, Miniatures, Magic Effects and Illusions, Puppets, ...
Metal Fabrication, Plastic Fabrication, Electro-Mechanical Design, Electronic Circuit Design & Code Writing, CAD, CNC, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting/Etching, Thermoforming, Vacuum Forming, Mold-Making, ...
• Full assortment of gear for fx operations detailed above
• Special effects working trailer: loaded with fx gear & fabrication space
• Versatile 10' enclosed trailer: custom loaded to suit projects
• Electric flatbed utility cart
• Metalworking machines: cutters, formers, mills, lathes, welders, ...
• Gen. fabrication machines: shop saws, grinders, sanders, drills, ...
• High-quality rigging gear: flying systems, capstan winch, ratchet, ...
• Vacuum-forming machines
• CO2 laser cutter/etcher
• 3D additive printers
• Electronics: testers, power supplies, fabrication tools, ...
• Moldmaking: mixers, pressure dispenser, vacuum chamber, ...
• Air quality monitor systems: theatrical fog, particulate, CO2, CO, O2
• Software: Rhino 3D, Sketchup, Proteus, Photoshop, Illustrator,
InDesign, Acrobat, Excel, Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Logic Pro, ...
Clark James has served on many of Hollywood's biggest blockbuster films, television shows and live stage productions over the past 35 years. His special effects background includes miniature effects, pyrotechnics, dynamic rigging, and mechanical design. Key to his success has been his ability to comprehensively organize projects, and safely deliver on time and budget.
In 2013, Clark was elected an executive officer of the Alliance of Special Effects and Pyrotechnic Operators (ASEPO). He was also elected to a seat on the CSATF Special Effects Qualifications Committee, sits on the ESTA Fog & Smoke Working Group developing industry ANSI standards, and was appointed by the California State Fire Marshal to serve on CalFire's Special Effects Advisory Committee (SEAC).