Steve Neill is a multifaceted artist with a career spanning over 35 years, having worked as a special effects makeup artist, filmmaker, puppeteer, model maker, and visual effects artist in film and television.
After high school, Steve started his industry journey at American Zoetrope, where he produced his first film, Arthur, under the mentorship of Francis Coppola, with whom he became close friends. He then moved to Hollywood and apprenticed under Joe Blasco before befriending Rick Baker, who gave him his start in the city.
Steve's career took off when he met Bob Schieffer, head of Disney makeup, and Fred B. Phillips, with whom he worked on Star Trek: The Motion Picture, designing and making Spock's iconic ears and the appliances for a dome-headed alien. He later collaborated with John Chambers on National Lampoon's Class Reunion, creating prosthetics and puppet heads.
Steve's work on Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country as a sculptor and prosthetic maker of numerous Klingon forehead pieces, as well as his contribution to the Star Trek: The Next Generation pilot episode, "Encounter at Farpoint," further solidified his reputation in the industry.
As one of the Famous Hollywood Gorilla Men, Steve created three gorilla suits and performed in numerous commercials, TV shows, and movies. He also brought the McDonald's "Mac Tonight" moon character to life, puppeteering it for many years alongside Doug Jones, Gillian Neill, and Bob Burns.
Steve's film credits include Crater Lake Monster (1977),Laser Blast (1978),The Day Time Ended (1978),Ghost Busters (1984),and Fright Night (1985),among many other sci-fi and horror films.
Currently, Steve is in production at SNG Studio for "But Something is There," a project produced by Steve Neill, Paul Gentry, Whitley Strieber, and Mary Cacciapaglia. SNG Studio also offers an apprenticeship program, where Steve mentors the next generation of movie-making artists and gives back to the industry he loves.
Steve continues to work in the industry and owns SNG Studio in Ventura, California, just 45 minutes north of Los Angeles.
