Introduction
Greg Nicotero is a household name in the world of special effects. He is the co-founder of KNB EFX Group, an award-winning special effects company that has worked on some of the most iconic movies and TV shows of all time. Nicotero has been in the industry for over three decades and has become one of the most respected and sought-after special effects artists in the world. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the life and career of Greg Nicotero.
Early Life and Career
Greg Nicotero was born on March 15, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a homemaker. Nicotero grew up watching horror movies and was fascinated by the special effects used in them. He started experimenting with makeup and special effects when he was just a teenager, and by the time he graduated from high school, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in the film industry.
After high school, Nicotero attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied film. He also started working as a production assistant on various films and TV shows. In 1985, he got his big break when he was hired as an assistant to Tom Savini, a legendary special effects artist who had worked on movies like Dawn of the Dead and Friday the 13th. Nicotero learned a lot from Savini and quickly became one of his most trusted assistants.
KNB EFX Group
In 1988, Nicotero, along with Robert Kurtzman and Howard Berger, founded KNB EFX Group. The company quickly became one of the most respected special effects companies in the world, and Nicotero became known for his innovative and realistic effects. KNB has worked on some of the most iconic movies and TV shows of all time, including The Walking Dead, Kill Bill, and Pulp Fiction.
Nicotero has won numerous awards for his work, including an Emmy for his work on The Walking Dead. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and has been a judge for the Academy Awards.
Personal Life
Greg Nicotero is married to Shari Nicotero, who is also a special effects artist. The couple has two children together. Nicotero is also known for his love of horror movies and has a vast collection of horror memorabilia.
Despite his success, Nicotero remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He is known for his willingness to mentor young artists and is passionate about passing on his knowledge to the next generation of special effects artists.
Conclusion
Greg Nicotero is a true master of his craft. His innovative and realistic effects have made him one of the most respected special effects artists in the world. His work has been seen by millions of people, and he has inspired countless young artists to pursue careers in the film industry. Nicotero’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence future generations of special effects artists.
FAQ
Who is Greg Nicotero?
Greg Nicotero is a special effects makeup artist and director, best known for his work on popular TV shows and movies such as The Walking Dead, Kill Bill, and Pulp Fiction.
What is KNB?
KNB is a special effects company founded by Greg Nicotero, Howard Berger, and Robert Kurtzman. The company has worked on numerous projects, including The Walking Dead, Kill Bill, and The Chronicles of Narnia.
What kind of special effects work does Greg Nicotero do?
Greg Nicotero specializes in practical effects, which involve creating physical props, prosthetics, and makeup to bring characters and creatures to life on screen. He is known for his attention to detail and ability to create realistic and gruesome effects.
What are some of Greg Nicotero’s most famous projects?
Some of Greg Nicotero’s most famous projects include The Walking Dead, Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, and Day of the Dead. He has also worked on other popular TV shows and movies such as Breaking Bad, Sin City, and Django Unchained.
What is Greg Nicotero’s role on The Walking Dead?
Greg Nicotero serves as an executive producer, director, and special effects makeup artist on The Walking Dead. He has been with the show since its inception and is responsible for creating many of the iconic zombies and gore effects that the show is known for.
