Visual effects expert to receive GCU honour

Visual effects wizard Steve Begg is taking a break from working on the latest Liam Neeson movie to pick up an honorary degree from Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).

Steve, who has worked on the Daniel Craig James Bond movies and Batman, will be awarded with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering at a ceremony held at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on Thursday, July 6 – taking time out from Neeson film, The Commuter.

Steve said: “I’m honoured to receive this recognition from a university dedicated to nurturing the next generation of the visual effects industry. It is important that industry professionals such as myself take time from their hectic schedules to speak to students and help get them enthused about their subject area.”

Steve has been in the film industry for nearly 30 years, working on television shows, commercials and major feature films, amassing a list of credits including Aliens, Tomb Raider, Batman Begins, Kingsman and Casino Royale, Skyfall and Spectre.

He began his career experimenting with visual effects in 8mm and 16mm film. One of his early films brought him to the attention of Gerry Anderson, creator of the Thunderbirds series. He was asked by Gerry to concept design and storyboard for the Terrahawks television series and this marked the start of his distinguished career.

Steve has managed to work seamlessly across traditional and digital film effects and was involved with providing iconic models such as James Bond’s Aston Martin DB7 and the Batmobile. He also completed an exact replica of the MI6 headquarters in London for the James Bond film Skyfall, along with supervising the computer-generated image effects on those films.

In 2013, Steve received an Outstanding Achievement BAFTA award in recognition of his contribution to film and television. Last year, he was one of two recipients at the inaugural UK Visual Effects Society Awards. 

Steve has been extremely supportive of GCU’s Digital Design Technologies students, delivering three Masterclasses and providing career advice and help with their personal portfolio development.