Colin Chilvers Dies: Oscar-Winning VFX Director Who Helped Christopher Reeve Fly and Michael Jackson Lean Into ‘Smooth Criminal’ Was 79

Story by Greg Evans

Image from Deadline

scrn logline

Pioneering VFX director Colin Chilvers, who helped Christopher Reeve fly and Michael Jackson lean into 'Smooth Criminal', dies at 79.

beat sheet

Chilvers won an Oscar for his groundbreaking visual effects work on the first two Superman films, which allowed Christopher Reeve to soar as the Man of Steel.
Chilvers also choreographed Michael Jackson's iconic 'Smooth Criminal' lean, using a hidden harness system to defy gravity and create one of the most memorable dance moves in music history.

call sheet

Colin Chilvers, Superman, The Who, Superman, Smooth Criminal