SES was started early in 1993. The intention was to provide hard-to-find information and materials to amateur and professional special effects people. Since that time We have expanded service to include Haunted House Operators, Artists, Film Makers, Educators, Cosplayers, and other creative individuals.
Special Effects is a very small company. I do mean really small. I make all high level decisions and scrub the toilets, this is a reflection of the wonderful range of talent which I have.
When Covid hit I had to close my showroom (see the strike-out below). I am working out of my basement. Live performances are beginning to return, so hopefully we can get into a building again. I also take care of my dear mother who is very frail. I have to be home all the time, so not having a store front actually helps.
The studio is located in a bedroom community just North of Salt Lake, But SES is not located in a bedroom. We actually rent a real office/studio in a regular business district. We would like to think that North Salt Lake, Utah is the Mecca for all Special Effects Artists, but it is not. North Salt Lake is the Mecca for kids and mini-vans. SES does nothing for mini-vans.
Often we are asked if someone can come work for us for free in exchange for experience. We say no 99% of the time. (Please see my comments in the Careers Section). We do have an apprentice from time to time, but we always choose an apprentice because of special circumstances. If you want experience the best thing to do is to buy books, take classes and experiment on your own.