Philip Gips, Designer of Iconic Alien Poster, Dies Aged 88

Started by Corporal Hicks, Oct 05, 2019, 07:26:00 PM

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Philip Gips, Designer of Iconic Alien Poster, Dies Aged 88 (Read 7,834 times)

Corporal Hicks

Alien’s cracked egg poster is not just one of the best pieces of imagery associated with Alien, but it’s also one of the most iconic pieces of advertising material for film. Philip Gips was one of the men involved in realising the marketing material for Alien (among many other films such as Rosemary’s Baby and Superman), and we’re sorry to report he passed away earlier this week.

Deadline is reporting that Philip Gips passed away on Thursday the third of October at the age of 88. No cause of death was mentioned.

Philip Gips, a graphic designer, advertising executive and creator of posters for hit films including Alien, Rosemary's Baby and more, died Thursday in White Plains, NY. He was 88 and his death was announced by the Endeavor agency.

Philip Gips is survived by his wife, Barbara Joan, and children Steven, Dana, Michael, David, and James Gips. Philip’s wife, Barbara is actually responsible for Alien’s infamous tagline – “In space no one can hear you scream.”

The thoughts of the Aliens vs. Predator Galaxy staff and community go out to Philip Gip's family and friends. Rest in peace, Philip.

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Immortan Jonesy

I read this last night. RIP Mr. Philip and thank you.

Mr. Clemens

The only thing I don't like about all the various disc releases of Alien is that this poster isn't on the front of them. Stylish, legendary, and iconic. Clear skies, Mr. Gips!

TYRANTKINGALIEN

I remember when I first seen this poster it was on the alien legacy dvd set.
At the time unable to read, I was so curious what the movie could be about just based on this.
RIP

Elmazalman

Quote from: Mr. Clemens on Oct 05, 2019, 08:43:20 PM
The only thing I don't like about all the various disc releases of Alien is that this poster isn't on the front of them. Stylish, legendary, and iconic. Clear skies, Mr. Gips!
The 20th anniversary DVD (R1) used the original poster art. Compare that to the recent 4K cover art.

Kimo

I've always wondered did Philip Gips first get to see what the xenomorphs eggs actually looked like when he made that poster? or did he just knock that picture up from his mindseye after getting a description of what they wanted for promotional material for the Alien cover? because the egg looks soo different from what we see in the movie.

What ever the answer is that picture is a part of movie history. I've spent many hours staring at that awsome picture when I was a kid. One day I'm gunna buy it in poster size and get it Framed.

Mr. Clemens

Quote from: Elmazalman on Oct 05, 2019, 09:17:11 PM
Quote from: Mr. Clemens on Oct 05, 2019, 08:43:20 PM
The only thing I don't like about all the various disc releases of Alien is that this poster isn't on the front of them. Stylish, legendary, and iconic. Clear skies, Mr. Gips!
The 20th anniversary DVD (R1) used the original poster art. Compare that to the recent 4K cover art.

Oh I know, but they left out the white border and credits, which I consider to be just as important!  ;D

Lucifer

R.I.P.

AVP-CAPCOM

Quote from: Kimo on Oct 05, 2019, 09:43:07 PM
I've always wondered did Philip Gips first get to see what the xenomorphs eggs actually looked like when he made that poster? or did he just knock that picture up from his mindseye after getting a description of what they wanted for promotional material for the Alien cover? because the egg looks soo different from what we see in the movie.

Even as a kid I too pondered this question.

Genuine question is there a background to why the egg was designed and what its made of? An ostrich's egg, painted with resin to resemble a moon surface with glow-stick fluid seeping out? 

Yes prior to internet connections, poster designers and even later on videogame designers had to go by faxed concept art and written descriptions. H R Giger used boxed chicken eggs as a jumping off point in his concept art (left panel below).


So maybe Egg conjured up "shell" rather than "organic slimey matter".

I have to say ALIEN 3 did a good job with hype re-using Philip Gips concept. And well done for his wife Barbara's "In Space No-one Can hear You Scream".


Corporal Hicks

From what I remember they'd be unable to replicate Giger's egg at the advertising studio (no idea why they wouldn't send one over).

Voodoo Magic

Aw man the cracked egg is so iconic.

R.I.P. Philip Gips

Huggs

May the Lord bless and comfort his family and friends during this time of loss.

R.I.P.

The Old One

The Old One

#12
Rest in Peace, iconic work, enticed me, even as a child.

AVP-CAPCOM

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Oct 06, 2019, 03:56:22 PM
From what I remember they'd be unable to replicate Giger's egg at the advertising studio (no idea why they wouldn't send one over).

Well like all modern things we take for granted now, they probably didn't have international couriers falling over themselves with cheap delivery rates and I doubt Royal Mail would've accommodated either.

Philip Gips advertising firm Frankfurt Gips Balkind Manhattan USA, while ALIEN was being shot in Pinewood Studios England UK.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/11145730/Alien-Ridley-Scott-poster.html

From the same article another unused different movie poster for ALIEN.


The Old One

The Old One

#14
I miss poster artists, not blue and orange Photoshop committee garbage.

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