As a kid, Alec Gillis’ father told stories of makeup great Dick Smith, and Effects wizard Gene Warren, Sr. Having sold Dick Smith an insurance policy in the 50’s, and having an aunt that dated the elder Mr.Warren made his father somewhat of an expert in Special Effects, at least in young Alec’s eyes. With a burning curiosity about the tricks of filmmaking, Alec decided, at age thirteen, to pursue a career in Creature Effects.