Byron Haskin

Byron Conrad Haskin (April 22, 1899 – April 16, 1984) was an exquisite American film and television director, special effects creator, and cinematographer. He was celebrated primarily for his commendable direction in 'The War of the Worlds' (1953), where he partnered with producer George Pal. Haskin hailed from Portland, Oregon, educated in San Francisco, and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force during World War I. He had outstanding career accomplishments, including four Oscar nominations for his effects work at Warner Bros. studio. His breakthrough happened in 1922 as a cinematographer for Hurricane's Gal and later led the studio's special effects department from 1937 - 1945. Among his other notable works include 'Treasure Island' (1950), 'The Naked Jungle' (1954), 'Conquest of Space' (1955), and 'The Power' (1968). Even after moving into television, Haskin's creative genius followed him where he managed to direct six episodes of 'The Outer Limits' and co-produced the original Star Trek pilot episode, 'The Cage' (1965). **