Jim Dobson

Early Career

Former Marine Jim Dobson joined MGM’s scenic studio during its later years after being hired by George Gibson. He developed his painting skills by studying and replicating Duncan Spencer‘s backdrops from MGM’s inventory. As a result, Dobson built a strong foundation in the techniques of Hollywood scenic art.

Film and Scenic Art

Dobson worked for several studios, painting backgrounds for The Birds (1963) with Coast Backings in the Columbia scenic art facility. Later, he led the painting of Hello Dolly (1969) at 20th Century Fox. He also worked alongside the Coakleys and J.C. Backings for many years.

Later Career

Warner Bros. scenic art supervisor Ron Strang later selected Dobson to lead the painting of the giant translucent New York skyline used in the climax of Ghostbusters (1984). In 1987, he directed teams repainting Fantasyland at Disneyland in California for Bill Anderson’s company, Mural Makers.

One of Dobson’s final projects was painting the Grand Canyon Diorama for Disneyland Paris with Don MacDonald at J.C. Backings. His work spanned major Hollywood studios as well as large-scale themed entertainment projects, including Disneyland in California and Disneyland Paris.

Martinez, Edward (scenic artist). 2015. Interview with Karen Maness for the Art Directors Guild Oral History Project, June., Isackes, Richard M., Maness, Karen L. 2016. The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop, ReganArts., Maness, Karen L. 2023. Hollywood Backdrop Collection for Texas Performing Arts.