Sam Nicholson A.S.C. is the founder and CEO of Stargate Studios, which has grown into a leading international virtual production company since its inception in 1989. Prior to this, Sam founded and served as president of Xenon Productions from 1978 to 1988, and Spectrum Productions from 1975 to 1978, both focusing on visual effects in film and commercial projects. Sam holds a Bachelor Degree and Master of Arts in Fine Arts, Design from UCLA, which was completed in 1977.