This is a handwritten letter from legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, dated January 13, 1968, written during the critical final stages of post-production on his cinematic masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey. The letter is addressed to Andrew Birkin, Kubrick's assistant and second unit director, and explicitly concerns the vital contribution of Academy Award®-nominated visual effects artist Richard Yuricich.
Penned in Kubrick's distinctive hand on a single sheet of paper with rounded corners (7.5” x 11.5”), the letter is a fascinating glimpse into the high-pressure environment of completing one of the most complex films ever made. Kubrick writes with a tone of urgent collaboration, beseeching Birkin and Yuricich to continue for another week, framing it as a professional necessity under direct request from the heads of MGM Britain and Post Production.
The letter reads, in full:
“Jan 13
We desperately need you and Richard for another week. I have been asked by [indiscernible], the head of MGM Britain, and [indiscernible] Chamberlain, Post Production, superiors of [indiscernible] for you to see them Monday to discuss this. I really think you both should stay because it would be very unprofessional. i hate to even make an issue about this. A great many people are relying on us. Pay was back last week.
All the best,
Stanley”
Historical Context & Significance:
This letter captures a pivotal moment where the practical demands of filmmaking intersect with creative necessity. Kubrick, known for his perfectionism, is here navigating studio hierarchy (citing meetings with MGM superiors) while appealing directly to his team's professionalism. The mention that "Pay was back last week" indicates prior payroll issues were resolved, adding a layer of concrete reassurance to his personal appeal. This document directly correlates to a known letter from Kubrick to Richard Yuricich from the same date (offered elsewhere), making it part of a coordinated effort to retain his crucial effects team.
Provenance & Condition:
The letter is addressed to Andrew Birkin, a key collaborator who would later have a distinguished career as a screenwriter and director. It remains in excellent condition, exhibiting the natural creases and handling consistent with its working studio purpose. Its double-sided content, handwritten entirely by Kubrick, and direct connection to the film's groundbreaking visual effects pipeline make it an exceptional artifact for any serious collection of cinema history, Kubrick memorabilia, or visual effects heritage.