Lipsett worked at the National Film Board of Canada in the late 60's. He would collect pieces of sound and fit them together to create an interesting auditory sensation. After playing one of these creations to friends, they suggested that Lipsett put images to it. Tthe result became the 7 minute long film Very Nice, Very Nice which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Short Subject, Live Action Subjects in 1962. Despite not winning the Oscar, this film brought Lipsett considerable praise from critics and directors. Stanley Kubrick was one of Lipsett's fans, and asked him to create a trailer for his upcoming movie Dr. Strangelove. Lipsett declined Kubrick's offer. Kubrick went on to direct the trailer himself; however, Lipsett's influence on Kubrick is clearly visible when watching the trailer.
Lipsett's film 21-87 was a profound influence on director George Lucas who included elements from it in THX 1138, (The role of religion in a technological society, the robot arms, THX discovers that LUH was killed on the date 21/87), American Graffiti and of course Star Wars. 21-87 has been credited by Lucas as the source of the "The Force" in Star Wars (Lipsett's "They become aware of a force behind this apparent mask in front of us. They call it God." Also, the holding cell of Princess Leia on the Death Star is cell No. 2187.