Ray Harry

Ray Harryhausen (born June 29, 1920, Los Angeles, California, USA; died May 7, 2013, London, England, UK) was an American-British animator and visual effects creator, best known for his stop-motion animation technique, often referred to as "Dynamation." This involved combining stop-motion animation with live-action footage to create believable and spectacular fantasy creatures and environments.

Harryhausen's work significantly influenced the science fiction, fantasy, and film industries. He began experimenting with animation as a teenager, inspired by Willis O'Brien's work on the original King Kong (1933). After serving in the U.S. Army Special Services Division during World War II, he worked with O'Brien on Mighty Joe Young (1949), for which they won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

Harryhausen's career took off in the 1950s with a series of low-budget but visually stunning films produced by Charles H. Schneer. These films include It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955), Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956), and 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957). He continued to develop his Dynamation technique, improving the realism and scale of his effects.

His most celebrated works include The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958), Jason and the Argonauts (1963), featuring the iconic skeleton fight sequence, and Clash of the Titans (1981). These films showcase his meticulous craftsmanship, creative creature designs, and ability to transport audiences to fantastical worlds.

Harryhausen officially retired from filmmaking in the early 1980s, but his influence on the visual effects industry remains profound. Many contemporary filmmakers and animators cite him as a key inspiration. He received a Special Achievement Academy Award in 1992 for his contributions to the art of cinematic animation. His work continues to be celebrated and studied for its artistry and innovative techniques.