As comic-con continues. One of our good friends John Walsh joined Harryhausen Collections Manager Conner Heaney to help celebrate a century of Harryhausen. The chat discussed future plans as well as the preservation that is happening with regards to the many models that the late Ray Harryhausen made.
Preservation of Film Models
For much of the discussion. Both John Walsh and Connor Heaney refer to some video footage of restoration expert Alan Friswell. Harryhausen worked with Friswell during his later life and revealed many of his techniques to him. During the video. Friswell takes a look at several models, which include the Hydra from Jason and The Argonauts and the Kraken from Clash of the Titans. When talking about the Hydra. Alan was very impressed with how well the model had stood up to the ravages of time.
The Pioneers
As many fans will know. Ray Harryhausen did much during his lifetime to improve upon techniques and technologies used to help enhance the art form. This is an aspect of Rays work that the foundation is looking to continue.
One way in which they are doing this is by trying to make the models more interactive via 3D technology. During the film we see John Walsh visit Manchester University to get 3D scans done of many of the models. The plan is to provide visitors to the various exhibits a means of having a go at Stop Motion Animation via a 3D computer simulation that uses real scans of the different models.
Special Announcement
During his lifetime Ray Harryhausen did much to encourage young filmmakers and help them develop their talents. To celebrate what would have been Rays 101st Birthday. The Foundation is making big moves to continue this aspect of Ray’s legacy by launching a new award. The Ray Harryhausen Film Award will have roughly half a dozen categories and will be looking at innovation, application, and originality in stop motion film and TV. The awards are open to all Stop Motion filmmakers and the first ceremony will be held in June of 2022, which gives applicants plenty of time to get started. You can find out more details on the Harryhausen Foundation website, which we have linked below.
You can watch the entirety of this fantastic comic-con panel in the video, which is embedded below:
- Website: www.rayharryhausen.com
- Youtube: Ray Harryhausen Channel
- Twitter: @Ray_Harryhausen
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