I think I can finally post to this thread without losing it.
I worked for quite a number of years under Phil Tippett; a living legend in visual effects, creature animation, and a protege of Ray Harryhausen. Phil was steeped in Ray's approach to creature animation and I like to think that a few drips of the marinade fell on me as well (I can dream can't I?).
Over the years, I've had the pleasure of meeting Ray on several occasions and I hung on every word he said. He was not only a technical innovator he also was an
excellent illustrator. It's incredible that a
single VFX artist could have as much impact as Ray did; they literally wrote his creature ideas into the films. That's a far cry from the current state of affairs in visual effects. For the cause of the summer tent pole VFX has taken a giant step backwards, transforming us from craftsmen into short order cooks. Is
more better, or is
better, better? Just look at Ray's resume and you'll see what one man can do in the film industry.
Dear Ray, the first time we met, you asked me which of your creatures was my favorite. I said I loved all of them. I didn't want to pick the wrong one and upset you. I'm pretty sure you knew I lied ... sorry ...
... Kali.
I have several books about Ray and I highly recommend these:
Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life.
The Art of Ray Harryhausen.
