Ray Harryhausen is a special effects pioneer and began his career in the 1940’s.   His stop motion animation technique known as “dynamation” influenced generations of visual effects artists and filmmakers around the world. 

In 1949, his work on Mighty Joe Young and his mentor Willis O’Brian captivated audiences and inspired future filmmakers.  In the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, Ray continued to produce films featuring his legendary stop motion work.  His notable films include 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts, One Million Years BC, and Clash of the Titans. 

In November 2016 the British Film Institute compiled a list of those present-day filmmakers who claim to have been inspired by Harryhausen - They include Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Joe Dante, Tim Burton, James Cameron, and Guillermo del Toro.