The Ray Harryhausen Podcast

Listen to an in-depth interview with director and producer Arnold Leibovit about his fantastic restorations of The Puppetoons! 'The Puppetoons' series of short films were a very important part of Ray Harryhausen's early career, being his first paid work as an animator in the 1940s. Created by legendary director George Pal, the films used replacement animation, whereby a series of individual models were created to portray different movements or facial expressions, frame by frame. Trustee John Walsh and Collections Manager Connor Heaney speak with Arnie about his friendships with George Pal and Ray Harryhausen, and his decades of work with The Puppetoon films. Wonderful news for fans of Ray Harryhausen and stop-motion animation, as 'The Puppetoon Movie Volume 3' is now available to purchase. The release showcases high quality, restored versions of these wonderful films, many of which not been available to view in decades. Amongst other short films on this new release, Volume 3 contains 'Western Daze'- the first Puppetoon film that Ray Harryhausen worked upon. Find out more about The Puppetoon Movie Volumes 1, 2 & 3, and purchase through the link below: https://www.puppetoon.net

Celebrate 90 years of King Kong in Episode 47 of The Ray Harryhausen Podcast! To mark this landmark movie, we look back at the ‘King Kong at Ninety: Visualization in the Art of Stop-Motion Animation’ exhibition which ran at Eastern Michigan University earlier this year. Foundation trustee John Walsh and collections manager Connor Heaney speak about King Kong, Willis O'Brien, and their influence on Ray Harryhausen. In an interview from the 'King Kong at 90' exhibit, Connor is joined by Gregory Kulon (independent scholar, and researcher of the history of Stop-motion animation), Professor Tom Suchan (Art History, The University of East Michigan) and Ben Harry (curator of Audiovisual Materials and Media Arts History of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections of Brigham Young University) for a discussion on the legacy of King Kong, the story of Willis O'Brien and the incredible artwork which had been created for this film and other stop-motion projects. Celebrate one of the most important pieces of cinema of all time with our 90th anniversary celebration of King Kong!

Episode 46 of the Ray Harryhausen Podcast sees an exclusive interview with Nigel Glockler, drummer of legendary heavy metal band Saxon! Nigel chats with Foundation Collections Manager Connor Heaney about his love of Ray Harryhausen films, and of his dinosaur pictures in particular. Occasionally nicknamed 'The T-Rex', Nigel describes the impact that films such as 'The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms' and 'Jason and the Argonauts' had upon him growing up. Find out more about Saxon on their official website and social media channels- new album coming on January 19th 2024! https://www.saxon747.com Many thanks to Nigel for taking the time to chat about his Harryhausen memories!

'A life changing award’ - Guillermo Del Toro A special bonus episode of the Ray Harryhausen Podcast, where we speak to some of the previous winners of our Ray Harryhausen Awards. Listen to Guillermo Del Toro, Phil Tippett and Mark Gustafson speak about how much their Harryhausen Award wins have meant to them. We speak with 'Best Student Film Animation' winner Kheyal Roy-Meighoo and 'Best Children's Film Animation' winner Kristian Harding on how the Harryhausen Awards are helping to maintain Ray's legacy for a new generation of filmmakers. The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation are delighted to open submissions for 2024 Harryhausen Awards, established in honour of the legendary master of stop-motion animation. We are now accepting submissions for animated films of all types within the following categories before the deadline of May 31st 2024. Best Feature Film Animation Best Short Film Animation Best Student Film Animation Best Children’s Film Animation Harryhausen Hall of Fame Award https://www.harryhausenawards.com https://www.filmfreeway.com/harryhausenawards info@harryhausenawards.com We look forward to seeing your films- please get in touch with any queries about The Ray Harryhausen Awards 2024!

Episode 45 of the Ray Harryhausen Podcast details an exciting visit to the studios of Aardman Animations! Ray's daughter Vanessa Harryhausen and Collections Manager Connor Heaney chat with Aardman archivists Tom Vincent and Zoe Critchley about their important work in taking care of such legendary stop-motion creations. Aardman's founder Peter Lord also joins for a discussion on Ray's ongoing legacy, and the importance of keeping such valuable items for future generations to enjoy. Our episode is capped off with an update on the latest Star Ace Toys unboxing videos by author, filmmaker and trustee John Walsh. Watching his exclusive previews of each new model for a chance to win one of these incredible replicas. Enjoy this latest episode, packed with stop-motion magic from Harryhausen and Aardman! Check out a video version of this episode on our official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sem14e4Tz4A

The Ray Harryhausen Podcast is back with a look back at the winners of the Ray Harryhausen Awards 2023! Marking Ray's birthday on the 29th of June, the winners of this year's awards were announced at the Cameo Cinema in Edinburgh. Collections Manager Connor Heaney hosted, as judges Vanessa Harryhausen, John Walsh and Steve Henderson announced our winners. We were delighted to share recorded messages from Pinocchio directors Guillermo Del Toro and Mark Gustafson, who kindly spoke about their love of Ray Harryhausen's creations. Stay tuned as John and Connor share updates on future Foundation events and screenings. Special thanks to Ben Page for filming the Awards event! Check out https://www.harryhausenawards.com for information on how to enter your film into our 2024 awards.

Are you a fan of Harryhausen classic 'Clash of the Titans'? Check out our exclusive interview with some of the crew responsible for making the film! We caught up with 'Clash' first assistant director Anthony Waye, second assistant director Terry Madden, and stills photographer Keith Hamshere. Hosted by Foundation trustee John Walsh , the three speak with Ray's daughter Vanessa, who was also present during the filming of this iconic movie. Don't miss this incredible behind-the-scenes insight into one of the most legendary fantasy films of all time! Watch the video version of this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNG92_LhRKU

Episode 42 of our podcast sees an interview with legendary musician Hugh Cornwell! Former Stranglers vocalist Hugh visited the Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema exhibition at the National Galleries of Scotland last year. Whilst at the exhibit, he interviewed daughter & Foundation trustee Vanessa Harryhausen to discuss her memories of growing up around Ray's films and creations. Hugh also spoke to conservator Alan Friswell about working with Ray, and about the restoration work carried out on the creature collection. Collections Manager Connor Heaney also spoke to Hugh about his favourite Harryhausen memories and his thoughts on Ray's creation today. This interview originally featured on Hugh's own podcast, Mr Demille FM, which dedicated an entire episode to Ray Harryhausen! Check out the original show through the link below: https://mrdemillefm.com/program/ray-harryhausen/ Many thanks to Hugh for taking the time to speak with us, and for his enthusiasm for Ray Harryhausen's work! Look out for a video version of this show on our YouTube and Facebook pages. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmPLqkd1aIo&feature=youtu.be

Episode 41 of The Ray Harryhausen Podcast features an interview with author and special effects artist Mark Wolf, who discusses his new book ‘Smoke and Mirrors- Special Visual Effects B.C (Before Computers)’. Mark is a stop-motion animator who became a long time friend of Ray Harryhausen’s. Over the years, they discussed in detail some of the finer points of Ray’s techniques. His 2021 publication ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ delves deep into pre-CGI special effects techniques, in what is a must-read for fans of cinema everywhere. ‘Visit The Twilight Zone, journey to The Outer Limits, experience 2001: A Space Odyssey, and boldly go on a Star Trek! See how motion picture special effects were created "B.C."-Before Computers!’ Listen to John Walsh and Connor Heaney’s chat with Mark, and find ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ from all good booksellers, including Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Smoke-Mirrors-Special-Effects-Computers/dp/162933653X

Episode 40 of our podcast sees a very special interview with former Ramones bassist CJ Ramone! CJ chats to Foundation collections manager Connor Heaney about his love of Ray Harryhausen's films, and shares memories of his favourite Harryhausen creatures. He also discusses his friendship with actress and Foundation advisor Caroline Munro, to whom he dedicated the track 'Girlfriend in a Graveyard' on his 2017 album 'American Beauty'. Also, hear more about the Ray Harryhausen Awards, as we approach our new deadline of April 30th. We'd like to thank CJ for taking the time to talk with us, and for his enthusiasm for Ray Harryhausen's movies and creations! Find CJ Ramone's solo albums on the Fat Wreck Chords label: https://fatwreck.com/collections/cj-ramone

Foundation trustee John Walsh caught up with illustrator, painter and conceptual artist Chris Achilleos. Best known for his poster artwork and book covers for Doctor Who, Heavy Metal, Willow, Star Trek and more, Chris was also a friend of Ray Harryhausen's. He discusses the times that his career dovetailed with Ray's, and his experiences of creating poster art for 'Clash of the Titans' and unmade project 'People of the Mist'. We were saddened to hear of Chris Achilleos' passing in December 2021. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. See more of Chris' incredible artwork on his website: http://chrisachilleos.co.uk Chris Achilleos 1947-2021

Join us as we unveil further information on the inaugural Ray Harryhausen Awards! Hosts John Walsh and Connor Heaney are joined by special guest & friend of the Foundation Dr Steve Henderson- Director of the Manchester Animation Festival and co-owner/editor of Skwigly Animation Magazine. Steve joined us to discuss the announcement of the Harryhausen Awards, and the importance of awards programmes in recognising and encouraging talent within the animation industry. The Harryhausen awards have been established in honour of the legendary master of stop-motion animation. The first awards will be held on June 29th, 2022. Find out more at https://www.harryhausenawards.com Find out more about Steve Henderson's work at the Manchester Animation Festival and Skwigly Animation Magazine below: https://www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk/ https://www.skwigly.co.uk/author/steve-henderson

Clash of the Titans was unleashed in the UK on July 2nd 1981! Join us for a 40th anniversary celebration. Trustee John Walsh and collections manager Connor Heaney delve into Ray Harryhausen's archive to showcase every creature from this classic film, with a deep dive into each of Ray's legendary creations. Enjoy hearing the backstories of Bubo the Owl, Medusa, the Kraken and many more! This is a must listen for all fans of 'Clash of the Titans'- don't miss it!

The results of our 'Harryhausen Lost Movies' poll are in! Join us for Episode 36, as John Walsh & Connor Heaney count through the top ten unmade Ray Harryhausen projects, as voted upon by fans worldwide. To help us in exploring these lost treasures, we are joined by Ray's daughter Vanessa, alongside Richard Holliss, Mark Wolf, Gregory Kulon, Mike Hankin, Marshall Julius, Graham Humphreys, Jonathan Webb, Ron Fogleman and Mark Mawston. Each contributor has a unique connection to Ray's work, and share their own top three lost Harryhausen films. Also, listen in for the winners of our competition, as five lucky voters will receive a copy signed by John, alongside an exclusive art card. Enjoy our podcast, and let us know your thoughts on the final poll! Check out the Vodcast version of this show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lIPitDGm5k

Join us for a 60th anniversary celebration of Ray Harryhausen’s classic, ‘The 3 Worlds of Gulliver’! Hosts John Walsh and Connor Heaney delve into the archive to celebrate Ray’s 1960 take on the classic Jonathan Swift novel. We explore the various techniques which were utilised to create the worlds of Lilliput and Brobdingnag, as well as the stop-motion creatures which Ray animated for the film. Listen to previously unheard audio from the Foundation’s archive, including Bernard Herrmann’s spotting sessions for the film, and isolated audio of star Kerwin Matthews’ singing. Also listen in to hear names of ten lucky winners from our summer ‘Top Ten Harryhausen’ competition- all of whom receive a copy of daughter Vanessa’s brand new book, ‘Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema’. We update on news from our centenary exhibition of the same name in Edinburgh, with an exclusive clip from director John Landis’ audio tour of the show. Enjoy- and have a very happy Christmas, from everybody here at the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation.

Trustee & filmmaker John Walsh is joined by 'Vintage Geek' author Marshall Julius to chat with Ray's daughter, Vanessa Harryhausen in Episode 34 of the Ray Harryhausen Podcast. Vanessa discusses her first book, 'Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema', written to mark her father's 100th birthday this year. John and Marshall quiz her on her memories of growing up amongst some of cinema's most legendary creatures, as she describes life at home with such an inspirational father. Listen to the exclusive story of how Vanessa's book was created, alongside tales of the original creature collection that she grew up amongst! Also available as a Vodcast from https://vimeo.com/468465331 #Harryhausen100

The votes are in, and the ultimate Ray Harryhausen top ten has been decided! Join trustee John Walsh, collections manager Connor Heaney, and special guest Vanessa Harryhausen for a countdown through the world's favourite Harryhausen creatures. Each iconic creation is discussed in-depth, with exclusive clips of Ray Harryhausen reflecting on his legendary stop motion models. Daughter Vanessa recalls growing up amongst such an incredible collection, and watching her father work. Join us in celebrating Ray Harryhausen's 100th birthday, as the world stops to remember this remarkable Titan of Cinema.

Episode 32 of our podcast sees the second part of a geektastic conversation between John Walsh and Marshall Julius. Marshall shares his three favourite Harryhausen 'Unsung Heroes'- classic sequences from Ray's filmography which he believes deserve greater recognition. Also- a last chance to win one of five copies of Marshall’s fantastic publication ‘Vintage Geek- The Quiz Book’, which features an entire chapter of Harryhausen quiz questions! Simply answer Marshall’s brainteaser from this episode on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Enjoy, and look out for a chance to vote for your own top three unsung Harryhausen heroes soon!

Step into our celebration of Ray Harryhausen’s centenary year for our first new podcast of 2020! Trustee John Walsh is joined by journalist and author Marshall Julius to discuss his top three Harryhausen creations. John and Marshall share their thoughts on some of Ray’s most beloved creatures, as well as updating fans on how the Foundation will celebrate Ray Harryhausen’s centenary throughout 2020. Also- listen in for a chance to win one of five copies of Marshall’s fantastic publication ‘Vintage Geek- The Quiz Book’, which features an entire chapter of Harryhausen quiz questions! Simply answer Marshall’s brainteaser on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Enjoy, and look out for a chance to vote for your own top three Harryhausen creatures very soon!

Foundation trustee John Walsh guested on FUBAR Radio, as film critic & author Marshall Julius hosted their Tuesday Takeover slot on February 4th. Hear more about our Ray Harryhausen centenary plans, & John’s new book ‘Harryhausen: The Lost Movies’. Don't miss it! http://www.fubarradio.com