Willis O’Brien

Willis O’Brien was an individual who pioneered animation in stop motion and special effects. He is well known for his work in movies such as ‘King Kong’ (1933) and ‘The Lost World’ (1925) where he created models such as the well-known King Kong, dinosaurs and other exotic animals. Another aspect that he is renowned for the use of the blue screen technique to combine live-action scenes with his clay models which used be used for most monster movies until the introduction (around 1990) and widespread use of computer animation.

This animator is interesting to look at due to the intricacy of both the design of his models and the actual character animation in his films. He often visited Zoos to study real-life animals so that he could base his animation off their behaviour rather than creating made-up and unnatural movement. Furthermore, he also watched wrestling matches to look for inspiration in fight scenes such as the ones that appear in ‘King Kong’. The other important aspect is his complex models such as the one for ‘King Kong’ which was 18 inches tall, used rabbit skin for fur and had a complex skeleton covered with foam. Another example of his elaborate designs and attention to detail is the use of a rubber bladder inside his models. By inflating and deflating the rubber bladder, it simulates the act of breathing which adds elements of realism to his models.