The DIY Film Animation Show with Terry Gilliam

Terry Gilliam, the legendary Monty Python animator, explains the secrets of the Monty Python cutout animations.

“Monty Python animator Terry Gilliam discussing his animation techniques on Bob Godfrey’s Do-It-Yourself Animation Show in 1974. Godfrey’s show, which made animation accessible to the masses by taking the mystery out of the production process, was vastly influential and inspired an entire generation of kids in England, including Nick Park, who created Wallace & Gromit, Jan Pinkava, who directed the Pixar short Geri’s Game, and Richard Bazley, an animator on Pocahontas, Hercules, and The Iron Giant. In a day and age when more kids are interested in animating than ever before, it’s a shame that TV shows (or Web series) that are fun and informative like this don’t exist. The DIY advice that Gilliam gives in this episode is not only brilliant, but still as relevant today as back then:
“The whole point of animation to me is to tell a story, make a joke, express an idea. The technique itself doesn’t really matter. Whatever works is the thing to use.”

Gilliam started out his career as an animator, then moved to England and joined up with Monty Python’s Flying Circus. For years, he worked as the group’s animator, creating the opening credits and distinctive buffers that linked together the offbeat comedy sketches.

via Terry Gilliam | The Monty Python Museum | Open Culture | Cartoonbrew