Terry Gilliam: Cut-Out Animation

"Monty Python animator Terry Gilliam discussing his animation techniques on Bob Godfrey's Do-It-Yourself Animation Show in 1974."

This is a wonderful video of Terry Gilliam explaining his cut-out animation techniques used most famously in Monty Python. His insights into the process of art-making are simple and effective, and I think very true. I've always admired his tenacity and almost sheer single-mindedness to bring his visions to life (e.g. Brazil, Baron Von Munchausen, Lost in La Mancha). To me he embodies the pure will to create, and will always count amongst my favorite film directors. Not to mention he has a terribly wicked sense of humor.

Link taken from www.cartoonbrew.com.

"Godfrey's show... made animation accessible to the masses by taking the mystery out of the production process... 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." - Terry Gilliam