Norman McLaren

Date of Birth: April 11, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: January 27, 1987

Biography

Norman McLaren was a Scottish-Canadian animator and filmmaker celebrated for his innovative work in the field of animation. Born on April 11, 1914, in Stirling, Scotland, McLaren became one of the most influential figures in the world of animated art. He attended the Glasgow School of Art, where he initially studied interior design but soon discovered his passion for filmmaking. McLaren’s early experiments with animation, particularly his work with drawn-on-film techniques, caught the attention of John Grierson, the founder of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). In 1941, McLaren moved to Canada to work for the NFB, where he would spend the majority of his career. Over the decades, he produced a wide range of animated films that explored various techniques and styles, from hand-drawn animation to pixilation and stop-motion. His film “Neighbours” (1952) is one of his most famous works and earned him an Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject). McLaren’s contributions to the art of animation have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, and his legacy continues to inspire animators and filmmakers around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Norman McLaren

1. Norman McLaren was a pioneer in the technique of “direct animation,” which involves drawing directly onto the film stock.

2. His film “Neighbours” utilized a technique called “pixilation,” a form of stop-motion animation that uses live actors as frame-by-frame subjects.

3. McLaren was awarded a total of six Canadian Film Awards throughout his career.

4. He was known for his collaborations with musicians, often synchronizing his animations precisely with musical scores.

5. McLaren’s work has been preserved and celebrated by the National Film Board of Canada, which houses an extensive collection of his films and related materials.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Norman McLaren

1. “Animation is not the art of drawings that move but the art of movements that are drawn.”

2. “The essence of all art is to provide a cathartic experience for the viewer.”

3. “Creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found.”

4. “Art for me is the science of freedom.”

5. “The most potent tool in animation is the manipulation of time.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Norman McLaren’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his significant contributions to the field of animation have left a lasting impact that goes beyond financial measures.