Henry Selick
Henry Selick: A Life Behind the Lens of Imagination
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Henry Selick is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his work on stop-motion animated films.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 30, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. There is no public record of his passing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American
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Henry Selick is a renowned director, writer, and producer with a passion for animation, filmmaking, and storytelling.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Henry Selick developed an interest in animation at an early age. He spent countless hours watching classic cartoons and experimenting with hand-drawn animations. This curiosity led him to study animation at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he honed his skills alongside fellow animators like Tim Burton.
Major Accomplishments
Henry Selick's breakthrough came in 1993 when he directed The Nightmare Before Christmas, a stop-motion classic that has become a cult favorite. This iconic film not only showcased his mastery of animation but also introduced the world to Jack Skellington, a beloved character created by Tim Burton.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to The Nightmare Before Christmas, Selick has directed several other notable films:
James and the Giant Peach (1996): A stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's novel.
Coraline (2009): A dark fantasy film based on Neil Gaiman's novella, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Impact and Legacy
Henry Selick's contributions to the world of animation have been profound. His innovative approach to stop-motion has inspired a new generation of animators and filmmakers. Through his work, he continues to entertain, educate, and captivate audiences worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
As a master storyteller and filmmaker, Henry Selick is widely quoted for his insightful comments on the art of animation:
> "I think that's one of the most interesting things about stop-motion: it's like doing 12 to 15 photographs at a time. You're not just animating; you're photographing each scene."
His dedication to his craft and commitment to pushing boundaries have cemented his place in the annals of animation history, making him an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and artists around the world.
Additional Notes
Henry Selick's work continues to influence contemporary animation. His innovative approach to storytelling has paved the way for new animators to explore unconventional techniques and mediums.
Quotes by Henry Selick
What I personally gravitate toward tends to be fantasy, medium dark - not too dark - fairy tales and sci fi. Stop-motion takes something on the page that's really dark and adds a little sweetness to it, a living toys realm.
Miyazaki’s films in Japan are bigger than Titanic. He’s an incredible rock star there. In the US, they don’t do as well.
I have more faith in doing something creative for a cable station or something like Yahoo or Google or Amazon. What Netflix did with ‘House of Cards’ and David Fincher was brilliant. That is inspiring to me. I think there is more chance for creativity in animation, it just hasn’t happened there yet.
I’m looking at some comedic horror films because I have often been accused of being too dark. I’m not dark, not compared with ‘Saw’ or anything like that. So I’m looking at live-action horror films, but not slasher ones – ones that have humor and maybe some social satire.
Anyone can buy CG technology. It’s not that it’s easy to make those films. Those films are just as difficult, they’re incredibly hard to make.
There’s very few people who want to just make beautiful films that make money when they can make films that make huge money.
There’s definitely the desire out there for young people who want to make the movies.
I feel I’m just meant to do stop-motion. Live-action is much more glamorous to some, but it’s basically a whole army of people focused on one thing.
There’s always kids who become stop motion animators. I get stuff all the time. They put it on YouTube. It’s exciting to see.