Ray Harryhausen died in London on May 7, 2013. He was a special effects master with such masterpieces as the original Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans.
After seeing all the production notes and videos to Jason and the Argonauts that were included in the laserdisc version of the movie, I decided I wanted to preserve his work and that of other masters of other fields for future generations. I had the honor of meeting him at his home in London in the '90s to approach him to work on the project.
I had hoped to film him teaching an apprentice his trade in order to allow people in the future to learn directly from the master himself. Had multimedia developed a few years earlier, I might have been able to convince him. I believed then and still believe that he had a vision that many film writers, directors, and especially special effects people do not have an understanding of.
We was a giant of a man with a huge heart and he will be missed.
At his house I also learned he had made beautiful brass sculptures as a hobby. I am so happy I was able to meet and talk with him.
Rest in peace, Ray.
