
Directing
Will Vinton
Born — Died
1947-11-17 — 2018-10-04
Place of birth
McMinnville, Oregon, USA
Known for
Directing
Credits
47 titles
Award-winning co-director of "Closed Mondays", the first Claymation (tm) film. Will Vinton was born on November 17, 1947 in McMinnville, Oregon, USA as William Gale Vinton. He was a producer and director, known for Claymation Easter (1992), Martin the Cobbler (1977) and Moonwalker (1988). He was married to Gillian Allred and Susan Shadburne. He was a Claymation artist who coined the term. His studio created numerous Claymation characters for ads, most notably the California Raisins, which gained fame in an ad set to the Motown hit "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". He died on October 4, 2018 in Portland, Oregon.
Known for
5.9Prisoners of Gravity was a Canadian public broadcasting television news magazine program that explored speculative fiction — science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books — and its relation to various thematic and social issues. Produced by TVOntario, the show was the brainchild of former comic retail manager Mark Askwith and writer Daniel Richler, and was hosted by Rick Green. The series aired 139 episodes over 5 seasons from 1989 to 1994.
Prisoners of Gravity
1989
7.9When George Lucas set out to make Star Wars, little did he know he would end up revolutionizing an industry. This is the story of a team of creative geniuses who put the magic in the movies we love.
LIGHT & MAGIC
2022
7.1This fantastical movie inspired by the music of Michael Jackson features imaginative interpretations of hit tracks from the iconic 1987 album “Bad”.
Moonwalker
1988
6.7Based on elements from the stories of Mark Twain, this feature-length Claymation fantasy follows the adventures of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn as they stowaway aboard the interplanetary balloon of Mark Twain. Twain, disgusted with the human race, is intent upon finding Halley's Comet and crashing into it, achieving his "destiny." It's up to Tom, Becky, and Huck to convince him that his judgment is wrong and that he still has much to offer humanity that might make a difference. Their efforts aren't just charitable; if they fail, they will share Twain's fate. Along the way, they use a magical time portal to get a detailed overview of the Twain philosophy, observing the "historical" events that inspired his works.
The Adventures of Mark Twain
1985
5.2A playwright, who lost her fiance to suicide, is haunted by his spirit while staying on a remote island with his mother.
Shadow Play
1986
NRThe gathered memories and warm recollections of the cast and crew of the 1985 Walt Disney Pictures film, RETURN TO OZ. For the first time, we get intimate details about the production of the cult classic fantasy, from such names as director Walter Murch, producers Paul Maslansky and Colin Michael Kitchens, the late Gary Kurtz, and actors Fairuza Balk, Emma Ridley, Justin Case, Pons Marr, Deep Roy and Sophie Ward.
Remembering Return to Oz
2021
Film credits
2020s · 2 titles
NRThe gathered memories and warm recollections of the cast and crew of the 1985 Walt Disney Pictures film, RETURN TO OZ. For the first time, we get intimate details about the production of the cult classic fantasy, from such names as director Walter Murch, producers Paul Maslansky and Colin Michael Kitchens, the late Gary Kurtz, and actors Fairuza Balk, Emma Ridley, Justin Case, Pons Marr, Deep Roy and Sophie Ward.
Remembering Return to Oz
2021
6.8A modern day Walt Disney, Will Vinton picked up a ball of clay and saw a world of potential. Known as the “Father of Claymation,” Vinton revolutionized the animation business during the 80s and 90s. But after 30 years of being the unheralded king of clay, Will Vinton’s carefully sculpted American dream came crumbling down. Structured around interviews with this charismatic pioneer and his close collaborators, the film charts the rise and fall of the Academy Award and Emmy winning Will Vinton Studios.
Claydream
2022
2010s · 2 titles
6.3Walt Disney said “We have created characters and animated them in the dimension of depth, revealing through them to our perturbed world that the things we have in common far outnumber and outweigh those that divide us.” Outside of Walt himself there are few people who have brought together and united more animators in the history of the genre than Craig "Spike" Decker and Mike Gribble, known to all as Spike & Mike. They created an animation festival that helped launch the careers of John Lasseter, Peter Lord, Will Vinton, Bill Plympton and Mike Judge to name just a few. Their Spike & Mike festival had an enormous impact on animation that was felt the world over. The festival was known as much for the breakthrough animation it presented as the outrageous antics of the founders.
Animation Outlaws
2019
2.0A documentary film about Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton. This is a portrait piece that includes interviews with family, friends, colleagues, critics, and fans.
Adventures in Plymptoons!
2011
Series credits
5.9Prisoners of Gravity was a Canadian public broadcasting television news magazine program that explored speculative fiction — science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books — and its relation to various thematic and social issues. Produced by TVOntario, the show was the brainchild of former comic retail manager Mark Askwith and writer Daniel Richler, and was hosted by Rick Green. The series aired 139 episodes over 5 seasons from 1989 to 1994.
Prisoners of Gravity
1989
7.9When George Lucas set out to make Star Wars, little did he know he would end up revolutionizing an industry. This is the story of a team of creative geniuses who put the magic in the movies we love.
LIGHT & MAGIC
2022
Behind the camera
7.1This fantastical movie inspired by the music of Michael Jackson features imaginative interpretations of hit tracks from the iconic 1987 album “Bad”.
Moonwalker
1988
7.1This fantastical movie inspired by the music of Michael Jackson features imaginative interpretations of hit tracks from the iconic 1987 album “Bad”.
Moonwalker
1988
6.7Based on elements from the stories of Mark Twain, this feature-length Claymation fantasy follows the adventures of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn as they stowaway aboard the interplanetary balloon of Mark Twain. Twain, disgusted with the human race, is intent upon finding Halley's Comet and crashing into it, achieving his "destiny." It's up to Tom, Becky, and Huck to convince him that his judgment is wrong and that he still has much to offer humanity that might make a difference. Their efforts aren't just charitable; if they fail, they will share Twain's fate. Along the way, they use a magical time portal to get a detailed overview of the Twain philosophy, observing the "historical" events that inspired his works.
The Adventures of Mark Twain
1985
5.2A playwright, who lost her fiance to suicide, is haunted by his spirit while staying on a remote island with his mother.
Shadow Play
1986
7.0This special has the band hiring a slick-talking new manager in an attempt to make a comeback. Under his guidance, the Raisins try their hand at various new musical genres, including Disco Polka, Country Rap, and Demolition Rock, to humorous effect. The group's troubles begin to manifest, however, upon the replacement of singer A.C. with their manager's young protégé
Raisins Sold Out: The California Raisins II
1990
7.0This special has the band hiring a slick-talking new manager in an attempt to make a comeback. Under his guidance, the Raisins try their hand at various new musical genres, including Disco Polka, Country Rap, and Demolition Rock, to humorous effect. The group's troubles begin to manifest, however, upon the replacement of singer A.C. with their manager's young protégé
Raisins Sold Out: The California Raisins II
1990
6.2An intoxicated man trespasses into an art gallery after hours.
Closed Mondays
1974
7.9In a basement, Mr. Resistor, who's made out of wires and spare parts, goes in search of some new arms.
Mr. Resistor
1994
NRA trilogy of African-American poems that applies artistic interpretation to religious parables.
God's Trombones
1981
7.5Claymation Easter marks the return of Wilshire Pig, with an absurd plan to kidnap the Easter Bunny just days before the holiday and launch himself as the first ever Easter Pig. As one would expect, things go terribly wrong for Wilshire in a serious of disastrous and hilarious misadventures. As with all of Will Vinton's creations, totally off-the-wall comedy is matched with eye-popping animation.
Will Vinton's Claymation Easter
1992
NRA whirlwind tour of first-class animated shorts, The World's Greatest Animation assembles, for the first time, an eye-popping assortment of Academy Award winners and nominees from the years 1978-90. From the Orwellian vision of zoo life Creature Comforts, to Crac!, a rocking chair's impressionistic view of the industrialization of Montréal, The World's Greatest Animation features some of the finest achievements in this unique art form.
The World's Greatest Animation
1994
5.0Mountain Music illustrates what happens when technology gets too advanced too soon. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
Mountain Music
1976
5.0Mountain Music illustrates what happens when technology gets too advanced too soon. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
Mountain Music
1976
5.0Mountain Music illustrates what happens when technology gets too advanced too soon. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
Mountain Music
1976
8.4Everyone in Philip's science class has a great idea for a report--everyone that is, except Philip. That evening, he listens to a son playing on his boom box, and it provides him with inspiration: DINOSAURS! The next day at the museum, Phillip discovers that the search for the truth about these magnificent animals and their astonishing 160-million-year success on the earth is the most fascinating mystery tale he's ever heard. What follows is an exciting collection of established theories and fascinating speculation.
Dinosaurs: A Fun Filled Trip Back in Time
1987
7.2Herb and Rex, the Jurassic odd couple, guide a Christmas choral celebration in this Emmy Award-winning special, guest-starring the California Raisins! Segments feature the Three Wise Men, singing camels, ice-skating penguins, and the hilarious Paris Bellharmonic Orchestra.
Claymation Christmas Celebration
1987
7.2Herb and Rex, the Jurassic odd couple, guide a Christmas choral celebration in this Emmy Award-winning special, guest-starring the California Raisins! Segments feature the Three Wise Men, singing camels, ice-skating penguins, and the hilarious Paris Bellharmonic Orchestra.
Claymation Christmas Celebration
1987
7.8Mr. Resistor tries to catch himself a woman.
Bride of Resistor
1997
9.0A look inside the Will Vinton Studio, with specializes in stop-motion animations with clay. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.
Claymation: Three Dimensional Clay Animation
1978
7.0A sampler of the work of Will Vinton's animation using clay figures, including the shorts "Dinosaur," "The Great Cognito," "A Christmas Gift," and "Vanz Kant Danz."
The Festival of Claymation
1987
7.0A sampler of the work of Will Vinton's animation using clay figures, including the shorts "Dinosaur," "The Great Cognito," "A Christmas Gift," and "Vanz Kant Danz."
The Festival of Claymation
1987
7.0A sampler of the work of Will Vinton's animation using clay figures, including the shorts "Dinosaur," "The Great Cognito," "A Christmas Gift," and "Vanz Kant Danz."
The Festival of Claymation
1987
6.6The Little Prince questions the universe in this story of innocence and wonder.
The Little Prince
1979
5.6The film tells of a music hall impressionist who caricatures personalities from the second world war. Animated by Barry Bruce at Will Vinton Productions. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
The Great Cognito
1982
5.6The film tells of a music hall impressionist who caricatures personalities from the second world war. Animated by Barry Bruce at Will Vinton Productions. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
The Great Cognito
1982
NRLegacy takes the audience on a rapid-fire journey through the evolution of the world, starting with a cosmic bang, evolving through billions of years of plants, animals and the creation of natural resources, ending with man and his bounty – “sitting on his world contemplating his coconut”. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
Legacy: A Very Short History of Natural Resources
1979
5.7Rip Van Winkle, a lazy American man, wanders off one day with his dog Wolf into the Kaatskill mountains where he runs into an odd group of men drinking and playing bowls. He drinks some of their mysterious brew and passes out. When he wakes up under a tree he is astonished to find that 20 years have passed and things are a lot different. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.
Rip Van Winkle
1978
5.7Rip Van Winkle, a lazy American man, wanders off one day with his dog Wolf into the Kaatskill mountains where he runs into an odd group of men drinking and playing bowls. He drinks some of their mysterious brew and passes out. When he wakes up under a tree he is astonished to find that 20 years have passed and things are a lot different. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.
Rip Van Winkle
1978
NRGod calls home a long-suffering woman. Directed by: Will Vinton Based on a Poem by: James Weldon Johnson Voice: Dorian Harewood Produced by: David Altschul, Paul Diener, Mary E. Sandell Executive Producers: Frank Moynihan, Will Vinton Designed and Animated by: Christina Gale Sells Music Composed by: Jon Newton Editor: Scott Sundholm
Go Down Death
—
NREveryone in Philip’s science class has a great idea for a report - everyone, that is, except Philip. That evening, he listens to a song playing on his boombox, and it provides him with inspiration: DINOSAURS! The next day at the museum, Philip discovers that the search for the truth about these magnificent animals and their astonishing 160-million-years success on the Earth is the most fascinating mystery tale he’s ever heard. What follows is an exciting collection of established theories and fascinating speculation. Philip’s report captivate viewers of all ages, just as it captivates Philip’s classmates. The Kingdom of the Dinosaurs comes to life through animation, live action, and a special Claymation feature by Will Vinton Productions. A short educational Claymation film about dinosaurs. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.
Dinosaurs!
1980
NREveryone in Philip’s science class has a great idea for a report - everyone, that is, except Philip. That evening, he listens to a song playing on his boombox, and it provides him with inspiration: DINOSAURS! The next day at the museum, Philip discovers that the search for the truth about these magnificent animals and their astonishing 160-million-years success on the Earth is the most fascinating mystery tale he’s ever heard. What follows is an exciting collection of established theories and fascinating speculation. Philip’s report captivate viewers of all ages, just as it captivates Philip’s classmates. The Kingdom of the Dinosaurs comes to life through animation, live action, and a special Claymation feature by Will Vinton Productions. A short educational Claymation film about dinosaurs. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.
Dinosaurs!
1980
6.3An animated mockumentary follows a group of anthropomorphic raisins from their early beginnings to musical stardom, decline, and eventual comeback. Through interviews, performances, and archival-style footage, the special explores the group’s history and rise to fame.
Meet the Raisins!
1988
8.0A poor cobbler has a dream in which he hears the Lord promise to visit him. Instead poor people in need of food, clothing, warmth, and understanding come to him. In the end he understands that this is how the Lord visits men today.
Martin the Cobbler
1977
A woman talks to a friend and a lover the morning after a great evening.
The Morning After
2005
A woman talks to a friend and a lover the morning after a great evening.
The Morning After
2005
A woman talks to a friend and a lover the morning after a great evening.
The Morning After
2005
7.0On Christmas Eve, a lonely young boy, shut out from the shiny world of presents and holiday parties, peers into a candlelit window, where a gray-haired lady sits sadly at a bare table. Taking the last bit of bread and cheese from his pocket and adding wine, they share this meager Christmas dinner together. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
A Christmas Gift
1980
Unaired Pilot for Fox Television from Will Vinton Studios. Claymation.
Klay's TV
1998
NRGroundbreaking claymation from the master of the medium, showcasing Vinton's pioneering techniques that would define stop-motion animation for decades. A prehistoric adventure that demonstrates why Vinton earned his reputation as the king of clay animation. Was later expanded to the longform documentary Dinosaurs!
Dinosaur
1980
Feature-length documentary film about the California counter-culture movement, which toured college campuses in various film festivals of the time. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2013.
Gone for a Better Deal
1974
