Cannes Celebrates a Unique Career in Animation
Animation Career Started in Scotland
McLaren started his career in animation at the Glasgow School of Fine Art in Scotland in 1932. His animation career took off after two of his films won awards at the Scottish Amateur Film Festival in 1934. At the festival, McLaren met John Grierson, who eventually brought him to the National Film Board of Canada. While McLaren’s official work with the NFB consisted of creating many educational films, he won enough support within the agency to set up an animation department. Through this department, he pushed the envelope in the animation field through experimentation. He was known for painting directly onto film and incorporating music and dance into his animated works.
Animation Career Included Interest in Teaching and Humanity
McLaren’s animation career definitely hit a high point when he won an Oscar in 1952. Although his career in animation was filled with awards, McLaren is also remembered for his dedication to teaching the animation art form. He went to China and India to help train would-be animators, and put out a five-part film series that covers the basic techniques of film animation.
If you’re an aspiring animator, look into Norman McLaren’s work. His tribute at this year’s Cannes Film Festival should give you an indication that his legacy is worth discovering.
Sources
National Film Board of Canada
British Film Institute
The Globe and Mail
