Will Vinton

Directing

Will Vinton

Born November 17, 1947 · McMinnville, Oregon, USA

Died October 4, 2018 · aged 70

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 st…

Known For

The WildThe Wild · 2006
The Wild
5.62006
MovieActionAdventure
An adolescent lion is accidentally shipped from the New York Zoo to Africa. Now running free, his zoo pals must put aside their differences to help bring him back.
MoonwalkerMoonwalker · 1988
Moonwalker
7.11988
MovieFantasyMusic
This fantastical movie inspired by the music of Michael Jackson features imaginative interpretations of hit tracks from the iconic 1987 album “Bad”.
Return to OzReturn to Oz · 1985
Return to Oz
6.71985
MovieAdventureFamily
Dorothy, saved from a psychiatric experiment by a mysterious girl, finds herself back in the land of her dreams, and makes delightful new friends, and dangerous new enemies.
The Adventures of Mark TwainThe Adventures of Mark Twain · 1985
The Adventures of Mark Twain
6.71985
MovieAnimationAdventure
Based 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.
Raisins Sold Out: The California Raisins IIRaisins Sold Out: The California Raisins II · 1990
Raisins Sold Out: The California Raisins II
7.01990
MovieAnimationComedy
This 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
Shadow PlayShadow Play · 1986
Shadow Play
5.21986
MovieMysteryHorror
A playwright, who lost her fiance to suicide, is haunted by his spirit while staying on a remote island with his mother.
The Little PrinceThe Little Prince · 1979
The Little Prince
6.61979
MovieAnimationAdventure
The Little Prince questions the universe in this story of innocence and wonder.
Closed MondaysClosed Mondays · 1974
Closed Mondays
6.31974
MovieAnimationFantasy
An intoxicated man trespasses into an art gallery after hours.

Filmography

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The Adventures of Mark TwainThe Adventures of Mark Twain · 1985
The Adventures of Mark Twain
6.71985
MovieAnimationAdventure
Based 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.

Director

Dinosaurs!Dinosaurs! · 1980
Dinosaurs!
1980
MovieAnimationFamily
Everyone 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.

Producer

The California Raisin ShowThe California Raisin Show · 1989
The California Raisin Show
4.81989
SeriesAnimationKids
The California Raisin Show is an animated television series based on the claymation advertising characters The California Raisins. The show is based on an Emmy Award-winning claymation special, Meet the Raisins!, which originally aired on CBS in 1989. After the show's 13-episode run, a sequel to the original special, Raisins: Sold Out!: The California Raisins II, aired in 1990. While the characters are traditionally depicted in claymation, the TV show was cel animated by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson. It did, however, maintain Will Vinton as creative director and executive producer. It takes place in a world populated by anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables and focuses on the main characters, the California Raisins: A.C., Beebop, Stretch, and Red. Each episode has one or more musical numbers.

Executive Producer