After seeing "King Kong" (1933), began making own clay figures

Introduced to special effects technician Willis O'Brien; O'Brien encouraged studying anatomy

First worked as a model animator and director for George Pal's animated "Puppetoons" including "Mother Goose Presents" series (date approximate)

Served with US Signal Corps during WWII

After military service, returned to work for Pal

Made a series of filmed fairy tales with animated puppets for schools and churches

First film credit as animator and assistant to Willis O'Brien on special effects for "Mighty Joe Young"

Evolved own system of model animation called Dynamation, first used in "It Came from Beneath the Sea" (1955)

First story credit, "Twenty Million Miles to Earth"

First film as associate producer, "Jason and the Argonauts"

First film as producer, "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad"

Appeared as interviewee in Mark Schneider's documentary telefeature, "Man, Myth and Titans", a promotional film for "Clash of the Titans"