Film pioneer Norman McLaren always experimented with his animation work, from drawing on film to creating cutout animations, to acting in stop-motion, special effect shorts like the one above. From l’Office national du film du Canada (ONF) in 1961, watch Opening Speech (Discours de bienvenue de Norman McLaren).
At first, it seems like McLaren’s only issue is with the disorganized papers for his speech. Then he starts to speak, and the animated microphone reveals its mischievous (or perhaps devious) ways.
How will McLaren speak to the audience? Why does the microphone try to stop him? And what will he say?
Watch these videos next: Greetings Around the World and a teacher who creates personalized handshakes for all his students.
Plus, more films from Norman McLaren on this site, and more from the National Film Board of Canada.
This Webby award-winning video collection exists to help teachers, librarians, and families spark kid wonder and curiosity. TKSST features smarter, more meaningful content than what's usually served up by YouTube's algorithms, and amplifies the creators who make that content.
Curated, kid-friendly, independently-published. Support this mission by becoming a sustaining member today.