Eli Noyes, a groundbreaking stop-motion animator, passed away at the age of 81. He was known for his innovative work in the field of animation, particularly for his use of clay and sand in his films. Noyes received an Oscar nomination for his short film “Clay, or The Origin of Species,” which explored the evolution of life on Earth in a unique and artistic way. This early success set the stage for Noyes’ career in animation and solidified his place as a pioneer in the industry.
After the success of “Clay, or The Origin of Species,” Noyes continued to experiment with different mediums in his work. His film “Alphabet,” which utilized sand manipulation, won a Special Jury Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in 1967. This film was later used on PBS’ Sesame Street to illustrate the alphabet, showcasing Noyes’ ability to create engaging and educational content through animation. Noyes further expanded his repertoire with films like “Sandman” and “Peanut Butter & Jelly,” showcasing his versatility as an animator.
Throughout his career, Noyes collaborated with various partners and founded several animation companies. In 1983, he co-founded Noyes & Laybourne Enterprises with Kit Laybourne, leading to the creation of shows like “Braingames,” which earned Noyes a CableACE Award for Innovative Programming Genre. His partnership with Laybourne also resulted in the development of popular Nickelodeon shows like “Eureeka’s Castle” and “Gullah Gullah Island,” showcasing Noyes’ impact on children’s programming.
Noyes’ influence extended beyond television, as he co-founded Colossal Pictures in 1988, a production company that worked on iconic projects like MTV’s “Liquid Television.” This series introduced audiences to beloved characters like Beavis and Butt-head and Aeon Flux, further solidifying Noyes’ reputation as a visionary animator. In later years, Noyes worked on projects for Pixar, Disney, and Zoog Disney, continuing to push the boundaries of animation and interactive media.
As the Director of Interactive Design at TV’s Oxygen network and co-founder of Alligator Planet with Ralph Guggenheim, Noyes continued to create innovative animation until the end of his life. His contributions to the industry, including animated segments for documentaries like “The Most Dangerous Man in America,” showcase his lasting impact on the world of animation. Noyes is survived by his family, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and innovation in the field of animation.