Colin Low, the Canadian animation and documentary filmmaker, passed away on 24 February, 2016. According to the National Film Board of Canada, Colin Archibald Low gave up his breath at Montreal at the age of 89.
Born in Cardston, Low began his career at the National Film Board of Canada in Montreal and worked on various projects for over six decades. He served as director, producer, animator and executive prodcuer for over 200 productions. He began as a graphic artist in 1945 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming head of the animation unit. Later on, he ventured into documentaries and created films like City of Gold, Corral and Universe.
Low directed the first NFB production to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short The Romance of Transportation in Canada. He used the technique of ‘industrial animation’ style in this film thus adding innovation to the usual style of NFB animation.
Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson, Claude Joli-Coeur expressed, “The National Film Board of Canada feels a profound sense of loss today. The NFB as a centre of excellence and innovation would not have existed as we know it without the enormous contributions of Colin Low. He was a great and committed public servant―and would speak of the pride he felt in creating cinema that served Canadians. He was tireless, visionary, generous in spirit; a true gentlemen―a great Canadian and Albertan. Canada will not see his like again and we are forever in his debt.”
Low’s work on In the Labyrinth led to the creation of Canada’s giant-screen IMAX format. He then went on to create the first IMAX 3D production Transitions, for Expo 86 in Vancouver which was notable for the first use of stereoscopic computer animation. He also worked on Momentum, the first film in 48 frames per second IMAX HD, made for the Canada Pavilion at Expo 92 in Seville, Spain.
Apart from animation genre, Low was also known for using various filmmaking techniques like documentaries without narrations, zoom photography and unique skills of shooting.
A legacy to honoured, Colin Low’s kin are active catalysts of the film industry and are continuing his work of bringing about change through innovation and creativity.