thatYodaGuy.com

Nick’s recalls

 
 
Although we had a close association with The Muppets whilst building YODA, I never worked directly with Jim.  But the methods we used to create YODA influenced the Henson Organization  and later the methods they used to create creatures for DARK CRYSTAL  influenced us. In fact, Bruce Sharman asked me to join the team for DARK CRYSTAL, and later LABYRINTH, but on both occasions I turned down that opportunity. A few year later when I was directing the inserts of the death of one of the bat creature vampires for LIFEFORCE. Jim Henson  visited the set and asked me to join his team on RETURN TO OZ. I was very flattered that he had taken the trouble to ask me personally but I explained that I felt working for another designer, (Lyle Conway headed that team) would be a backward step for me. I think he was really taken aback, and in hindsight I it was probably a wrong decision on my part.

Jim’s death was a terrible tragedy. Although I didn't know him well, his influence touched us all and his legacy lives on.