Miyazaki started off as one of many who did the in-between work, this involves doing a lot of sketches to fill in sections of movement for the principal animators. His work was so impressive that they created the position of chief animator and concept artist specifically for him.

If I had to say what I believe his major influence on the film was, it would be pure conjecture but I'd say the design and animation of the rock giant and maybe the hero Horus. The giant would slip into any of his other films quite easily.

Cheers Trev.