Stop-motion animation is a complex art form that deserves recognition
By AALIYAH ESPAÑOL-RIVAS — arts@theaggie.org
When thinking about the different mediums of animation, many come to mind: Computer-generated images (CGI), 3D and hand-drawn animation are the most common, while other mediums tend to go unnoticed — specifically, the style of stop-motion animation, despite the extensive work that goes into the process.
Stop-motion animation is a multi-step style that involves the photography of various still images that are then edited together to mimic movement. While a CGI-animated film can now take one to two years given new technology, a stop-motion animated film takes anywhere from three to four years, with a year of the animation being solely the photography to begin the editing process.
Despite the time, money and labor of a stop-motion film, the film style is underappreciated by audiences. However, there are few studios and directors that have taken the risk of using stop-motion animation that deserve their flowers.
Laika Studios, founded in 2005, is a production company that specializes in the art of stop-motion animation through the storytelling of children’s films. The studio has released five films since its inception: “Coraline” (2009), “ParaNorman” (2012), “The Boxtrolls” (2014), “Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) and “Missing Link” (2019).
Of the five films, the most prominent release of theirs is “Coraline.” Released in 2009, the film has become a staple in pop culture not only due to the darker storyline for a children’s movie but also due to the intricate animated world of the film. The process involved 52 stages and 130 sets with a multitude of puppets and 3D-print technology to bring the world to life.
And while there is no doubt “Coraline” is an animated classic, the other films produced by Laika Studios deserve the same attention. And beyond the detailed craft Laika produces, their emotionally rich plots are equally as creative. Thus, if you loved “Coraline,” Laika has four other films that you should check out, including a new one releasing next year called “Wildwood.”
But why call attention to a small subsection of the endless catalog of animated films? Well, now more than ever during a period of oversaturation of sequels and an oligopoly animated film industry, new ideas need to be recognized before studios decide to stop taking risks.
However, recent stop-motion animated films have garnered some conversation. Despite the lack of marketing and going straight to streaming services, few films have received well-deserved recognition. Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio,” released on Netflix, won an Academy Award for Best Animated Picture in 2022. Tim Burton also released “Wendell and Wild” in 2022 to critical acclaim.
While the two films are a step in the right direction for the future of stop-motion animation, audiences should be more open to less typical animated films. While there is no doubt some CGI-animated films are masterpieces, the art of stop-motion is beyond what a computer can ever render.
Stop-motion animation requires a team of dedicated workers who have a passion for precise, time-consuming work. While we as the audience reap the benefits of their labor, we are the people that control whether or not these films are produced. Stop-motion animation is a high risk for studios and needs our support to solidify their importance in the animation industry. Before you judge a book by its cover, or rather a movie based on its trailer, think about the people behind the scenes making the films.
So, while you enjoy Halloween classics such as “Coraline,” “Corpse Bride” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” consider why you love those films.
Written by Aaliyah Español-Rivas —-arts@theaggie.org
