Cinematography and stop motion animation have been connected since the earliest days of film. From Méliès’ stop-trick cinematography, to the breathtaking visions of today’s cinematic feature films, camera techniques and lighting have been combining to create new worlds and to bring life to inanimate objects. A beautiful filmic medium that gives a look that is both handmade and yet fantastical, stop motion can tell stories in a way that is unique and timeless.
This website explores the cinematography that lies at the heart of these perfectly imperfect worlds. It will look at the history of stop motion, the techniques and artistry that go into creating it, and the stories of the people that give it life.
For Frank Passingham, Director of Photography on stop motion classics ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’, and ‘The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!’, ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ gave him the opportunity to experiment with light and colour in a way he hadn’t done before.
‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ is the reimagining of the classic tale of the little wooden puppet who longs to be a real boy. The shots of Carlo on the swing are a perfect example of the collaboration that is required in stop motion animation, as all the departments had to work in combination to get the shot the directors wanted.
Linda Hamblyn is a motion control operator with over two decades of experience within stop motion cinematography. She has worked on some of the biggest features in stop motion through her long term collaboration with Aardman Animation.
Dave Alex talks to stop motion cinematographer about poetic lighting and the unique opportunities that were available through the cinematography of Robin Robin.
In one shot Chuck Steel is running along a hospital corridor. As he runs he turns corners, travels through a doorway, jumps over obstacles and punches random background characters as he goes. The camera keeps just ahead of him. A move of this type would usually require an elaborate motion control rig.
Dave Alex Riddett BSC is a cinematographer, and pioneer, in the world of stop motion animation who has been creating beautiful cinematic images since the earliest days of Aardman.
Director of Photography / Lighting Camera Laura Howie is a Director of Photography and Lighting Camerawoman with over a decade of experience as a professional…
Laura Howie talks to Zerb Magazine (Summer 2023) about the creativity and technicality that goes into stop motion cinematography.
Dave Alex Riddett BSC and David Sproxton CBE talk to British Cinematographer about the iconic stop motion music video for Peter Gabriel’s ‘Sledgehammer’. Read about it here.
Dave Alex Riddett BSC talks to Shout Radio about his career as a stop motion cinematographer.
