Research Background:

This short animated film explores the unique relationship between reflexivity and illusionism in stop motion animated films. Much appeal is derived from stop motion’s handmade qualities and imperfections that allude to its animation processes. However, this can be considered disruptive to illusionist efforts towards engagement and investment in characters and story. In an effort to capitalise on the appeal of reflexive stop motion aesthetics this project investigates: how might stop motion animation heighten its reflexive qualities whilst maintaining a convincing character-driven story?

Research Contribution:

Reflexivity is evident across animation history at the level of aesthetics and narrative. Previous examples employ reflexive features for comedic value at the expense of story; alternatively, meta-narratives in animation address story elements without fully exploiting stop motion’s inherent reflexivity. This project demonstrates that there is scope to leverage stop motion’s reflexive elements, indeed for these elements to take centre stage, in narratives that celebrate the art and artifice of the stop motion technique.

Research Significance:

The significance of this research is demonstrated through its selection for Animation Dingle, a prominent Academy Award qualifying animation festival in Ireland. This film has been peer-reviewed via selection committee and subsequently judged by industry leader Peter Lord who awarded the film “Best Stop Motion” noting the film’s “immense flair and inventiveness”. The film has had continued success in acceptance for forthcoming major animation festivals, including competition selection for Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film, Animafest Zagreb, and Annecy International Animation Film Festival.