Business Details
Stop Motion Animation Production Experts in Altrincham
Established over three decades ago, our studio has earned a global reputation for crafting iconic animated characters that captivate audiences across television, feature films, and commercials. Our expertise spans the entire production lifecycle, from initial concept development to final delivery, with a dedicated team offering tailored solutions for stop motion and 2D digital animation projects. With BAFTA-nominated producers and award-winning technical innovators, we combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to bring creative visions to life. Our portfolio includes beloved children's series like Twirlywoos and Moon and Me, alongside acclaimed films such as Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio and Fantastic Mr Fox. Our artisans specialise in intricate puppet creation, employing techniques refined over decades while pioneering new methods like internally lit puppetry.Collaborating with industry legends including Tim Burton and Wes Anderson, we maintain rigorous quality standards while adapting to evolving creative demands. Client-centric project management ensures seamless execution within specified timelines and budgets. Recognised for technical excellence, our work has been showcased at prestigious institutions like New York's Museum of Modern Art. Through continuous investment in R&D, we remain at the forefront of animation innovation while preserving the artisanal skills that define our craft. This enduring commitment to quality has made us a trusted partner for broadcasters, production companies, and creative visionaries worldwide.
Services
Stop Motion Animation
2D Digital Animation
Character Design
Puppet Creation
Production Management
Highlights and features
- 30+ years creating award-winning animation for global broadcasters and film studios
- Full-service production from concept development to final delivery
- BAFTA-nominated producers with extensive industry experience
- Pioneers in innovative puppetry techniques including internally lit characters
- Proven track record collaborating with renowned directors like Tim Burton
What people say
Beautiful work
Raised it to a new level
Sensitive and textural
Believe they are alive
Services
Stop Motion Animation
Specialist stop motion production combining traditional techniques with modern technology. Our team creates fluid character animation for television series, feature films and commercials. With dedicated studios and experienced animators, we deliver high-quality content that brings stories to life through tactile, physical characters.
2D Digital Animation
Comprehensive 2D animation services for children's programming and broadcast content. Our digital team produces vibrant, engaging sequences that complement live-action elements. Using industry-standard software, we create dynamic visuals while maintaining creative consistency across production formats.
Character Design
Full character development from concept sketches to final prototypes. Our designers collaborate with creators to translate ideas into screen-ready characters. This includes maquette creation, material selection, and technical specifications for both stop motion and digital applications.
Puppet Creation
Crafting detailed puppets with articulated armatures and textured surfaces. Our workshop specialises in fur application, facial replacement systems, and innovative lighting solutions. Each puppet is engineered for durability and expressive performance during animation.
Production Management
End-to-end production coordination including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation. Our producers manage talent acquisition, studio operations, and post-production workflows. This comprehensive service ensures creative vision aligns with practical execution across all project phases.
People
Ian Mackinnon
Co-Founder
With over 30 years in animation, Ian has pioneered character design techniques used in internationally acclaimed productions. His expertise in puppet engineering and production management has shaped the studio's creative direction since its inception.
Peter Saunders
Co-Founder
A leading figure in stop motion animation, Peter has overseen technical innovation at the studio for three decades. His contributions to puppet fabrication and production workflows have established industry benchmarks in character animation quality.
Chris Bowden
Producer
With 300+ children's TV episodes produced, Chris specialises in preschool programming. His credits include Postman Pat and Roary the Racing Car. He manages project development, scriptwriting, and production scheduling for major broadcasting clients.
Glenn Holberton
Animation Producer
BAFTA-nominated producer with extensive experience in puppetry and film production. Glenn has worked with major studios including BBC, Channel 4, and Universal. His film credits have received international festival recognition, including Oscar nominations.
Ainslie Henderson
Director
Award-winning director known for the short film Archie, which won Best of the Fest at Chicago International Children's Film Festival. Specialises in stop motion storytelling with a focus on emotional character expression and tactile visual styles.
Questions
What animation techniques do you specialise in?
We specialise in stop motion and 2D digital animation, with particular expertise in character-driven storytelling for both television and feature films.
How long has the studio been operating?
Our team has over 30 years' experience creating award-winning animation content, with the studio established in the early 1990s by Ian Mackinnon and Peter Saunders.
Can you handle full production projects?
Yes, we offer complete production management services from concept development through to final delivery, including scheduling, budgeting and talent coordination.
What notable projects have you worked on?
Our portfolio includes Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Fantastic Mr Fox, Moon and Me, and children's series like Twirlywoos and Postman Pat.
Do you create custom puppet designs?
Yes, our workshop specialises in bespoke puppet creation with articulated armatures, including innovative techniques like internally lit characters for enhanced visual effects.
