Source: Dan Nessel
On August 19th, 2016, Laika Studios will release their latest stop motion animation film - Kubo and The Two Strings. Here are two previews -
Impressed? Wait Until You See How This Film Was Made
You probably watched those clips and thought, "Cool, looks like a fun 3D animated film." Well, that is basically what I thought until Laika invited me out to their studios to see how they make their films.
While some computer animation is used in Kubo and The Two Strings, all the main characters are actual puppets, on actual stages, being painstakingly moved at 24 frames per second.
You really can't appreciate the work that goes into making a movie like Kubo, until you have done a tour of the Laika set and learned about the process.
I am going to assume you don't have time right now to head out to Portland and tour Laika, so let me offer up the next best thing...
Please watch these videos about our Laika Set Tour and the making of Kubo and The Two Strings -
Imagine if It Took You 1 Week to Get 4 Seconds of Work Done
During the tour we learned that it takes an animator about 1 week of work to get 4 seconds of animation done. Wow.
Source: Dan Nessel
I also have a new career goal, to become a Face Librarian. What? It is not such a unique job. Laika employs 4 full time Face Librarians to keep track of all the 3D printed face parts, that are used to make over 48 million facial expressions.
Having Said All That, This Is What Laika Specializes In...
The technology that Laika Studio uses is truly impressive. They consume more resin for 3D printers than any other company in the world. They make incredibly elaborate sets, props costumes and rigs.
While all that technology is striking, what impressed me most on my tour at Laika was their passion. They have a passion and desire to tell stories and create human relationships.
In the end, while watching Kubo, the technology, puppets, costumes and elaborate rigs all disappear and you are left with a touching human story about a boy and his Mom...and that is the true magic that Laika specializes in.
More Information:
Visit the Kubo and The Two Strings Site