Netflix, del Toro to Open Stop-Motion Animation Studio in France

Netflix and Guillermo del Toro Launch Stop-Motion Animation Studio in France

Netflix and acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro are teaming up to establish a pioneering stop-motion animation studio at the renowned Gobelins school in France. This collaboration aims to advance the art of stop-motion animation while fostering the next generation of animators. The studio will serve as a hub for innovation, education, and creative collaboration in the animation industry.

The new studio, located at Gobelins, will focus on pushing the boundaries of stop-motion craft. It will provide aspiring artists with a space to learn, experiment, and refine their skills. The project is inspired by the work of Mark Gustafson, whose contributions to animation have influenced del Toro's vision for the studio.

A Hub for Animation Excellence

Netflix has already established partnerships with leading animation studios in France, including Fortiche, known for its work on "Arcane," and Blue Spirit, the studio behind "Blue Eye Samurai." These collaborations underscore Netflix's commitment to supporting and elevating the animation industry in Europe.

Del Toro shared that the idea for the studio emerged from a conversation with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. When Sarandos asked del Toro about his bucket list, the director humorously replied that he would make Sarandos a millionaire if he supported his creative ventures. This exchange ultimately led to Netflix backing del Toro's long-awaited stop-motion adaptation of "Pinocchio," which took over 20 years to develop.

Future Projects and Creative Vision

In addition to "Pinocchio," del Toro and Netflix are working on a second stop-motion project based on Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "The Buried Giant." The new studio will integrate students and graduates from Gobelins into the production process, providing them with hands-on experience as apprentices.

Ted Sarandos highlighted the unique appeal of stop-motion animation, emphasizing its handcrafted nature and the human element that resonates with audiences. "Stop-motion encompasses all aspects of filmmaking, from costume and set design to the meticulous crafting of each frame," Sarandos noted. "It's a labor of love that truly connects with viewers."

Bridging Continents Through Creativity

Del Toro expressed his hope that the studio will forge connections between European and Latin American creators. He pointed out the lack of support for stop-motion animation in Mexico and stressed the importance of building bridges between these creative communities. By fostering collaboration across continents, the studio aims to enrich the global animation landscape.

Both del Toro and Sarandos agree that while technology plays a role in modern filmmaking, it should serve as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. "Technology can enhance storytelling, but it will never out-imagine the human mind," Sarandos said. Del Toro echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving the handmade essence of stop-motion animation.

Celebrating the World Premiere of "Frankenstein"

In a recent event, del Toro and Sarandos presented the world premiere of their stop-motion film "Frankenstein" at the Venice Film Festival. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, the $120 million film received a standing ovation and is expected to be a strong awards contender for Netflix. The film's success further underscores the potential of the new studio to produce groundbreaking animation projects.

The Netflix and Guillermo del Toro studio represents a significant milestone in the animation industry, blending creative vision with educational opportunities. As the studio continues to develop, it is poised to shape the future of stop-motion animation and inspire a new generation of artists.