Aardman Animation Weighs AI Adoption While Defending Its Claymation Roots
Aardman’s Nick Park shares how the studio will approach AI, aiming to speed up animation without sacrificing the unique charm of its stop-motion claymation legacy.
Nick Park, the creative force behind Aardman Animations, has opened up about the studio’s approach to artificial intelligence. Known for its iconic stop-motion claymation, Aardman is considering how to integrate new technology without compromising what makes its work special.
Park reflected on the studio’s history of adapting to change.
“When Toy Story came out [in 1995], we thought, ‘How long have we got?’ But we’ve managed to survive CGI,”
he recalled. Over the years, interest in Aardman’s handcrafted animation has only grown. While the studio has incorporated computer-generated imagery into its projects, Park sees AI as a different kind of challenge.
Balancing Innovation and Tradition
Park acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with technological shifts.
“Obviously a lot of people will be fearing for their jobs. We want to embrace the technology and find in what ways it ’s going to be useful to us, maybe to do animation a bit quicker, but we’re going to be very cautious not to lose our values. The clay is our USP and we pride ourselves in that. Authenticity is the most important thing. It’s where the charm is.”
For Aardman, the tactile quality of clay and the authenticity of stop-motion are at the heart of its appeal. Park emphasized that while AI might help streamline some processes, the studio is determined to protect the unique character that has defined its films for decades.
Recent Releases and Future Projects
Aardman’s legacy includes beloved titles like Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and Flushed Away. The studio’s latest feature, Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, debuted in late 2024, bringing back the inventive duo for another adventure. The film, along with 2023’s Chicken Run sequel Dawn of the Nugget, marked a new chapter for Aardman as both were released through Netflix, signaling the studio’s willingness to embrace new distribution platforms.
Looking ahead, Aardman is preparing to release Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom in 2026. As the studio explores the possibilities of AI, it remains committed to the hands-on artistry that has made its stories resonate with audiences around the world.