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WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF LAIKA

In the realm of animation, a world of wonder unfolds, where imagination knows no bounds and storytelling emerges with meticulous precision. From a young age, Laika and the whimsical domains of stop motion have captivated audiences, as armatured animated characters spring to life through a choreography of diligent movement and emotion, igniting a passion that still endures.

Founded in 2005 in Portland Oregon, LAIKA Studios for the past 15 years has delighted audiences on a global scale with its masterful stop-motion animated features as the five films under their belt all represent the highest levels of quality, earning a reputation for blending innovative narratives with intricate craftsmanship and technology.

This celebration of artistry is at the forefront of the British Film Institute’s latest exhibition, LAIKA: Frame x Frame. which opened its doors on August 12th and running until October 1st at BFI Southbank, this exhibition is part of the broader Stop Motion: Celebrating Handmade Animation on the Big Screen season. LAIKA invites audiences to explore the heart and soul of their creations through Frame x Frame. This free exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the artistic precision and innovative techniques that bring these beloved films to life through an unparalleled level of detail in the physical puppets, intricately crafted sets, costumes and awe-inspiring props. With over 700 artefacts on display, this narrative-enriched immersive experience evokes the very best of this medium and allows the viewer to explore the sophisticated artistry behind one of the most celebrated and dedicated studios in stop-motion animation.

CRAFTING A DREAM

As Director Henry Selick aptly articulated, “What stop motion does best is present real objects magically brought to life in a very imperfect situation; the hand of the artist is there, the electricity of someone touching, massaging and torturing themselves to get life out of an inanimate object.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of the LAIKA: FRAME x FRAME exhibition, an intimate exploration of the artistry and dedication that defines LAIKA and its beloved films.

Dan Pascall, LAIKA’s Senior Manager of Event and Production Marketing, shared insights during his opening speech into the exhibition’s inception: “When we first started to develop this exhibition, knowing that we were going to be partnering with the BFI, it was clear that we needed to delve deeply into our artistic processes. Our goal was not only to showcase hero puppets and key sets but also to highlight the design and development phases behind each project. This was an opportunity to reveal aspects that previous exhibitions often overlook, offering a rare glimpse behind the camera into the many different departments that collaborate to bring our stories to life.” The title Frame x Frame emerged from this vision, serving as a guiding theme for the exhibition.

Each film receives dedicated attention as visitors traverse distinct titled areas focusing on different aspects of the animation process each diving into the unique tapestry of artistry and collaboration necessary to create the studio’s celebrated films. In the section dedicated to Coraline: It Takes a Village, attendees can witness the collaborative spirit that unites different departments, underscoring the community effort required to bring a Laika feature to life. Transitioning to ParaNorman: Bringing to Life, highlighting the complexity of puppet construction, elaborating on the specialized roles within the puppet department, such as hair detailing, costume design, silicone casting, and sculpting, each integral to creating characters that resonate with audiences. Moving on to The Boxtrolls: Engineering Magic, visitors will be enchanted by the originality embedded in prop development, with each handmade item reflecting the meticulous design and replication processes uniquely employed by Laika, where no off-the-shelf solutions suffice. The exhibit then leads to Kubo and the Two Strings: Expanding Worlds, which showcases how visual effects seamlessly enhance the stop-motion technique, revealing the tools and techniques that the VFX and camera departments employ to amplify the film’s whimsical wonder. Finally, Missing Link: Setting the Stage investigates animation as performance, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic rigging designs that facilitate animators’ movements, allowing them to navigate the intricacies of their crafted sets comfortably. Each segment of the exhibition not only reveals the technological and artistic innovations behind Laika’s films but also tells a unified story of passion, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines this renowned animation studio.

MADE BY HUMAN HANDS

As visitors explore the exhibition, they will encounter a single frame dedicated to each film within each of the five sections, amplified by a constellation of supporting artefacts. The layout enhances the understanding of what it takes to breathe life into a single shot which is just one 24th of a second, with displays featuring illustrated concept art, character designs, storyboards, costumes, puppets, props, sets, and innovative digital content. This collection not only highlights the extraordinary attention to detail that LAIKA is known for but also captures the boundless creativity of the studio. The wonder of this medium lies in the beauty of such tiny details, the delicate features and small elements meticulously designed in miniature, are waiting to be discovered, these intricacies breathe life into the enchanting worlds we see on screen, from lights that are hand-wired to turn on, banners that sway in the breeze, hands and other appendages, to the 881 individual 3D-printed parts that made-up the Moon Beast,  the devil is truly in the details. This innovative approach has allowed LAIKA to unearth previously unseen materials from their extensive archives, enriching the experience. Pascall further elaborated on the logistical challenges of transforming their expansive Portland studio—spanning 300,000 square feet—into a compact yet immersive 3,500-square-foot space in London, emphasizing the meticulous planning behind the exhibit.

BUILDING A VISUAL IDENTITY

The exhibition is exquisitely well-lit and laid out, the design fosters a sense of enchantment, with curious cabinets and drawers filled with wonders of 2D and 3D elements such as textiles and 59 unique pieces that make up one character’s face as it takes over 150,000 frames to make each film, along with interactive screens that showcase some behind-the-scenes material to elevate the experience. The sheer volume of display items astounds, serving as a testament to the labour and love woven into every frame. After all, it takes a community of creators to make magic.

For Laika, All Roads started with Coraline, it’s their cornerstone movie after all, celebrating 15 years with a 3D remaster which just had its premiere at the BFI Southbank so that is exactly why we start this experience with a stunning recreation of Coraline’s Other Garden. As you step into this life-sized replica alive with a kaleidoscope of wondrous flora and fauna, you feel an immediate connection to the film’s protagonist, enveloped by her whimsical fantastical world. It is a captivating introduction that invites visitors to engage with the exhibit intimately, capturing personal moments against the vibrant backdrop of Coraline’s story. This immersive setting sets the tone for the exhibition, highlighting Laika’s dedication to creating relatable and fantastical realms. The exhibition concludes with a sneak peek into their 6th upcoming featured, Wildwood. Here, visitors are treated to a custom animated introduction and behind-the-scenes content, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what Laika has in store for the future.

The exhibition serves as a testament to the labour-intensive nature of this art form and highlights the profound level of patience, vision, and sheer artistry involved in crafting compelling stop-motion narratives. As visitors weave through the meticulously curated displays, they are invited to witness firsthand the transformative journey of Laika’s beloved characters, each brought to life through a careful orchestration of artistry and technology.  Laika Frame x Frame is not merely an exploration of animation; it is an odyssey into the heart of storytelling itself, celebrating the harmonious interplay between imagination and craftsmanship that continues to inspire generations.

CELEBRATING STOP-MOTION’S LEGACY AND RELEVANCE

The Laika: Frame x Frame exhibition is not merely a retrospective; it is a celebration of the craft that has forged Laika’s identity and a nod to the significant role that stop motion plays in the broader cinematic landscape. In an era when animation continues to evolve, Laika’s meticulous, frame-by-frame storytelling operates as a reminder of the patience, vision, and artistry entailed in creating these masterpieces. As we appreciate these films, we also recognize their ability to resonate with audiences of all ages—reminding us that animation is not just for children but an art form capable of probing profound themes and emotions. With the BFI’s commitment to showcasing animation as an essential part of cinematic discourse, this exhibition serves as a vital cultural opportunity, inviting both seasoned fans and newcomers to embrace the magic of stop-motion enriching our understanding of the artistry and dedication behind these beloved films as every frame tells a story waiting to be discovered. 

If you must blink, do it now…

You need to book your free tickets in advance – from here.