Guillermo del Toro & Paris Film School Partner with Netflix to Create Stop-Motion Studio

Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed filmmaker, is teaming up with the GOBELINS Paris school and Netflix to establish a cutting-edge stop-motion animation studio. This unique venture aims to serve as both a training center and a hub for innovative research and experimentation.

During a recent conversation with reporters at the GOBELINS film school in Paris, del Toro highlighted the rarity of stop-motion animation, explaining that many prominent figures in the field are over 50 years old. He described stop-motion as a traditional yet dwindling art form, noting the scarcity of artists actively working in this specialized area. Del Toro emphasized the enduring appeal of stop-motion, characterizing it as a niche art form upheld by passionate and dedicated individuals.

The filmmaker underscored the significance of stop-motion as an art form that remains impervious to artificial intelligence, which he believes sets it apart and enhances its value. In an era where AI can influence various animation techniques, stop-motion stands out as a uniquely human-driven form of artistic expression.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos echoed del Toro’s sentiments, praising the “human touch” that defines stop-motion animation. Sarandos emphasized that stop-motion encompasses multiple aspects of filmmaking, including costume and set design, lighting, and camera work. He commended the holistic nature of stop-motion as a comprehensive form of storytelling that engages multiple creative disciplines.

Del Toro’s upcoming projects with Netflix include a stop-motion adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel “The Buried Giant,” as well as the highly anticipated movie “Frankenstein,” based on Mary Shelley’s classic novel. Starring a talented cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Felix Kammerer, “Frankenstein” is set for a limited theatrical release in October before debuting globally on Netflix in November.

This new stop-motion animation studio represents a tribute to the legacy of the late Mark Gustafson, a key figure in the world of animation. As del Toro and Netflix continue to collaborate on innovative projects, their shared commitment to storytelling and creativity shines through in their upcoming endeavors.