Aardman

Founded in 1972 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, Aardman is a Bristol-based British animation studio and independent entertainment producer. Its early work included the BBC character Morph, and the studio became closely associated with tactile, stop-frame model animation while expanding into CGI and 2D production.

Aardman develops and produces feature films, television series, specials, short-form work, advertising and interactive content. Its work spans story development, scriptwriting, voice recording, model and puppet making, physical set construction, animation, CG rendering, compositing, sound and mastering. The company also creates branded content, attractions and live experiences, and manages the distribution and licensing of original and third-party intellectual property.

Screen work

Its catalogue includes Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Flushed Away, Arthur Christmas, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!, Shaun the Sheep Movie, Early Man, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.

Television and short-form credits include Morph, A Grand Day Out, Creature Comforts, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave, Rex the Runt, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy Time, Robin Robin and Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 episode “I Am Your Mother”.

Capabilities

• Stop-motion and clay animation, including character development, armatures, puppets, miniature sets and stop-frame model making
• CGI, 3D and 2D animation, visual effects and compositing
• Commercial production, digital campaigns and sponsored short-form content
• Interactive and immersive work across games, VR/AR, exhibitions and themed experiences
• Professional stop-motion and animation craft training through Aardman Academy

In 2018, the company transferred 75% of its shares to an Employee Ownership Trust, a structure intended to support its creative independence and long-term roots in Bristol.