LAIKA

LAIKA is an independent American stop-motion animation and filmmaking studio founded in 2005. The company combines handcrafted miniature production with digital tools, stereoscopic cinematography and hybrid visual-effects techniques to make feature films and develop television and live-action projects.

Its stop-motion pipeline encompasses character animation and fabrication, armature engineering, silicone casting, costume work, miniature sets, motion-control photography and post-production. LAIKA is particularly known for integrating rapid prototyping and colour 3D printing into facial replacement: modular printed components enable a wide range of character expressions while retaining the tactile qualities of physical puppets.

Feature filmmaking

LAIKA's released theatrical features include:

• Coraline (2009)
• ParaNorman (2012)
• The Boxtrolls (2014)
• Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
• Missing Link (2019)

Each of these first five released features received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Kubo and the Two Strings also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects and won the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film, while Missing Link won the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature.

The studio's upcoming stop-motion feature Wildwood, directed by Travis Knight and adapted from the novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, is scheduled for release in October 2026. LAIKA is also developing stop-motion adaptations of The Night Gardener and Piranesi.

Expanding the slate

In 2014, LAIKA spun off its commercial-animation branch, LAIKA/house, as the independent studio HouseSpecial, allowing LAIKA to concentrate on long-form storytelling. In early 2023, it established LAIKA Live Action to develop and produce live-action feature films and series. Its live-action slate includes Atmosphere, Audition, and the television series Exit Party.

LAIKA remains headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, where its production campus supports stop-motion stages, puppet fabrication, rapid prototyping, digital visual effects and business operations.