The 2025 Oscars once again shone a spotlight on stop motion, proving that this technique still holds its place among the greatest works of animation. With Mémoires d’un escargot, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and Wander to Wonder, this handcrafted art form continues to captivate audiences and shine on the international stage. But why does stop motion fascinate so much? What are its secrets? And most importantly, how can one learn to master it? MoPA has the answer: starting in September 2025, the school is launching a new program dedicated to stop motion!
A puppet, a camera, hours of patience, and a touch of magic: that’s stop motion. From The Nightmare Before Christmas to Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, this frame-by-frame animation technique fascinates with its realism and craftsmanship. Today, it is more alive than ever and has made a strong impression at the 2025 Oscars, with films like Mémoires d’un escargot and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. At a time when stop motion programs are rare, MoPA is now offering a dedicated course, paving the way for future passionate animators.
What is stop motion?
Stop motion, or frame-by-frame animation, is one of the oldest animation techniques. Popularized in the early days of cinema, it involves photographing real objects frame by frame, moving them slightly between each shot. Once compiled, these images create the illusion of movement.
Although digital animation dominates the industry today, stop motion remains relevant, standing out with its handcrafted and tangible feel—a unique aesthetic that CGI cannot replicate. Studios like Laika (Coraline, Kubo), Aardman (Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep), and directors such as Guillermo del Toro and Wes Anderson continue to prove that this technique has plenty to offer.
Cult films that shaped stop motion animation
Stop motion isn’t just for niche films or technical enthusiasts—it has given rise to cinema classics and continues to win major festival awards, including the Oscars!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – A gothic tale that became a cult favorite, directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton.
Coraline (2009) – A masterpiece from Laika Studios, pioneering the use of 3D printing for character facial expressions.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) and Isle of Dogs (2018) – Two Wes Anderson films where meticulous detail and precise staging elevate stop motion animation.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022) – A stunning reimagining that won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2023.
The 2025 Oscars once again celebrated stop motion, with several films recognized in the Best Animated Feature and Best Animated Short categories:
Memoir of a Snail – This Australian film tells an intimate and delicately crafted story. Through meticulous animation, it portrays deeply moving characters.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl – The iconic British duo returns in a colorful adventure. Blending absurd humor with ingenious staging, this new installment reminds us why Wallace and Gromit have been stop motion legends for over 30 years.
Wander to Wonder – This short film uses poetic visuals to explore the theme of grief with sensitivity and artistry.
Beautiful Men – A bold film with a unique aesthetic and powerful storytelling, standing out in this year’s selection.
These nominations and awards prove that stop motion is more vibrant than ever. Far from being a thing of the past, it continues to make waves in major film events.
Why does stop motion remain so appealing?
The magic of stop motion lies in its unique aesthetic. Every set and puppet is handcrafted, giving it an authenticity that digital animation simply can’t replicate. Unlike ultra-smooth CGI, everything in stop motion has texture—you can feel the craftsmanship behind each frame, making these films even more captivating.
It is also an extremely meticulous technique. A single second of animation requires 12 to 24 frames, meaning stop motion films are long-term projects where every movement is carefully planned.
However, stop motion is far from outdated—it constantly evolves with new technologies. Studios like Laika now use 3D printing to create thousands of interchangeable facial expressions, making animations smoother than ever.
Video games have also embraced stop motion. Titles like The Neverhood, Harold Halibut, and upcoming 2025 releases South of Midnight and The Midnight Walk use this technique to offer a fresh and immersive gameplay experience.
Stop motion is also making an impact in advertising. In February 2025, the Humane World for Animals association released a moving stop motion campaign, directed by Johnny Kelly and Nexus Studios, featuring singer Sia.
This 30-second film tells five emotional stories of animals in distress, using poetic visuals to raise awareness about animal welfare.
Further proof of the ongoing enthusiasm for stop motion, the Clos Lucé in Amboise (France) is showcasing the art form with an exhibition dedicated to Léo, la fabuleuse histoire de Léonard de Vinci.
Following its 2024 success, this stop motion film, directed by Jim Capobianco (screenwriter of The Lion King and Ratatouille), is revealing its creative process in an immersive exhibition open until May 11, 2025.
Visitors can explore each stage of the production, from early sketches to post-production, and gain insight into the technical and artistic challenges of stop motion filmmaking.
MoPA’s stop motion program
Recognizing the importance and potential of stop motion, MoPA is launching a dedicated program in September 2025. This three-year course aims to train professionals in every aspect of stop motion filmmaking, from concept to post-production. The curriculum blends artistic and technical fundamentals, emphasizing project-based learning and teamwork.
Students will begin by crafting their own characters and sets, experimenting with various materials and sculpting techniques. Every detail matters—puppets must be both expressive and durable enough to withstand hundreds of movements without damage.
Next comes the animation phase, where students will learn to capture realistic movements, control scene pacing, and bring characters to life frame by frame. To enhance their work, the program also includes digital tools such as 3D printing for complex parts and digital compositing for refining animations in post-production.
But stop motion isn’t just about animation—on-set work is crucial. Lighting, framing, and cinematography add depth to the sets and characters, set the atmosphere, and enhance the visual impact of the film.
Throughout the program, students will create their own short films, exploring different techniques and receiving guidance from industry professionals. This hands-on experience will prepare them for real-world production conditions and help them build a strong portfolio for top studios.
With this training, graduates will have a variety of career paths available, from stop motion animator and character designer to set decorator, director, or art director.
Avec l’ouverture de la filière Stop Motion, l’école MoPA devient une référence pour ceux qui rêvent de faire du stop motion leur métier.
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