Aardman’s Nick Park on AI: Keeping Claymation’s Heart Alive
Aardman’s Nick Park shares how the studio plans to tread carefully with AI, aiming to speed up animation without losing the unique charm of their claymation classics.
Nick Park, the creative force behind Aardman, has opened up about how the iconic animation studio is approaching the rise of artificial intelligence. Known for their hands-on claymation style, Aardman’s team is weighing up how to use new tech without letting go of what makes their work special.
Park reflected on the early days of computer animation, recalling,
“When Toy Story came out [in 1995], we thought, ‘How long have we got?’ But we’ve managed to survive CGI,”
he said. Over time, he’s noticed a renewed interest in the studio’s signature stop-motion approach. While Aardman has dabbled in computer graphics, Park sees AI as a different kettle of fish altogether.
Balancing Progress and Tradition
There’s no denying that the arrival of AI has some folks in the industry worried about their jobs. Park acknowledged these concerns, saying,
“Obviously a lot of people will be fearing for their jobs. We want to embrace the technology and find in what ways it’s going to be useful to us, maybe to do animation a bit quicker, but we’re going to be very cautious not to lose our values. The clay is our USP and we pride ourselves in that. Authenticity is the most important thing. It’s where the charm is.”
For Aardman, the tactile feel of clay and the quirks of stop-motion are at the core of their identity. Park is keen to make sure that, even as they experiment with AI, the studio’s unique personality doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
New Films, New Tech
The studio’s recent projects show they’re not shy about trying new things. Their latest film, Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, hit screens in late 2024, bringing back the beloved inventor and his loyal dog for another round with an old nemesis. The film, along with the 2023 Chicken Run sequel Dawn of the Nugget, both landed on Netflix, marking a shift in how Aardman’s work reaches punters.
Looking ahead, Aardman’s next big release is Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, set to arrive in cinemas in 2026. The studio’s willingness to partner with streaming platforms and explore new tech shows they’re not stuck in the past, even as they hold tight to their roots.
Staying True to the Craft
For Park and his team, the challenge is finding the sweet spot between innovation and tradition. They’re open to using AI to speed up some parts of the process, but not at the expense of the handmade charm that’s won them fans around the world. The clay, the fingerprints, the little imperfections – that’s what sets Aardman apart, and Park is determined not to let technology smooth those edges away.