'He goes to the dark side': behind the scenes on the Shaun the Sheep horror movie
Aardman’s hero is back in The Beast of Mossy Bottom – a terrifying tale of frankenfood, pitchfork-wielding villagers and a monster with suspiciously stiff orange hair. Our writer meets its makers and moulds her very own Shaun
TL;DR
- Aardman Animations is halfway through production on "Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom," a stop-motion film.
- The production involves 30 animators creating nearly two seconds of footage daily across 40 sets.
- The film features a new character, a female vet, and incorporates repurposed everyday objects in puppet design.
- The titular "beast" has stiff orange hair, contrasting with Wes Anderson's more fluid stop-motion style.
- "Mossy Bottom" draws inspiration from horror films like "Psycho," "Nosferatu," and "The Shining," but with softened scares for a family audience.
- Shaun the Sheep's lack of dialogue contributes to its broad appeal, with its TV show sold to over 170 territories.
- The film touches on contemporary issues, including genetic modification, isolation, and the rise of populism, with a mob scene mirroring current political climates.
- Aardman, founded in 1976, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with significant success, including multiple Oscars and Baftas.
- New installations and retrospectives highlight Aardman's enduring cultural impact and soft power.
- The production strives for modern inclusivity, featuring a gay wedding and a diverse cast of characters.
- Themes of "main character syndrome" and the dangers of not relying on community are explored, with potential parallels to contemporary leadership.
- The film's mob scene, inspired by horror tropes, reflects an awareness of contemporary misunderstandings and group mentality.
- The studio environment is described as a dedicated, almost cult-like atmosphere, contrasting with more corporate animation studios.