SCENE 01 / STOP MOTION
Stop Motion Production
Frame-by-frame animation for your Canadian production.
Stop-motion animation brings puppets and objects to life by photographing them frame by frame, with tiny adjustments between exposures. Canada has a world-class animation heritage anchored by the National Film Board tradition and feature studios such as Pinewood Toronto, with Vancouver and Montreal recognized as global VFX and animation hubs supported by Telefilm Canada.
We connect you with stop-motion specialists, fabricators, and the stage facilities needed for this demanding craft. Our team coordinates soundstages in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, Dragonframe-equipped capture rigs, and experienced animators. Qualifying productions can access the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) and provincial incentives.
Capabilities
Stop Motion Services
Complete stop motion animation from concept to final delivery.
01
Animation Types
- Puppet animation
- Claymation
- Object animation
- Cut-out animation
- Mixed media
All Techniques
02
Production
- Set construction
- Puppet fabrication
- Rigging systems
- Motion control
- Capture software
Full Service
03
Technical
- Dragonframe capture
- Consistent lighting
- Focus control
- Camera motion
- Miniature effects
Expert Setup
04
Creative
- Character design
- Set design
- Storyboarding
- Animation direction
- Post-production
End-to-End
Handcrafted Animation
Capabilities
Our Process
Pre-Production
Storyboarding, character design, and planning the technical approach for your animation.
Fabrication
Building puppets, sets, and props with the craftsmanship stop motion requires.
Animation
Frame-by-frame capture with professional animators bringing characters to life.
Post-Production
Compositing, rig removal, color grading, and sound design for the final piece.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What stop motion techniques do you offer in Canada?
We offer all major stop motion techniques including puppet animation with armature-based characters, claymation, object animation, and mixed media. Canadian animators draw on decades of craft heritage from the NFB and feature animation tradition.
Can you build puppets and sets locally?
Yes, we work with skilled Canadian fabricators in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal who build professional stop motion puppets with metal armatures, silicone or foam bodies, and replacement faces. Sets are built at local studio stages to broadcast and theatrical standards.
How does the Canadian tax credit work for stop motion?
Qualifying productions can access the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) of up to 25% on eligible labour, plus provincial incentives from Ontario Creates, Creative BC, SODEC Quebec, or Alberta—often combinable for significant savings on animation spend.
How long does stop motion production take?
Stop motion is time-intensive—typically 1-5 seconds of finished animation per day depending on complexity. A 30-second commercial might take several weeks of animation, plus pre-production and post.
Can you do motion control for stop motion?
Yes, we can integrate motion control rigs for camera movement, allowing smooth dollies, pans, and crane moves while maintaining frame-by-frame animation. This creates dynamic shots impossible with static cameras.
What about post-production for stop motion?
Post-production includes rig removal, compositing, and color grading at Canadian facilities including Company 3 Toronto, Deluxe Vancouver, and Vision Globale in Montreal—Oscar-winning post houses with extensive animation experience.
Related Services
Productions in Canada that need this often pair it with Underwater Lighting, Live Streaming, and Helicopter Filming for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Time-lapse & Hyperlapse and Gaffer & Lighting Services.
On Set
Planning Stop Motion?
Tell us about your animation project and we'll bring your vision to life frame by frame.