Claymation

Claymation is a form of stop-motion animation in which characters and scenes are sculpted from clay or other malleable materials and photographed frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. The term is commonly used to describe productions that rely on clay figures, and it is considered a subset of stop-motion animation.

Production involves building figures on internal armatures for support, applying clay exterior, and constructing miniature sets. The animator moves the figures in small increments between exposures, often adjusting facial features, fingers, and props to convey motion and expression. Lighting is kept consistent to maintain continuity, and each new frame requires careful reformation of the clay to preserve the illusion of constancy.

Common materials include Plasticine, oil-based plastilina or polymer clays, chosen for their pliability and resistance to cracking. Armatures provide a skeleton for poseability. Some productions use silicone or fabric for skin tones or clothing. After filming, minor touch-ups may be made with still images or digital restoration to smooth transitions.

History and impact: Claymation rose to prominence in the late 20th century. In the United States, Will Vinton Studios popularized the term "claymation" and produced notable works such as The Adventures of Mark Twain (1985) and several California Raisins productions. In the United Kingdom, Aardman Animations developed highly influential clay-based films, including Creature Comforts (1989) and the Wallace and Gromit shorts beginning in the 1990s. The method influenced later stop-motion features produced by studios such as Laika.

Today claymation remains a distinct, labor-intensive form of animation. It is often combined with digital techniques for post-production, but its tactile aesthetic continues to be valued for its tangible texture and expressive character work.