Stop-Motion in the Age of AI: Art or Automation?
Stop-motion animation is a painstaking craft, created frame by frame using real materials, puppets, and sets. But with AI rapidly advancing, could it eventually replicate the look of stop-motion without the hands-on artistry? While AI-generated animation might mimic the style, many argue it lacks the depth, authenticity, and emotional connection that comes from human craftsmanship.
Jack McGrath, Lecturer in Animation at the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences at The University of Newcastle, joined us to discuss the unique charm of stop-motion, the challenges of maintaining its artistry in a digital world, and whether AI could ever truly replace the handcrafted magic of this timeless medium. As technology pushes animation in new directions, the question remains—will audiences continue to value the real over the artificial?
Article on The Conversation: A century in motion: how stop-motion films went from obscure ‘creature features’ to winning Oscars
Photo: Guillermo del Toro won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film with Pinocchio. Netflix
