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Animators of Mexico's inaugural stop-motion feature inaugurate Guillermo del Toro as akin to Gandalf, hailing his influence

Movie icon enhances enchantment in I Am Frankelda production

Animator team proclaims Guillermo del Toro akin to Gandalf, the renowned wizard, in relation to...
Animator team proclaims Guillermo del Toro akin to Gandalf, the renowned wizard, in relation to Mexico's inaugural stop-motion film endeavor.

Animators of Mexico's inaugural stop-motion feature inaugurate Guillermo del Toro as akin to Gandalf, hailing his influence

In a world where algorithms dominate, a unique stop-motion animated series is making waves. "I Am Frankelda," a labour of love created by Mexican brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz, is a testament to the resurgence of stop-motion animation and a departure from the digital age.

The series, which is based on the earlier series "Frankelda's Book of Spooks," has caught the attention of renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who has lent his support to the project. Del Toro, known for his Oscar-winning films like Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, The Shape of Water, and Pinocchio, has referred to the team behind "I Am Frankelda" as "hobbits," expressing his admiration for their tireless work and deep reverence for craft.

"I Am Frankelda" is a dark fantasy tale that follows a girl who becomes a ghost and is charged with writing humanity's darkest nightmares in a world of monsters. The design work in the series is a triumph of lo-fi artistry, influenced by Gustave Doré's haunting Divine Comedy illustrations.

The production of "I Am Frankelda" was done without production supervisors, with everyone involved pitching in. Animators doubled as model makers, story artists became editors, and each scene carried the fingerprints of the people behind it. Arturo Ambriz, one of the creators, stated that stop-motion animation is about the process, not just the results.

While "I Am Frankelda" is turning heads, it might not be considered one of the best stop-motion animation movies. However, it contributes to the diversity of stop-motion animation offerings today, offering a unique approach and style that sets it apart.

For those interested in exploring the top stop-motion animated films, some recommendations include "Coraline," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Kubo and the Two Strings," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Chicken Run," and "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On." These films, celebrated for their artistry and storytelling, represent a great mix of classics, modern masterpieces, and critically acclaimed works that highlight the evolution and artistry of stop-motion animation.

References: [1] IMDb (2021). Coraline. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407779/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023]. [2] IMDb (2021). The Nightmare Before Christmas. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112383/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023]. [3] IMDb (2021). Kubo and the Two Strings. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2648498/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023]. [4] IMDb (2021). Fantastic Mr. Fox. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0883726/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023]. [5] IMDb (2021). Chicken Run. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120683/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023]. [6] IMDb (2021). Marcel the Shell With Shoes On. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11955934/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

  1. The design work in "I Am Frankelda" is a triumph of lo-fi artistry, influenced by Gustave Dore's haunting Divine Comedy illustrations, showcasing the artistic creativity involved.
  2. Arturo Ambriz, one of the creators, stated that stop-motion animation is about the process, not just the results, emphasizing the importance of the creative journey.
  3. Art, whether in the form of logo design, illustration, or 3D modeling, plays a significant role in bringing the unique layout and color schemes to life in "I Am Frankelda."
  4. The collaboration within the team of "I Am Frankelda" is evident through the different roles each member took on, from animators to model makers, editors, and story artists.
  5. Guillermo del Toro, known for his work in movies-and-tv within the entertainment industry, lends his support to "I Am Frankelda" and refers to the team as "hobbits," demonstrating his admiration for their dedication and craft.
  6. For those interested in exploring various styles of stop-motion animation, recommended films include "Coraline," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Kubo and the Two Strings," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Chicken Run," and "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On," which offer a mix of classics, modern masterpieces, and critically acclaimed works.
  7. "I Am Frankelda" might not shine as brightly as some other stop-motion animation movies, but it adds to the diversity of the genre by offering a unique approach and style that sets it apart.

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