Stop Motion Production
Frame-by-frame animation for your Chinese production.
Stop-motion animation brings puppets and objects to life by photographing them frame by frame, with tiny adjustments between exposures. China has a rich animation lineage stretching back to the Shanghai Animation Film Studio and its celebrated paper-cut and puppet films, with a modern industry centered on Beijing, Shanghai, and Hengdian feeding both domestic features and international co-productions.
We connect you with stop-motion specialists, fabricators, and the stage facilities needed for this demanding craft. Our team coordinates soundstages at Hengdian World Studios and Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, Dragonframe-equipped capture rigs, and experienced animators. Local partnership is required for foreign productions, which we handle through our established Chinese co-producer relationships.
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 China?
We offer all major stop motion techniques including puppet animation with armature-based characters, claymation, object animation, and mixed media. Chinese animators bring experience from a tradition that includes the country's historic puppet and paper-cut animation heritage.
Can you build puppets and sets locally?
Yes, we work with skilled Chinese fabricators who build professional stop motion puppets with metal armatures, silicone or foam bodies, and replacement faces. Set construction is available at Hengdian's 130+ stage complex and other major facilities.
Do we need a Chinese production partner for stop motion?
Foreign productions filming in China typically require a local production partner and China Film Administration approvals. We handle co-producer introductions, permits, and customs clearance for stop motion fabrication equipment and Dragonframe rigs.
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 Chinese facilities including Base FX, MPC Shanghai, and Light Chaser Animation—studios with established Hollywood co-production experience.
Planning Stop Motion?
Tell us about your animation project and we'll bring your vision to life frame by frame.