British animation studio Aardman marks its 50th anniversary with a new “spook-tacular” Shaun the Sheep film, featuring clay-model characters made using stop-motion techniques. The new release is presented as a continuation of the studio’s distinctive approach, including the visible craftsmanship of model-making and animation.
Multiple outlets note that the milestone reflects Aardman’s long-running production history and its founders’ origins. Aardman was founded in Bristol in 1976 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who attended school together and began making models as a hobby. The anniversary coverage also emphasizes the studio’s ability to sustain its style across decades, pairing familiar characters with seasonal or horror-themed storytelling in the new Shaun installment.
