Cracking Animation: The Aardman Book of 3–D Animation

This is the new, expanded and definitive edition of Cracking Animation, the smash hit guide to the history and processes behind stop-motion animation. It invites you to marvel at the multi-Oscar-winning artistry, inventiveness and distinctive warmth of Aardman Animations’ masterpieces – including Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep. Immerse yourself in the following never-before-seen material:

• ‘The Aardman Showcase’: a brand new chapter offering exclusive interviews with the producer and director of Aardman’s latest blockbuster, Shaun the Sheep the Movie

• ‘Making a Film’: a special segment giving you unprecedented behind-the-scenes insight into the making of The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!

• A revised chapter on CGI technology that explores and celebrates the very latest, up-to-the-minute developments in the field

Chapters 1–5 are an indispensable history and introduction to stop-motion animation. Chapter 6 is updated to include the very latest developments in CGI technology and its involvement in this animation technique. Finally, the book includes two new chapters: Chapter 7 looks in depth at the development and teamwork involved in a major animated film or television production, using The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! as an exemplar, and Chapter 8 presents exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Aardman’s most recent feature film: Shaun the Sheep the Movie.

Cracking Animation is an indispensible guide to the process of 3-D animation. It is packed with practical, fully illustrated and step-by-step descriptions of all the elements involved. This is quite simply the best publication on stop-motion animation – not only cracking good fun for fans of Aardman, but also a must-read for anyone with an interest in animated film.

Peter Lord is the founder of Aardman Animations. Brian Sibley is the author of many books, concerned mainly with animation and with writers, including Shadowlands and The Disney Studio Story.