• Aardman, an independent animation studio boasting numerous awards, has appointed Academy Award-nominated director Will Becher as Stop Motion Lead for the Aardman Academy.
• Known for co-directing “Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon,” Becher is currently serving as Supervising Animator on Aardman’s forthcoming film “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.”
Aardman Recruits Talent For Its Animation Farm
Wallace, Gromit, Shaun… and Now Will Becher
Dream Team in Motion: Aardman Academy’s New Shepherd
And here is Claymation nation’s latest scoop – Will Becher, known for giving life to sheep, not ones in a good night story, oh no, but Shaun the Sheep, has been rooted as the new Stop Motion Lead at Aardman Academy! It’s like LeBron James signing with the Lakers just with more clay and less dunk. The man who took Shaun from the farm to the big screen is now gearing up the Wallace & Gromit squad for some legit fowl play.
Stay tuned for more exciting adventures from Aardman. I tell ya, this studio is shaping up a dream team faster than you can say ‘cheese, Gromit!’. Now, let’s see if this flock of talents soars high or if the clay crumbles under the weight of expectation.
Top-tier independent animation studio Aardman today declared the onset of Oscar-nominated director Will Becher as the Stop Motion Lead at their prestigious training facility, Aardman Academy.
Will Becher: Emerging Leader at Aardman
Will Becher, the co-director of the Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon and serving Supervising Animator for Aardman’s forthcoming film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, has contributed significantly to various successful Aardman’s productions like Creature Comforts, Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit and many more.
The pioneering position of Stop Motion Lead entrusts Will with the responsibility of overseeing all teaching and developmental activities related to stop motion animation production – expanding Aardman Academy’s capacity to nurture both internal talents and external students. This demonstrates Aardman’s unyielding commitment to their globally recognized training facility. Will will commence from 1st August, steering the facility’s premium courses ‘In-Studio Stop Motion’ and ‘Stop Motion Professional’, and will carve unique learning experiences for students and industry professionals alike. Additionally, he will supervise the development of all stop motion teaching, learning, bespoke courses, and university partnerships which includes public events, animation masterclass, and delivering special keynotes.
Mark Hewis, Chief of Aardman Academy stated:
“We’re thrilled to welcome the celebrated animator and director, Will Becher. His vast skills and passion for teaching enable our commitment to offer the highest level of educational expertise at the Aardman Academy. We look forward to his contributions in nurturing the next wave of creative talent.”
Will Becher, the newly appointed Stop Motion Lead, reflected on his appointment:
“As the Aardman Academy is growing rapidly, I am excited to join the team as their first in-house Stop Motion Lead. Animation skills are crucial to our productions and to the wider industry. The privilege of working amongst some of the world’s finest animators and directors has provided me with an immense learning experience, which I am eager to share with new creatives at an earlier stage in their careers.”
For over two decades, Will has excelled as a writer, director, and top-tier stop motion lead animator. Several of his award-winning short films have been screened at numerous festivals, while his debut feature film received both BAFTA and Academy Award nominations. Will, who initially joined Aardman for a work experience role, is also a voting member of AMPAS and part of the jury for the Royal Television Society and Young Animator of the Year Awards 2024.
Established in 2013, the Aardman Academy was envisioned to cultivate talent and strengthen bonds between the animation industry and education. The Academy offers developmental programs for animation professionals, outreach training, and progression opportunities. In 2024, it was ranked #2 in England’s Top Professional Animation Training Programs and #3 in Europe.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/aardman-academy-will-becher/