Academy Award-nominated director to oversee all stop-motion teaching, learning activities, and development, plus lead academy’s premium courses ‘In-Studio Stop Motion’ and ‘Stop Motion Professional.’
Multi-award-winning independent animation studio Aardman announced the appointment of Academy Award-nominated director Will Becher to Stop-Motion Lead for its world-class training facility, the Aardman Academy.
Becher, who co-directed Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, is currently supervising animator on Aardman’s upcoming film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and has served as part of the filmmaking team on Aardman productions such as Creature Comforts, Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, Shaun the Sheep Movie, Early Man, and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
Beginning August 1, Becher assumes his new role and will be responsible for all teaching, learning activities, and development relating to stop-motion animation production for both internal animation talent and students studying at the Aardman Academy. In addition, he will lead the facility’s premium courses “In-Studio Stop Motion” and “Stop-Motion Professional.” He will work across development and delivery of all stop-motion teaching and learning for courses and university partnerships including public events, delivering animation masterclasses, and special keynotes.
"I am absolutely delighted to extend a warm welcome to Will Becher as he joins our team!” said Aardman Academy head Mark Hewis. “With a distinguished career in stop-motion animation, Will's reputation as both a world-leading animator and director precedes him, showcasing his remarkable talent and expertise. Not only is Will an incredible creative force, but his passion for teaching elevates our commitment to providing the very highest level of educational expertise at the Aardman Academy. We're thrilled to have him on board, enriching our team and empowering the next generation of creatives that come through the Aardman Academy."
“With the Aardman Academy growing at a pace, I am thrilled to be joining the team as their first 'in-house' Stop-Motion Lead,” said Becher. “Animation skills at Aardman are vital to our productions and to the wider industry, and learning and sharing the craft has always been a part of the process here. Working alongside some of the best animators and directors in the world has taught me a lot about what it takes to be successful in this industry. I'm excited to be sharing this with new creatives at an earlier point in their careers. I look forward to representing the company at festivals and events and sharing some of the magic of Aardman.”
Over Becher’s 20-year career, he has worked as a writer, director, and stop-motion lead animator. His feature film character animation has received recognition with both Annie and Visual Effects Society nominations. His award-winning short films have screened at festivals and his feature film debut gained both BAFTA and Academy Award nominations. Becher is a voting member of AMPAS and is on the jury for the Royal Television Society and Young Animator of the Year Awards 2024.
Established in 2013, the Aardman Academy nurtures talent and strengthens ties between the animation industry and education providing development for animation professionals as well as outreach training and talent progression opportunities.
Source: Aardman
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
