Stop motion meets immersive technology
Aardman augmented reality and photogrammetry
Zubr was founded in 2015 with the original focus of capturing lifelike 3D models of real-world subjects and seamlessly integrating them into AR for anyone to see, as if they were right in front of you. Within a year, we had established ourselves as regional leaders in high-quality 3D scanning, attracting the interest of Aardman Animations, who sought to explore the feasibility of digitising their intricate, miniature stop motion sets.
In 2016, Aardman Animations approached Zubr with this initative, granting access to their extensive catalogue of iconic models from Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and The Pirates. The collaboration aimed to achieve two key objectives: to investigate the potential for virtually exhibiting these beloved models internationally, and to assess the viability of using virtual production in stop motion animation.
As part of this R&D project, Zubr conducted high-resolution Aardman 3D scans of selected set models, achieving unprecedented detail. Additionally, we developed a series of augmented and virtual reality demonstrators, to showcase internally at Aardman. The knowledge gained from the research has since fed into many other AR and VR projects, as well as advancements in our 3D scanning methodologies.
Partners
This project was developed through Zubr’s partnership with Aardman Animations, a British and Bristol-based animation studio known for its stop motion and clay animation techniques, as well as popular characters including Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Morph.
The importance of authentic stop motion models
Despite the rise of CGI in filmmaking, audience affection for stop motion films and characters has only increased in the past decade – and none more than Aardman’s well-loved catalogue of stop motion content. A great deal of that affection is rooted in the knowledge that the models in question are real scale models, provoking awe at the miniature craftsmanship and traditional in-camera film techniques required. Arguably, some of that love will be lost if the models are wholly computer generated. Therefore, it was imperative that any digital representation of these models preserved their authenticity.
Virtual preservation of scale model detail
With our passion for capturing real-life subjects in immersive detail, we were the perfect partners for this task. Using our photogrammetry technique honed specifically for scale models, we set to work capturing select models from Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. Importantly, our process did not introduce any unwanted digital or CGI enhancement whatsoever, despite outputting assets that were suitable for use in a real-time 3D engine. This ensured each model could be effectively deployed in both AR and VR applications whilst maintaining its handcrafted essence.
AR ahead of its time
With the successful scans in place, Zubr ported the content into a range of AR and VR demonstrators to showcase the potential applications of immersive technology. These prototypes provided Aardman with valuable insights into how their models could be digitally exhibited, reducing the logistical challenges and expense associated with transporting delicate physical sets. The project also opened up new possibilities for integrating virtual production into stop motion filmmaking, enabling animators to visualize and interact with digital assets in innovative ways.
The pioneering work undertaken in this 2016 R&D project proved to be ahead of its time. The insights gained from the immersive demos contributed significantly to Aardman’s evolving approach to AR and VR – they have undertaken many successful AR and VR projects since. leading to numerous successful projects in the years that followed. By embracing cutting-edge 3D scanning and immersive technology, Aardman continues to push the boundaries of storytelling while preserving the charm and authenticity of its beloved stop motion characters.
For more recent examples of our photogrammetry work, read about our work for Beckford’s Tower, where we captured the breathtaking nautilus shell, a delicate, private collection artifact, in 3D for their museum AR experience.
