Studio Soi

The German animation studio has built a reputation on skilled craft across multiple disciplines, as Julia Sagar discovers

- Julia Sagar

Studio Soi’s films were once described as the “wooden toys” of the animation industry, says founding animation director Klaus Morschheuser – and it isn’t hard to see why. BAFTA-award-winning cartoon The Amazing World of Gumball and stunning Academy award-nominated short The Gruffalo are just two examples from the Ludwigsburg-based animation studio’s exceptional portfolio of globally acclaimed films. So how did seven animation graduates with no clients build a 60-strong team and worldwide reputation for visual innovation? And is it as fun to work there as it looks?

“From the start, an essential concept behind the studio was that all founders had different roots: 2D, puppet and 3D-animation, design, compositing and someone who can handle all the production work,” says Klaus, who launched Studio Soi in 2003 with six fellow students from internationally renowned film school Filmakademie Baden Württemberg.

“This was a great ground-base when starting new projects, because we were able to discuss things freely, and everyone could bring in their ideas and concerns. Also, we could decide which technique made the most sense for each project and who could handle it best.”

IDEAS WELCOME

This ethos continues to run through the studio today. “We take all feedback into consideration while working on the films – everybody from interns to broadcasters can contribute to the creative process,” says Klaus. “If somebody has a good idea, it’s always worth listening.”