The German animation studio has built a reputation on skilled craft across multiple disciplines, as Julia Sagar discovers
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.”
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Denne historien er fra March 2017-utgaven av ImagineFX.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK
Warhammer illustrator THOMAS ELLIOTT shows you how to create an epic science fiction fight scene with this step-by-step guide
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches
First Impressions
We discover the early influences that inspired the artist
ZBrush for iPad
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Huion Kamvas Pro 19
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DRAGON OFORCEC
Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration
Erik Ly
Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.
2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging
Interdimensional As VFX and animation evolve and tools become more accessible, Tanya Combrinck asks whether the separation between the mediums is reducing