Stop-motion animation is on the brink of extinction—and one legendary filmmaker is determined to save it. But here’s where it gets controversial: Guillermo del Toro, the mastermind behind Pinocchio (2022), is teaming up with Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, a vocal advocate for AI in filmmaking. How can these two seemingly opposite forces unite to preserve an art form that del Toro himself calls a ‘tiny cult’? Let’s dive in.
Del Toro, a lifelong champion of stop-motion, recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Netflix and the prestigious Paris art school Gobelins. Their mission? To create a training hub for aspiring stop-motion artists, ensuring this labor-intensive craft doesn’t fade into obscurity. At the initiative’s unveiling, del Toro poignantly noted, ‘The names that are important in stop-motion are all over 50 years old… It’s perpetually preserved by slightly crazy people.’ His passion is undeniable, but the real surprise is Sarandos’ involvement—especially given their clashing views on AI.
And this is the part most people miss: While del Toro staunchly opposes AI in creative fields, Sarandos sees it as a cost-saving tool for creators. So, how do they reconcile their differences? Del Toro argues that stop-motion is inherently ‘AI-proof,’ a bold claim in an industry increasingly dominated by digital innovation. Sarandos, however, strikes a surprisingly balanced tone, telling Variety, ‘AI as a creator’s tool, not a creative tool on its own… I don’t get too nervous about it displacing creativity.’
This partnership raises a thought-provoking question: Can traditional art forms like stop-motion thrive in an AI-driven world? While it’s easy to criticize Sarandos’ pro-AI stance, his collaboration with del Toro suggests a shared commitment to preserving craftsmanship. With Netflix’s financial backing, could we see a new generation of stop-motion directors redefine animation? Or is this merely a temporary reprieve for a dying art?
Here’s the controversial take: What if AI isn’t the enemy but a potential ally? Could it streamline the tedious aspects of stop-motion, freeing artists to focus on creativity? Or does its very presence threaten the soul of this hands-on medium? Weigh in below—let’s spark a debate. After all, as del Toro reminds us, stop-motion has always been kept alive by ‘slightly crazy people.’ Maybe it’s time we embrace a little madness in the conversation.
