South African stop-motion animation from 1980-2005

Abstract

Abstract A critical history of South African animation that focuses on the use of three-dimensional (3D) stop-motion techniques in South Africa between the years 1980 and 2005, by three stop-motion studios: Klaybow Films, XYZoo, and Triggerfish. The history of these studios, as well as the technical and stylistic elements of the stop-motion they produced, will be discussed in terms of the social, political, economic and technological conditions that existed in South Africa during these years. Through this understanding of context, history, technique and style an attempt will be made to suggest a uniquely South African 3D stop-motion aesthetic.