The legendary British studio behind Wallace and Gromit has revealed its strategy for navigating the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Nick Park, the creator of the iconic duo, stated that Aardman Animations plans to "embrace" AI technology while being "very cautious not to lose our values."
Aardman's Stance Amid Industry-Wide AI Concerns
Park's comments come at a pivotal moment for the creative industries. The entertainment trade union Equity is currently conducting an indicative ballot for industrial action among its film and TV members, driven by growing demands for protections against the use of AI. Actors and performers are increasingly worried about the unauthorised replication of their voices and likenesses.
Despite the proliferation of AI tools that can generate visuals and synthesise speech, Aardman remains celebrated for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The studio continues to produce its beloved films, such as Shaun The Sheep Movie and Chicken Run, using painstaking stop-motion techniques and modelling clay.
In an interview with Radio Times, Park reflected on past technological shifts, noting, "When Toy Story came out in 1995, we thought, 'How long have we got?'" He pointed out that the studio not only survived the computer-generated imagery (CGI) revolution but saw a renewed appreciation for its hand-made aesthetic. "We use CGI as well," Park added, "but AI is a whole new thing."
Authenticity and Clay as a Unique Selling Point
Park was clear about the studio's priorities in the face of this new technological frontier. He acknowledged that many in the industry fear for their jobs but explained Aardman's balanced approach. "We want to embrace the technology and find in what ways it’s going to be useful to us, maybe to do animation a bit quicker," he said.
However, the core of Aardman's identity is non-negotiable. Park emphasised that "The clay is our USP (unique selling point) and we pride ourselves in that." For the studio, the tactile, physical quality of its work is paramount. "Authenticity is the most important thing," Park stated. "It’s where the charm is."
A Legacy of Award-Winning Innovation
Wallace and Gromit, created by Park, first appeared in the 1989 short A Grand Day Out, which won a BAFTA for best short animation in 1990. The franchise has continued to garner acclaim, most recently with the 2024 film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Interestingly, that latest adventure, which premiered on the BBC on Christmas Day 2024, explores themes relevant to the current AI discussion. The plot sees Wallace's "smart gnome," Norbot, turn against him, highlighting the potential dangers of new technology. The film, featuring cameos from Peter Kay and Sir Lenny Henry, won two BAFTA awards in February.
The beloved stop-motion pair also received a special recognition award at the National Television Awards (NTAs) earlier this year, cementing their status as national treasures. The full interview with Nick Park is featured in the Radio Times Christmas issue, which went on sale from Tuesday 9 December.
