The art (and science) of stop-motion animation | Brian McLean - TED Talks Daily Recap

Podcast: TED Talks Daily

Published: 2026-01-17

Duration: 17 minutes

Guests: Brian McLean

Summary

Brian McLean explores how 3D printing is transforming stop-motion animation, allowing for unique and intricate designs that enhance creative storytelling.

What Happened

Brian McLean delves into the world of stop-motion animation, explaining the crucial role of persistence of vision, a phenomenon where the human eye retains an image for a split second after it has disappeared. This principle is foundational for creating the illusion of movement in films and animation. McLean shares his early fascination with animation and how it led him to explore the scientific principles behind it, despite initially resisting technology.

He recounts his journey from studying art to discovering 3D printing at a design school, which became a pivotal moment in his career. The integration of 3D printing technology allowed him to bridge the digital and physical worlds, revolutionizing traditional stop-motion techniques. As part of the animation studio Laika, McLean and his team pioneered the use of 3D printing in creating replacement animation, significantly impacting the industry.

Coraline was the first film to utilize 3D printed faces, marking a significant advancement in stop-motion animation. Over the years, Laika has continued to innovate, moving from single-material prints to color printing, which posed challenges due to environmental factors like humidity affecting print consistency. Despite these challenges, the team persisted, leading to further innovations in the field.

The introduction of voxel printing in 2016 brought another leap forward, allowing for more detailed and color-rich models. This technology not only enhanced the visual quality of their animations but also opened new possibilities for creating complex materials with varied properties, akin to biological structures. McLean emphasizes the potential of this technology beyond animation, highlighting its application in medical research and other fields.

One of the key achievements McLean mentions is the production of over 106,000 unique faces for the film Missing Link, which set a Guinness World Record. This feat showcases the meticulous nature of stop-motion animation and the importance of innovation in maintaining artistic integrity while increasing efficiency.

McLean concludes by reflecting on the creative drive and technological advancements that have shaped his career, underscoring the importance of imagination and reinvention in artistic endeavors. His talk at TEDx Portland encapsulates his passion for animation and his role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.

Key Insights