Aardman Academy appoints award-winning director Will Becher as 'Stop Motion Lead'

Academy Award®-nominated director Will Becher has been appointed Stop Motion Lead for its world-class training facility, the Aardman Academy.

Will, who co-directed Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is currently Supervising Animator on Aardman’s upcoming film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and has served as a key part of the filmmaking team on many of Aardman’s much-loved productions such as Creature Comforts, Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, Shaun the Sheep Movie, Early Man and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

The exciting new role of Stop Motion Lead is responsible for all teaching, learning activities and development relating to stop motion animation production for both internal animation talent and students studying at the Aardman Academy, further demonstrating the studio’s commitment to growing its renowned industry training facility. Will, who will take up the position from 1^st August, is responsible for leading the facility’s premium courses ‘In-Studio Stop Motion’ and ‘Stop Motion Professional’ both of which offer students the opportunity to upskill and learn from award-winning creative talent; bridging the gap between industry and education. Alongside this he will be across the development and delivery of all stop motion teaching and learning for bespoke courses and university partnerships which will include public events and delivering animation masterclasses and special keynotes.

Mark Hewis, Head of the Aardman Academy says: "I am absolutely delighted to extend a warm welcome to Will Becher as he joins our team! With a distinguished career in stop motion animation, Will's reputation as both a world-leading animator and director precedes him, showcasing his remarkable talent and expertise. Not only is Will an incredible creative force, but his passion for teaching elevates our commitment to providing the very highest level of educational expertise at the Aardman Academy. We're thrilled to have him on board, enriching our team and empowering the next generation of creatives that come through the Aardman Academy."

Will Becher, Stop Motion Lead, the Aardman Academy adds: “With the Aardman Academy growing at a pace, I am thrilled to be joining the team as their first 'in house' Stop Motion Lead. Animation skills at Aardman are vital to our productions and to the wider industry, and learning and sharing the craft has always been a part of the process here. Working alongside some of the best animators and directors in the world has taught me a lot about what it takes to be successful in this industry. I'm excited to be sharing this with new creatives at an earlier point in their careers. I look forward to representing the company at festivals and events and sharing some of the magic of Aardman.”

Will has had a career spanning 20 years working as a writer, director, and stop motion lead animator after originally joining Aardman for work experience. His feature film character animation has been recognised with both Annie and Visual Effects Society nominations. His award-winning short films have been screened at numerous festivals and his feature film debut gained both BAFTA® and Academy Award® nominations. Will is a voting member of AMPAS and is on the jury for the Royal Television Society and Young Animator of the Year Awards 2024.

Established in 2013, the Aardman Academy was designed to nurture talent and strengthen ties between the animation industry and education providing development for animation professionals as well as outreach training and talent progression opportunities. In 2024 the Aardman Academy was ranked #2 in the Top Professional Animation Training Programs in England by the Animation Career Review school rankings and #3 in the Top 20 Professional Animation Training Programs in Europe.