UC students step into the world of stop-motion animation

Photo Caption: University of Canterbury Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours students Li Holling and Bayedan Hales

Li Holling and Bayedan Hales, Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours students at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), are gaining hands-on experience with Christchurch animation studio Stretchy, creators of the global stop-motion animation kids’ show Kiri and Lou.

“Stop-motion is such a difficult industry to get into,” says Holling. “The Kiri and Lou internship is an incredible opportunity. I’m only halfway through my second year, and already I’m getting to work in a high-quality studio." 

By working alongside professional animators and contributing to a major local production, Hales and Holling are applying their studies in a real-world context. Their internships are part of UC’s Digital Screen Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programme which connects students with professional experiences relevant to their degrees.

“The chance to work in a production environment is very different from being in class. You’re surrounded by people who are really focused on a shared goal. You pick up so much just by being part of it,” Hales says.  

Producer Fiona Copland says it’s been great having Li and Bayedan in the studio. They’ve done good work, and our team has enjoyed passing on knowledge to young people who are passionate about craft.” 

The experience has helped Hales see a creative career as a real option.

“It’s been eye-opening to realise this is something I can actually pursue thanks to university support,” Hales says. “The tools and teaching at UC are already really strong, but being in a working studio takes it to the next level.”

As part of the application process, Holling and Hales submitted CVs, completed a knowledge and skills test, and had an interview with the studio team. 

Holling says sometimes just giving it a go can open doors you never expected.  

“Even though I didn’t meet all the job criteria when I applied, I threw my hat in the ring.  I studied hard to upskill in areas I was less confident in. Even the interview taught me a lot. Whether you get the role or not, you’re gaining experience, and that builds confidence for the next opportunity.”

Both students are passionate about promoting the value of stop-motion animation in Aotearoa.

“Kids’ TV is a huge industry here. Everyone’s chasing the next blockbuster, but there are so many amazing, more accessible local projects out there. The team is at the top of their game — it’s incredible that we are bringing in that sort of creative talent,” says Hales. 

Holling describes stop-motion as having a tactile charm that’s hard to replicate in other formats.

“There needs to be more recognition of how important projects like Kiri and Lou are,” Holling says. “It’s not just beautiful storytelling for kids, its world-class stop-motion animation coming out of New Zealand. It’s physical, it’s hands-on, and it should be kept alive.”

The internship was made possible through UC’s Kōawa Studios, which develops partnerships with screen and creative technology sectors to provide students with regular access and exposure to industry experts and real-world project opportunities as they build portfolios, connect with industry mentors, and find pathways into Aotearoa New Zealand’s screen sector.

“Having something like this based in Christchurch is absolutely amazing,” Hales says. “It’s amazing to be a part of it.”