Aardman develops new stop-motion film Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom

Aardman is producing its third feature film for the character Shaun the Sheep, titled ‘Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom’. The project, directed by Matthew Walker and Steve Cox, has evolved from an initial idea for a Valentine’s Day special into a comedy horror film.

The production utilizes traditional stop-motion animation, a highly exacting process involving handmade models and tabletop sets. The film consists of 1,289 shots, with animators completing approximately 2.5 shots per week. At its peak, the production involves 47 simultaneous units and an on-site crew of roughly 170 people.

The plot follows Shaun as he attempts to use science to improve the farm’s Halloween pumpkin crop and the farmer’s romantic life, leading to unintended consequences.