Aardman Academy Adds Will Becher to Team

Aardman Academy, Aardman’s training facility, has appointed Academy Award-nominated director Will Becher (Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, Creature Comforts) as stop motion lead.

Becher, who is currently supervising animator on the upcoming film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, will be 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.

Becher will take up the role on August 1 and will lead the facility’s courses “In-Studio Stop Motion” and “Stop Motion Professional.” 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.

Becher has worked on numerous Aardman projects, including Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, 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.

“I am absolutely delighted to extend a warm welcome to Will Becher as he joins our team!” said Mark Hewis, head of Aardman Academy. “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.”

Becher said, “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.”