Guillermo del Toro, Netflix, and Gobelins Animation School Jointly Establish Stop-Motion Animation Innovation Lab

Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, The Shape of Water), leading global streaming platform Netflix, and France’s prestigious animation institution Gobelins Animation School (Gobelins Paris) recently announced a collaborative initiative to launch a stop-motion animation innovation lab integrating talent development and technological research. The lab aims to revitalize this century-old art form with contemporary energy, establishing a core hub dedicated to nurturing a new generation of animation storytellers and artists.

Located on the campus of Gobelins in Paris, the lab is jointly funded by del Toro and Netflix. Designed as more than just an educational facility, it will serve as an open, collaborative, and experimental “living creative space” where industry veterans, professional mentors, and emerging creators can work together to explore new possibilities in stop-motion storytelling and technique. The project is scheduled to enter its detailed planning phase in the 2025–2026 academic year, with a specific launch timeline to be announced in the coming months.

This collaboration also stands as a tribute to the artistic legacy of the late stop-motion master Mark Gustafson. Gustafson co-directed the Oscar-winning film Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio with del Toro, and his influence continues to resonate deeply within contemporary animation. The establishment of this lab carries forward his dedication to advancing the art of stop-motion animation.

The partnership builds upon the long-standing and solid relationship between Netflix, Gobelins, and del Toro. Previous collaborations have included scholarship programs, masterclasses, and industry exchange initiatives. Netflix reiterated in its announcement that supporting and investing in the next generation of creators is a key part of its mission, and the launch of this lab represents a critical step in its ongoing efforts to create pathways and a sustainable growth ecosystem for emerging talent in the industry.

In recent years, Netflix has continued to deepen its footprint in the animation industry both in France and globally, having established partnerships with numerous renowned animation studios, including Fortiche (producer of Arcane), TAT (behind Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom), and Blue Spirit (creator of Blue Eye Samurai). Netflix is also a long-term participant and supporter of major industry events such as the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. The establishment of this stop-motion animation lab further strengthens Netflix’s international influence and leadership role in driving animation art innovation and talent development.