Lego and Aardman Launch Global Stop-Motion Contest with Alien Clay Character “Glurp”

Lego Group and Oscar-winning studio Aardman Animations (Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep) have teamed up to launch “Boundless Imagination”—a global stop-motion film contest featuring an exclusive clay alien character, Glurp, designed specifically for the competition. This cross-industry initiative aims to inspire a new generation of creators to explore the art of stop-motion animation.

Contest Highlights: Brick-and-Clay Storytelling

Participants must create 90-second films using:

• At least 50% Lego bricks
• 30% Aardman-supplied clay
• Theme: “Glurp’s Earth Adventure”

Categories:

• Junior (8-16 years): Focus on creative expression
• Professional (17+): Judged on technical innovation
• Special Award: Best Glurp Design (winning entry produced as a limited-edition set)

“Glurp embodies the fusion of Lego’s mechanical limbs and traditional clay’s soft texture—a metaphor for blending two creative mediums,” said Sarah Cox, Aardman’s Chief Creative Officer,“It is safe to say that at Aardman we are all huge fans of the Lego Group – so to get to collaborate with our dream partners has been a complete joy. Our partnership has been one of mutual respect, openness, and a shared commitment to creativity and play, which unites the brick and the clay.”

“To work with the iconic Aardman Animations is incredibly exciting, and we’re thrilled to see our two brands inspiring kids in this way for the first time. We hope young builders find this a unique opportunity and, together with Aardman, we’re excited to explore more opportunities to collaborate together in the future.”

Anna Rafferty, Lego Group’s SVP of digital consumer engagement

Industry Fusion: Tradition Meets Tech

The collaboration introduces three innovations:

• Hybrid Material Kit: $39.99 contest pack includes Lego Technic joints + Aardman clay
• AI Tool: Lego’s first stop-motion app offers frame-rate correction and storyboard suggestions
• NFT Rewards: Winners receive blockchain certificates with digital Glurp collectibles

“In an age of AI-generated content, we want kids to experience the magic of ‘breathing life into frames,’” emphasized Fenella Blaize Charity, Lego’s VP of Creative Play.

Timeline & Judges

Entries open: October 1, 2025 (International Animation Day)

Deadline: January 31, 2026

Judges:

• Jason Stalman (Isle of Dogs animation director)
• Zheng Yuhang (Lego Masters champion)
• Loyd Price (Aardman veteran animator)

Educational Outreach

50 free masterclasses led by Fantastic Mr. Fox animators will teach stop-motion techniques.

Meet Glurp

This purple, twin-tentacled alien hails from the “Planet of Bricks.” Its detachable Lego arms transform into 20+ tools, and its backstory hints at ties to Lego’s classic Space themes.

Enter at: legoxaardman.com (live October 1)