Claymation that connects
In a world dominated by sleek digital content, audiences are craving something more tactile, more human and more memorable. That’s where Claymation comes in.
We craft Claymation that does more than just look beautiful, we make sure it truly connects – sticking in the mind of viewers and evoking nostalgia while feeling fresh. From TV ads and social-first campaigns to narrative content and music videos, our award-winning Claymation studios delivers handcrafted animation that captivates.
Every project is designed, sculpted, animated and edited entirely in-house. That means faster feedback loops, greater creative control and a seamless process that puts your vision first.
Whether you’re and agency looking to deliver a standout campaign, a brand needing content that rises above the noise or a producer seeking a studio with technical and creative expertise, we’re your trusted Claymation partner.
See how Claymation makes your story stick
What is Claymation? A timeless technique with modern impact
Claymation is a form of stop motion animation where characters, props and sets are sculpted by hand (typically from plasticine or clay) and animated frame by frame.
This technique might be decades old, but it’s appeal has never been stronger. In fact, in our digital-first world, Claymation has become a powerful differentiator for brands and creatives looking to stand out.
Why does Claymation work so well?
- Tactile authenticity – Claymation feels real. The textures, the imperfections, the visible craftsmanship makes each frame feel alive and personal.
- Emotional resonance – It creates warmth and relatability. From the gentle wobble of a puppet to the human touch in it’s sculpted form, claymation carries emotion in every frame.
- Nostalgia that converts – Claymation recalls beloved classics like Wallace and Gromit. But when done with a fresh, modern approach, it bridges generations, appealing to kids and adults alike.
- Instant stand-out – On fast moving platforms like TikTok and Instagram, handcrafted visuals cut through endless feeds of glossy content, grabbing attention and holding it.
Claymation isn’t just visually appealing, it drives real results. Here’s why brands and agencies love it:
- Human touch – Claymation looks real, and that authenticity builds trust.
- Shareability- Handcrafted content feels unique, making it more likely to be share.
- Flexibility – From playful and whimsical to dramatic and cinematic, claymation adapts to any tone.
- Cultural universality – Clay characters transcend language barriers, making them ideal for global campaigns.
Request a quote for your claymation project
The A+C Studios handcrafted claymation process
Claymation is a meticulous craft, but at A+C we’ve refined the process to make it efficient, collaborative and creatively fulfilling. Here’s how we bring your vision to life:
Content Development
It starts with you. Whether you have a fully formed script or a simple idea, we collaborate to shape the narrative, visual style and emotional tone. Our creative team can develop treatments, storyboards and animatics to help you visualise the project early on.
Character & Set Design
Our sculptors handcraft every puppet and prop from scratch. We also design miniature sets, from cosy interiors to fantastical worlds, paying close attention to textures, scale and colour palettes that enhance your brand identity.
Animation
Claymation is brought to life frame by frame, typically at 12-24 frames per second. Our animators imbue each movement with personality, weight and charm. Whether it’s a subtle character gesture or a full-scale action sequence, we make it believable .
Cinematography & Motion Control
We treat our miniature sets like full-size sound stages. Using advanced motion-control rigs and cinematic lighting setups, we create dynamic shots that elevate the storytelling.
Post-Production
Once the animation is captures, our in-house editors, sound designers and compositors refine the final piece. From rig removal to soundscapes and visual polish, we ensure a flawless finish.
This end-to-end, under-one-roof approach allows us to keep costs transparent, timelines tight and quality uncompromised.
Meet the team behind the craft
Why claymation works for brands
In a media landscape crowded with AI-generated content, handcrafted animation has become a deliberate trust signal. Audiences can tell the difference, and the data shows they respond to it.
Research from the IPA on long-term advertising effectiveness has consistently found that emotional, character-led creative outperforms purely rational executions in terms of memorability, brand preference, and long-term sales. Independent research on advertising effectiveness from System1 reinforces the point: craft animation with distinctive characters generates significantly higher brand-feeling scores than generic digital or synthetic creative, and those scores correlate strongly with sales uplift.
The 2025/26 commercial shift has reinforced the argument. Coca-Cola’s AI-generated Christmas truck ad replaced a beloved stop-motion original and triggered immediate public backlash. McDonald’s Netherlands pulled an AI-generated holiday campaign within three days of publication following audience criticism. Apple took the opposite route in 2025, commissioning a deliberate, stop-motion holiday spot that generated substantial organic press coverage around its craft credentials.
The pattern is clear. As generative AI lowers the floor on how cheap and quick creative can be produced, handcrafted animation raises the ceiling on what buyers and audiences interpret as quality. Claymation fits that moment: tactile, distinctive, character-led, and clearly human.
That is why brands commission claymation from A+C Studios.
Commissioning claymation does not mean saying no to efficiency. Our end-to-end production model means your brief goes from concept to delivery under one roof, with transparent costs, steady timelines, and craft you can see on screen.
Claymation animation for brand, advertising & entertainment
Claymation’s versatility makes it one of the most powerful storytelling mediums for brand and creatives alike.
Claymation for advertising
In advertising, impact is everything. Claymation delivers visuals that people notice and remember. Whether it’s an ad on TV, in cinemas or on socials our work helps brands stand out from competitors with unique, handcrafted charm.
Claymation for social media
On platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, attention spans are short, Claymation cuts through the noise with playful, thumb-stopping visuals. It’s perfect for bite-sized branded content, viral campaigns and character-driven shorts.
Claymation for long-term & entertainment
We also create claymation for music videos, short films and series development. Our team of writers, directors and animators know how to build immersive worlds that captivate audiences.
Explainers & branded content
Explaining a complex concept? Claymation makes it approachable, entertaining and memorable. It’s why brands use it for everything from product demos to educational content.
Proven Success
Claymation isn’t just our style, it’s our proven way to make brands unforgettable. A+C’s stop-motion-first pipeline has delivered tactile, characterful commercials end-to-end, led by a directorial roster with credits for Nike, AXA and Yeo Valley. With multi-unit production on our Postgate Stage and integrated post under one roof, we turn ambitious ideas into high-impact spots for TV, digital and social, on time and on budget.
Why work with A+C Studios for claymation
Claymation is more than just a service to us, it’s our passion.
- Award-winning expertise – Our directors and animators have over 19 years of experience creating world-class stop-motion.
- Full in-house production – Everything from concepting to post happens under one roof.
- Collaborative approach – We treat every project like a creative partnership.
- Proven results for brands like Yeo Valley and AXA insurance – Our work performs across TV, social and beyond.
Ready to create something unforgettable?
Whether you’re a creative agency, a brand team or a producer with an ambitious brief, we’re here to help you create claymation that captivates.
Claymation FAQs
What is claymation animation?
Claymation animation is a form of stop-motion where physical clay figures are photographed frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. Each frame requires the animator to manually adjust the figure before the next shot. The resulting animation has a distinctive handmade warmth that digital animation cannot replicate. A+C Studios specialises in claymation production for commercial advertising, branded content and entertainment.
How long does a claymation project take?
A typical claymation project, from brief to delivery, takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the quality, complexity, and number of puppets required. More intricate productions with multiple characters, detailed sets, or longer formats will sit toward the upper end of that range. We will provide a specific production timeline in your initial project quote.
How much does claymation animation cost?
Claymation production costs vary depending on the length of the film, the number of puppets and sets, and the complexity of the animation required. We provide bespoke project quotes for all commissions. Contact us with your brief, and we will respond within 48 hours.
What types of claymation does A+C Studios produce?
A+C Studios produces claymation for brand advertising, TV commercials, social media content, product animation, children’s entertainment and IP development. We also offer studio hire for external productions requiring a specialist stop-motion studio environment. Our portfolio includes work for LEGO, Disney, Nike, AXA and the BBC.
Is claymation more expensive than CGI or 2D animation?
The investment in claymation reflects the handcrafted nature of the process: physical materials, skilled artisans, and frame-by-frame production. What that investment delivers is commercial effectiveness that digital animation often cannot match: higher audience recall, stronger emotional engagement, and brand distinctiveness that compounds over time. The right question is not which technique costs less, but which delivers better results for your brand.
Can claymation be used for advertising and commercial campaigns?
Yes. Brand advertising is a core output of A+C Studios. We produce claymation films for broadcast, digital and social platforms. Our commercial portfolio includes campaigns for global brands including Nike and AXA. Claymation works particularly well for food, toy, lifestyle and consumer goods brands where warmth, character and emotional appeal are important.
Where is A+C Studios based?
A+C Studios is a UK-based claymation and stop-motion animation studio, with our Postgate production facility in Cliftonville, Margate, and a London office. We work with clients across the UK and internationally, including advertising agencies, brand marketing teams and entertainment producers. Our Cliftonville studio is also available for external productions via studio hire.
What is the difference between claymation and stop-motion animation?
Stop-motion animation is the broader technique: it covers any animation made by photographing physical objects frame by frame, including puppet animation, object animation and claymation. Claymation is a specific type of stop-motion that uses clay as the primary material for figures and sets. All claymation is stop-motion, but not all stop-motion is claymation.
Does A+C Studios handle the whole production, or just the animation?
A+C Studios handles end-to-end claymation production: from creative concept and storyboarding, through character design and construction, frame-by-frame animation, and post-production including editing, grading and final delivery. You bring the brief; we handle the rest. We also work with agency partners where the creative concept is already developed and a specialist production partner is required.
Can I see examples of A+C Studios’ claymation work before commissioning?
Yes. Our portfolio includes a range of claymation projects for commercial brands and entertainment clients. You can view selected work on our website. If you would like to discuss your specific project requirements and see relevant examples before committing to a quote, contact us to arrange an introductory call.