Guillermo del Toro, Netflix & Gobelins to Launch Stop-Motion Studio-Lab

Netflix, Gobelins Paris and multi-Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (Pinocchio, The Shape of Water) have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking stop-motion studio that will serve as both a talent incubator for storytellers and a research facility dedicated to forging new frontiers in the century-old artform.

Located within the renowned Gobelins Paris campus, the new studio is co-funded by del Toro and Netflix, and conceived as more than a simple training center — it will be a “living laboratory” of experimentation and research. This unique creative environment will enable master filmmakers, passionate mentors and talented students to collaborate, innovate and push the boundaries of stop-motion craft. The 2025–2026 academic year will commence with a dedicated planning phase, with launch details to be announced in the coming months.

The project is also a living tribute to the great legacy of the late Mark Gustafson, whose artistry and influence helped shape a generation of animators and whose work on films such as Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio inspired audiences around the world.

This new chapter builds on years of collaboration and trust — spanning scholarships, masterclasses and industry exchanges — between Netflix, Gobelins and del Toro.

Investing in the next generation of creators is a core part of Netflix’s mission, the platform-studio notes in the announcement. This stop-motion studio project reflects its commitment to opening doors and creating clear pathways for emerging talent.

The initiative is also a natural extension of Netflix’s leadership in French and international animation, following partnerships with acclaimed studios such as Fortiche (Arcane), TAT (Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight) and Blue Spirit (Blue Eye Samurai), together with a longstanding presence at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.