This little robot was my puppet project for Mike Johnson's stop motion class (co-director and co-Oscar nominee of Corpse Bride). Robot is about 7 inches tall and is made of a wire armature, foam and a thin covering of polymer clay. He is ever-enthusiastic, industrious and his favorite pastime is rummaging through trash.

The Robot + Trash Can film took about two weeks to shoot and composite, while juggling a full load of classes.
I was inspired by robot illustrations by Chris Appelhans (who I have been lucky enough to have as an instructor for the last three years.)
I became unreasonably attached to this very charming robot by the end of filming.
After the final shot, I looked into the trash can and found him like so (see photo on left). I mean, have you ever met a more charming little robo dude?
I was inspired by robot illustrations by Chris Appelhans (who I have been lucky enough to have as an instructor for the last three years.)
I became unreasonably attached to this very charming robot by the end of filming.
After the final shot, I looked into the trash can and found him like so (see photo on left). I mean, have you ever met a more charming little robo dude?
I maybe also think he is an animate being. But I think that's totally natural for stop motion animators and their puppets, or so I will continue to tell myself. Anyway, here's the final product. Enjoy!