Susan Shadburne

A modern day Walt Disney, Will Vinton picked up a ball of clay and saw a world of potential. Known as the “Father of Claymation,” Vinton revolutionized the animation business during the 80s and 90s. But after 30 years of being the unheralded king of clay, Will Vinton’s carefully sculpted American dream came crumbling down. Structured around interviews with this charismatic pioneer and his close collaborators, the film charts the rise and fall of the Academy Award and Emmy winning Will Vinton Studios.

A sampler of the work of Will Vinton's animation using clay figures, including the shorts "Dinosaur," "The Great Cognito," "A Christmas Gift," and "Vanz Kant Danz."

Everyone in Philip's science class has a great idea for a report--everyone that is, except Philip. That evening, he listens to a son playing on his boom box, and it provides him with inspiration: DINOSAURS! The next day at the museum, Phillip discovers that the search for the truth about these magnificent animals and their astonishing 160-million-year success on the earth is the most fascinating mystery tale he's ever heard. What follows is an exciting collection of established theories and fascinating speculation.

King Cole is having a party and you're invited! Join Jack and Jill, Little Boy Blue, and Mary (with her lamb) on their journey to the castle to celebrate 100 years of peace in the kingdom. Meet the Six Little Ducks, Humpty Dumpty, and a host of other endearing nursery rhyme characters, every one excited about the upcoming festivities. Will they make it in time for the party, and will the King like their presents? This charming, fully orchestrated tale will have children everywhere singing and dancing to over 20 of their favorite nursery rhyme songs as they learn that gifts from the heart are the most special gifts of all.

A playwright, who lost her fiance to suicide, is haunted by his spirit while staying on a remote island with his mother.

A playwright, who lost her fiance to suicide, is haunted by his spirit while staying on a remote island with his mother.

A playwright, who lost her fiance to suicide, is haunted by his spirit while staying on a remote island with his mother.

Based on elements from the stories of Mark Twain, this feature-length Claymation fantasy follows the adventures of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn as they stowaway aboard the interplanetary balloon of Mark Twain. Twain, disgusted with the human race, is intent upon finding Halley's Comet and crashing into it, achieving his "destiny." It's up to Tom, Becky, and Huck to convince him that his judgment is wrong and that he still has much to offer humanity that might make a difference. Their efforts aren't just charitable; if they fail, they will share Twain's fate. Along the way, they use a magical time portal to get a detailed overview of the Twain philosophy, observing the "historical" events that inspired his works.

Legacy takes the audience on a rapid-fire journey through the evolution of the world, starting with a cosmic bang, evolving through billions of years of plants, animals and the creation of natural resources, ending with man and his bounty – “sitting on his world contemplating his coconut”.

A look inside the Will Vinton Studio, with specializes in stop-motion animations with clay.

A look inside the Will Vinton Studio, with specializes in stop-motion animations with clay.