Welcome to Animation Supplies

We’re always excited to see our armature components come to life in amazing stop motion films, and "Man" by animator John Swinnerton is a brilliant example of creativity and technical excellence.

The film blends multiple animation techniques, but what really stood out to us were the incredible puppets used throughout, including “Baby Dino” and the imposing “T-Rex”.

Building "Baby Dino" with Custom Stop Motion Armatures

To create “Baby Dino,” John used a clever combination of our Standard Armature JointsProPlus Armature Components, and 2mm animation wire. The resulting puppet was not only flexible and poseable but also perfect for subtle, emotive performance.

One feature we especially loved was the inflatable bladder system used, which created a realistic breathing effect. It was an inspired touch that added life and depth to the character.

The T-Rex: Built with Our Professional Armature Components

For the “T-Rex” character, John used our Professional Armature Components, resulting in a solid, heavy-duty puppet capable of dynamic movement. Our durable stainless steel joints and John's design gave the T-Rex the presence and strength it needed for its scenes.

The Making Of

If you're interested in puppet fabrication or stop motion filmmaking, don't miss the "Making Of" video for Man – it's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how these characters were brought to life, showcasing techniques that both beginners and professionals will appreciate.

Watch the Finished Film

Interested in Making Your Own Armature?

John’s project is a perfect example of how you can mix and match our modular components from our Standard and ProPlus kits to build custom puppets tailored to your film.

If you’re planning a stop motion project and need a bespoke rig or puppet, get in touch with us! We’d love to help bring your characters to life.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Latest Stories

View all

What's it like to be a Stop Motion Animator?

Stop Motion Animator

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a stop motion animator? It’s more than just playing with puppets, it's a blend of patience, precision, and creativity. From crafting characters one frame at a time to working with specialized tools like armatures and tie-down magnets, stop motion animation is both an art and a discipline. Whether you're part of a major studio or building passion projects at home, this career brings inanimate objects to life, literally, frame by frame. Discover the challenges, rewards, and day-to-day realities of this uniquely hands-on animation job.

Read more

Jobs in Animation - Feature Film Scriptwriter

Feature Film Scriptwriter

Ever wondered what it’s like to be the creative mind behind your favourite animated movies? Discover the highs, challenges, and magic of being a scriptwriter for animated feature films.

Read more

Stop Motion Animation Puppet Building

Silicone Puppets

Discover the process of making a silicone puppet for stop motion animation. This guide covers armatures, sculpting, mould making, silicone casting, and finishing techniques for professional-quality animation puppets.

Read more