LAIKA Becomes a Premier Member of the Academy Software Foundation to Enhance Animation Technology

LAIKA Joins the Academy Software Foundation as a Premier Member

LAIKA, the iconic Portland-based animation studio, has officially become a Premier Member of the Academy Software Foundation (ASWF). The studio is renowned for its unique artistry reflected in films like Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings, and has been a leader in animation technology since its inception in 2005.

With a legacy of innovation, LAIKA has made significant strides in the animation industry. Their first feature film, Coraline, made history as the first-ever stop-motion film to be conceived and photographed in stereoscopic 3D, clearly showcasing LAIKA's commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and technology. This innovation was recognized when Coraline received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

In addition to Coraline, LAIKA's achievements include a Scientific and Technology Oscar in 2016 for pioneering rapid prototyping techniques in stop-motion production, which notably enhanced character expressiveness, facial animation, and effects. Their innovation has set a benchmark in the industry, emphasizing the importance of new technologies in traditional filmmaking practices.

Jeff Stringer, Chief Technology Officer at LAIKA, expressed enthusiasm about joining the ASWF. He pointed out the significant value that the Foundation provides, particularly regarding open-source projects that enhance their production pipeline. Stringer remarked, "We have seen tremendous value in the work of the Academy Software Foundation. We embarked on a complete rebuild of our production pipeline recently and relied heavily on the open-source projects supported by ASWF."

LAIKA's ongoing involvement with the ASWF is a continuation of its history of collaboration. Engineers from LAIKA have actively contributed to several key projects, including the Open Shading Language and MaterialX. This new membership will not only allow LAIKA to support essential projects but also address the diverse needs of smaller studios within the animation community.

Moreover, LAIKA aims to engage with upcoming mentorship programs and the Summer Learning Program hosted by the Foundation. This initiative reflects their dedication to nurturing new talent within the animation industry and ensuring a diverse range of voices and styles flourish.

On August 10th, as part of the Open Source Days event hosted by ASWF in Vancouver, Stringer and other LAIKA leaders will deliver a keynote on "Transforming the LAIKA Pipeline with Open Source." This event aims to explore advancements in open-source software development for the visual effects and animation sectors.

David Morin, Executive Director of the Academy Software Foundation, welcomed LAIKA's membership and highlighted the uniqueness of their approach. He said, "LAIKA is more unique than most. By combining the tradition of stop-motion photography with the use of leading-edge digital technology, including open source software, they elevate the process to a whole new level."

This partnership aligns with ASWF's mission to foster a collaborative and healthy open-source ecosystem, welcoming studios like LAIKA that continue to reshape the film industry's landscape through creativity and technology.

As LAIKA celebrates its 20th anniversary, the studio proudly reflects on its journey, marked by numerous accolades including Oscar nominations and a Gold Globe for Missing Link. They are also working on exciting projects, including upcoming animated films such as Wildwood, The Night Gardener, and an adaptation of Susanna Clarke's bestselling novel, Piranesi.

For those interested in becoming a part of the Academy Software Foundation's community, more information is available at the ASWF website, where potential new members can learn about the benefits and contributions to open-source initiatives.

In summary, LAIKA's recent membership in the Academy Software Foundation signifies not just a key milestone for the studio but also a meaningful step toward advancing technology and collaboration in the animation industry. With such partnerships, the future looks bright for innovative storytelling and the development of new technologies in animation.