Sheffield animation studio supports filmmakers with autism and physical disabilities

Flycheese Studios has two sites at SOAR Works, in Parson Cross, and Harland Works, in the city centre, that help to train, support and pay both artists with autism and those with learning or physical disabilities to work on independent training projects and professional commissions.

It is the only working stop motion studio in Sheffield and teaches students not only to craft stop motion films but also other digital media skills such as photography alongside 3D modelling and game design.

Managing director Paul Brown, whose background is in support work, is self-taught and used his skills in digital music and animation to establish Flycheese Studios seven years ago.

He said: “There’s nothing quite like the stop motion element because everything is so personal. You don’t have to have certain levels of physical ability because if your motor skills are small then you just move something big and if you can’t do intricate stuff then you work with something bigger.”

Paul works with an experienced team at both studios to empower students through the work they create allowing them to develop all the professional elements, starting with an original idea, then creating a storyboard through to shooting the film and editing it.

Animations vary in length, ranging from as little as 30 seconds to a couple of minutes long.

“Every training package is bespoke,” Paul added. “We’ve had a couple of students who have moved on to university or college but we’ve also done some big professional projects. Our last project was for Key Fund, the charity, and we designed a stop motion animation so that every student could participate in some way.

“We had three students refuse but that is a good thing because they can make that choice. It is about adapting the process so everyone can get involved.”

The students will be hosting a VIP screening to showcase their work at the Light Cinema, The Moor, from 9am on February 29 where there will be a prize draw and special guests.