Yetunde Ogundipe Is Using Stop-Motion Animation To Tell Vibrant Stories

From wide-eyed kids to cynical adults, audiences around the world can’t seem to get enough of the raw storytelling power of stop-motion animation – just look at all the love Kubo and the Two Strings deservedly got last awards season.

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The stunning way stop-motion brings everyday objects and impossible characters to life has captivated viewers since it was discovered by accident in 1896.

Even with the allure of CGI-heavy effects, stop-motion is still a choice that more and more creatives are going for – and while it hasn’t gained popularity in Nigeria, Yetunde Ogundipe is a name we will all remember when it inevitably does.

We met up with Yetunde to discuss her love for stop-motion, how she got started and where she’s headed.

Konbini: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Yetunde Ogundipe: I am a content creator. I make films, commercials, TV shows and short form videos. I write, produce, direct and edit. I find my job challenging, sometimes frustrating and stressful, and yet exciting and rewarding.

What aspect of production are you most drawn to?

I’m happy to say I finally found that thing that really gets me excited, stop-motion animation My exposure to film and television began 6 years ago when I left advertising for production. My instincts for telling stories were also shaped by my nose for unique products, exceptional people, their experiences and the need to tell their stories.

How did you discover stop-motion animation?

I travelled to South Africa a while ago, to take a break from the daily rat race and to discover what I could do differently. I was with a friend who paints on sneakers; I was watching him work one morning when it dawned on me – we could capture the gradual strokes of the paint as they transformed these plain white sneakers into colourful pieces of art. That’s how it all started for me. I began researching, reading and learning more about stop-motion videos and the awesome stop-motion directors. I have been awed and hooked ever since.

How much work goes into creating a video?

If I’m being honest, stop-motion animation is as fun as it is tedious. I say tedious because there are simply no shortcuts. It can take you a day to make a 30-second video or two years to make a three-minute video – but the result is always worth it.

What are you plans for the future – with stop-motion?

Well, besides creating short form videos and digital content for brands, I’m also working towards creating a series of stop-motion films.

Source: True Vibe