I love this place
Located in East London right off the Bromley-by-Bow Tube stop. A short walk through industrial garbage and over-filled bins opens up to a watery Willy Wonka land inhabited by majestic swans and canal boats.
I never got tired of looking at this studio. No matter how exhausted I was from the shooting schedule, the 3 Mills location energized even on the gloomiest of days.
We made the trip to the UK for a second time only having been back in the States for a year. I finished up animation in San Francisco on the film Rango and headed for London. Frankenweenie was a Tim Burton film so when I was asked, I said yes before I even read the contract.
As always, all of the puppets and set work was amazing on this show. Right down to every blade of grass.
Tim Burton wanted the animation to have a more Stop-motion feel than the ultra-smooth Corpse Bride.
I think the Wererat was my favorite puppet on the show. With all of that silicon for it’s body, it just felt wonderful in the hands. The design had a hint of Beetlejuice and was very Burtonesque. I think it was Edgars finest creation from the movie. Oh, wait,… I did like the Vampire cat very much as well. I animated the death of Vampire Cat but I’m not sure if I have a picture of that. I will search my files.
Frankenweenie was a pretty demanding show. It felt like the production was in panic mode from the get-go. The hard work and days translated into hard play and nights. I discovered some of my favorite bottles of Scotch during this production. It was also nice that Tim showed up to some of our parties which in turn energized the entire crew. It is amazing how a small visit from the director can get the whole production charged to tackle the immense work load.
By the end of Frankenweenie there were crushed spirits and damaged friendships. It took a toll on most folks especially those who worked right up to the end of the show. We weren’t even in the main studio’s anymore at the end of the production. 3Mills had other contracts for those studio spaces so Frankenweenie was forced out. The production simply went too far over schedule. The animation continued on the back lot behind the main buildings. We were tucked away in the back storage sheds where corrosive janitorial supplies were stored. In a way it made for the perfect setting for the tainted paranoid atmosphere that hung over us as animators.
Buzzing after a Thursday night out at the pubs. THURSDAY !!! Why, always a Thursday ?
Frankenweenie was one of the most intense films I have worked on. I’m proud of the work that everyone was able to produce under the circumstances. The work day made for an amplified nightlife that I’m happy to say made for a great time. The whole experience made me fall deeper in love with London and the folks that make it home.
There is nothing better to clear the mind than a stroll on the canal, especially in the rain.
WORK SHOES. These were my shoes dedicated to be worn only when animating. Notice the puppet tie-down for good luck. That gash on the right shoe had a run in with a knife that dropped to the floor missing my little toe by a hair.