Stiúidio Fia
Stiúideo Fia, Ireland’s pioneering stop-motion animation studio, not only creates films but also serves as the top training centre in the country for various areas, like special effects, prop making, sculpting, moulding & casting, model making, and puppet fabrication.
Stiúidio Fia’s Vision
At Stiuideo Fia our vision is to be a leader in development and production of home grown stop-motion animation in Ireland. We aim to cultivate and empower the creative industries by providing accessible and affordable courses to individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to offering mentorship and guidance, fostering a safe and innovative environment where creativity can thrive. Through our initiatives, we aim to build a strong foundation for aspiring creatives, nurturing their talents and supporting them in reaching their full potential.
Stiúidio Fia’s Mission
Stiúideo Fia’s mission is to empower creatives to stay in Ireland and contribute significantly to the development of a sustainable industry in stop motion animation, film and creative practices in Ireland.
Our goal is to eliminate the need for outsourcing the production of stop motion animation and film Special Effects to other countries and support homegrown artists, ensuring that Ireland becomes a hub for such creative endeavours.
By fostering local talent and expertise, we aim to generate employment opportunities within the sector in Ireland and that of Gaeltacht areas, thereby supporting the economic growth and cultural richness of these regions and Ireland itself.
Courses Running this Summer
This a fun creative course. You do not need any prior experience to do this course. All you need is your imagination.
Meet nice people, eat good food, create something beautiful and maybe go for a swim at the local beach.
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What will you learn:
The anatomy of the eye
How to hand paint eris
How to use a photoshopped eris (button)
How to create realistic veins
How to create lens (corneal bulge)
How to eliminate annoying airbubbles
How to polish the lens
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All materials supplied
You take home the moulds and all the eyes you make.
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Duration
2days
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Location
Stiúideo Fia Galway H91YY43
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Date:
Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th July 2025
9am – 6pm
Accommodation list Here
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Cost €480
To Book
email: Paulmcdonnelldesign@gmail.com
Silicone Painting Course
5th & 6th July Silicone paint course.
This course is delivered in partnership with Gréasán na Meán.
Immerse yourself in two days of creativity, craft, and hands-on learning in the stunning surroundings of Stiúideo Fia.
You’ll work directly on a silicone face bust and gain the skills to achieve lifelike finishes using industry-standard tools and materials. From mastering colour theory to using an airbrush, this workshop is designed to elevate your artistry—whether you’re new to the medium or building on existing skills
Enjoy the process, take in the beautiful landscape, and leave with a finished bust and a deeper understanding of professional stop-motion and prosthetics craft.
At the end of the workshop, there will be a photoshoot so you can document your finished piece and add high-quality images to your portfolio. You’ll also take home your painted silicone bust—a lasting reminder of your progress and creativity.
All materials are provided.
Accommodation list Here
To Apply:
https://www.creativeskillnet.
https://www.instagram.com/p/
How to Make an Animatable Hand for Stop Motion
The National Talent Academy for Animation is thrilled to launch an in-person, hands-on workshop designed for beginners interested in stop motion animation. This 2-day workshop will be facilitated by industry professional Paul McDonnell from Stiúideo Fia.
Course Overview:
This session will guide participants through the process of building an industry-standard professional-quality animatable hand. During the workshop, participants can view Stop Motion Puppets, Sets, Props and more. Participants will receive all necessary materials and detailed instructions, including:
Day 1
- Introduction to the studio, facilities, Health & safety talk.
- Overview of essential materials and their purposes.
- Cutting, shaping, and assembling a hand armature.
- Understanding and implementing registration techniques.
- Cast in Silicone.
Day 2
- Demould silicone hand.
- Clean up hand.
- Animate hand using Dragonframe.
Course Details:
Date: Saturday, 16th August & Sunday, 17th August.
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Location: Stiúideo Fia.
Cost: There is no cost to the participants but places are limited.
Places Available: 10.
Deadline to Apply: Friday, June 13th at 5pm.
Accommodation list Here
Apply here
https://www.
https://www.instagram.com/p/
Learn from Emily Hartley Nicholson – senior puppet fabricator with credits on Star Wars: Visions, Captain Morten, and Aardman classics! Emily is a true master of her craft!
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Join us this August at Stiúideo Fia for a 4-day intensive in stop-motion costume fabrication. Whether you’re a student or a pro looking to level up, you’ll learn how to create a costume for stop-motion puppets using industry techniques.
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Sewing machines, tiny patterns, big results.Date 23rdth – 26st AugustCost €650
Accommodation list Here
10 places only –
To Book
email: Paulmcdonnelldesign@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/
Learn from Henry Nicholson – Award-winning Director/Animator with 20+ years at studios like Aardman & Telegael (Wallace & Gromit, Star Wars: Visions, Captain Morten). Learn pro-level stop-motion movement from a master of the craft in our 5-day hands-on course at Stiúideo Fia!Join our 5-day hands-on stop-motion movement course at Stiúideo Fia this August! Perfect for students and emerging animators or seasoned professionals wanting to learn something new and sharpen their craft.
Date 27th – 31st August
Cost €720
Accommodation list Here
10 places only – Apply now!
To Book
email: Paulmcdonnelldesign@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/
