Small German Studio Elevates Animation with ‘Stitch Head’

In a remarkable journey from a modest family-run business to the international animation scene, Cologne-based **Gringo Films** has successfully brought *Stitch Head*, a new animated feature, to life. The film, based on **Guy Bass**’s children’s book, is set to premiere theatrically on **October 29, 2023**, after garnering attention at the **Annecy International Animation Film Festival** in June.

The origins of *Stitch Head* trace back to a family road trip when partners **Steve Hudson** and **Sonja Ewers** decided to adapt Bass’s gothic tale about a quirky mad professor and his neglected creations. The initial vision was modest: to create a family comedy that incorporated horror elements without crossing into truly frightening territory. Hudson described the essence of their project, stating, “It’s a family film about horror movies, but it’s not a horror movie.”

The story revolves around *Stitch Head*, a small, patchwork creature created by the eccentric Professor Erasmus. Tasked with caring for the professor’s abandoned creations, Stitch Head finds himself torn between his responsibilities and the allure of acceptance when a circus promoter offers him a chance for fame. The narrative resonates with themes of belonging and self-identity, deftly intertwining humor and adventure.

To bring their vision to fruition, **Gringo Films** secured funding from various regional and European sources, ultimately establishing a budget of **€8 million** (approximately **$9.3 million**). With Hudson at the helm as the screenwriter and director, the project marked his first foray into animation, despite his extensive background in voice-over work and live-action directing.

As production commenced in early 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges. However, it also led to an unexpected boost in financing, increasing their budget to **€26 million** (about **$30 million**). This additional funding allowed for enhanced animation quality and expanded creative possibilities, including contributions from **Grammy-nominated composer Nick Urata** and a distinguished voice cast featuring **Asa Butterfield** from *Sex Education*.

The financing journey was not without its hurdles. As the pandemic disrupted the film industry, **Ewers** faced a critical funding gap that could jeopardize the project. Fortunately, the initial backers, including **Wild Bunch**, **Senator Film**, and **Fabrique d’Images**, reaffirmed their commitment, demonstrating the strength of their early partnerships. Ewers remarked, “That’s a lesson about staying true to the partners you trust.”

To finalize the funding, Gringo Films enlisted **GFM Animation**, a prominent UK sales group, which collaborated with **Aniventure**, a London-based animation studio, to secure worldwide distribution rights. Ewers referred to Aniventure as their “white knight,” acknowledging their pivotal role in ensuring the film’s completion.

The production process was a global endeavor. While **Fabrique d’Images** handled much of the production design in Luxembourg, **Studio Rakete** in Germany contributed lighting, and **Assemblage Entertainment** in India managed the bulk of the animation work. Hudson emphasized the extraordinary talent available worldwide, which is often underutilized, saying, “They just rarely get the chance to show it at this scale.”

Upon completion, the film’s unique aesthetic combines gothic and expressionist visuals with vibrant color, creating a tactile quality that sets it apart. This distinctive style has led to comparisons with both classic and contemporary animated works, appealing to a broad audience.

With *Stitch Head*, **Gringo Films** has not only created an engaging family film but has also established itself as a formidable player in the global animation industry. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for what could become a new Halloween classic, proving that even a small, independent studio can make a significant impact on the international stage.