A Delicate Dance of Control and Freedom

The animated short film Golden Strings, a poignant exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and daughter, is now available for free viewing as part of the Cinema Next Series. Crafted with meticulous detail by Lisa Lamprecht, Elja Stawinski, and Julia Langegger, this three-minute stop-motion film delves into themes of overprotection, the yearning for independence, and the delicate balance between love and control. The film is available on Kino Vod Club, a streaming platform dedicated too showcasing emerging local film talent.

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The Story Unveiled: A Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of a secluded forest, Golden Strings tells the story of a mother and daughter living in isolation.Driven by fear and overprotectiveness, the mother tightly controls her daughter’s life. As the daughter matures, her desire for freedom and self-determination intensifies, leading her to challenge the restrictive bond. This struggle for independence, however, carries profound and tragic consequences.

The story takes place in a remote forest, where mother and daughter live together in a small house. From an early age, the daughter is protected and controlled by her over -caring mother – for fear that somthing could happen to her. When the daughter gets older, the desire for freedom and self -determination grows in her. But the attempt to break away from the narrow bond has tragic consequences.

Lisa Lamprecht, Elja Stawinski and Julia Langegger

Inspiration and visual Metaphors

Lisa Lamprecht, in collaboration with Isabella Matschl, drew inspiration from Carmen Maria Machado’s short story, The Husband Stitch. The concept of invisible threads connecting individuals resonated deeply, prompting them to translate this metaphor into a visual narrative using the stop-motion technique. Their aim was to create a relatable story, offering perspectives from both the child and the parent. The filmmakers also embraced constraints, such as the absence of dialog, a limited number of characters, and simplified settings, to sharpen the narrative focus.

Isabella and Lisa were inspired by the short story “The Husband Stitch” by Carmen Maria Machado, especially the idea of the invisible threads that combine people. They wanted to implement these metaphor in a visual way in a stop-motion style. Her goal was to tell a story with which you can identify on several levels – both from the perspective of a child and from that of a parent. At the same time, it was necessary to keep an eye on the production conditions: no dialogues, few characters and reduced settings. These restrictions helped concentrate the narrative on the essentials.

Lisa Lamprecht, Elja Stawinski, and Julia Langegger

The Laborious Process of Stop-Motion Animation

Produced as a final project at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Golden Strings marked the filmmakers’ entry into the world of stop-motion animation. The production timeline was dictated by a fixed submission date for the Creativity Rules Festival. Pre-production spanned approximately four months, during which the team, often working remotely, developed concept art, created essential assets, and crafted the puppets. Initial tests for computer integration and a 3D previsualization were also conducted to aid in planning camera movements and lighting.

The actual animation process took around two months. On average, the team, usually working in pairs, animated approximately five seconds of film per productive day. This painstaking process highlights the dedication and artistry required to bring stop-motion animation to life. Stop-motion animation, while a niche, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with films like Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022) garnering critical acclaim and demonstrating the enduring appeal of this handcrafted art form.

“Golden Strings” was our final project at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences-and at the same time our first step into the world of stop-motion film. Creating a clear implementation plan was not that easy at the beginning. The screening at the Creativity Rules Festival at the end of May set the fixed submission date, so the time frame was defined from the start. The pre-production lasted around four months. Since we were in the internship and not in Salzburg, we had to distribute the tasks so that everyone could work individually. Concept-art, crucial assets and most dolls were created in this phase.The initial tests for computer integration and a 3D previs for planning camera,movements and light were also created-a great help with later shooting. We managed the actual animation in about two months. On average,there were five seconds of film per (good) working day,animated by Lisa,Elja or Julia in a team consisting of two people.

Lisa Lamprecht, Elja Stawinski, and Julia Langegger

Cinema Next Series: Spotlighting Emerging Talent

Golden Strings is the latest addition to the Cinema Next Series, a platform committed to showcasing the work of talented local filmmakers.By offering these films on the Kino Vod Club streaming service, Cinema Next provides a valuable avenue for emerging artists to reach a wider audience and gain recognition for their creative endeavors.

Unraveling the Threads: The Making of “golden Strings”

Golden Strings, a poignant exploration of familial bonds, emerged from the collaborative efforts of Lisa Lamprecht, Elja Stawinski, and julia Langegger as their final project at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. This stop-motion animation delves into the intricate relationship between a mother and daughter, visually represented by delicate golden threads.

The project highlights the power of collaborative creativity. Each member brought unique skills to the table, resulting in a cohesive and impactful final product. Lamprecht, leveraging her experience in stop-motion production, oversaw puppet design and animation.Stawinski took charge of previsualization, concept art, and set planning, while Langegger managed digital effects in post-production using After Effects.

The team also received crucial support from fellow students, who contributed to lighting, color grading, sound design, and the creation of the logo and credits. This collaborative spirit extended beyond the core team,demonstrating the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in filmmaking.

The Collective Dynamic: A Symphony of Shared goals

Despite not formally labeling themselves as such, the team functioned as a collective, driven by a shared vision and close collaboration. This organic approach allowed them to efficiently distribute tasks based on individual strengths and prior experiences.

Due to the common goal and our close cooperation, we can already call ourselves a collective…

This collaborative model reflects a growing trend in the animation industry,where teams often pool their diverse talents to create innovative and compelling content. According to a recent report by Animation World Network, collaborative projects are increasingly favored for their ability to foster creativity and problem-solving.

Parting Ways, New Horizons: Future Projects and Stop-Motion Animation

While Golden Strings represents the culmination of their collaboration as a trio, each member is now embarking on individual paths. Langegger is pursuing a career as a motion designer,while Lamprecht and Stawinski are furthering their expertise in stop-motion animation through a master’s program at the Salzburg university of Applied sciences.

Under the banner of Schabernack Studios, Lamprecht and Stawinski are currently developing a new stop-motion project in collaboration with the Mozarteum. This short film is slated to be showcased at the world exhibition in osaka, providing a meaningful platform for their work and solidifying their presence in the stop-motion animation landscape.

The global animation market is experiencing substantial growth, with stop-motion animation carving out a significant niche. A report by Grand View Research projects the global animation market to reach $642.53 billion by 2030, driven by increasing demand for animated content across various industries.

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The Rise of Independent Motion Design in Austria

Austria’s creative landscape is witnessing a surge in independent studios pushing the boundaries of motion design.Among these emerging talents is Schabernack Studios, a collective dedicated to bringing innovative visual concepts to life. This studio exemplifies the growing trend of young filmmakers and designers forging their own paths in a competitive industry.

Schabernack Studios: A Closer Look

Schabernack Studios operates as a collaborative platform, uniting diverse skill sets under a single banner. Julia, a key member, specializes in motion design, contributing her expertise to a variety of projects. Their work spans across different media, showcasing their versatility and commitment to visual storytelling.

Motion design: Shaping Modern Visual Interaction

Motion design has become an integral part of modern communication, influencing everything from advertising to film and television. According to recent industry reports, the global motion graphics market is projected to reach $4.7 billion by 2026, reflecting its increasing importance in conveying data and engaging audiences. studios like Schabernack are at the forefront of this evolution,utilizing animation and visual effects to create compelling narratives.

Cinema Next and the Support for young Austrian Filmmakers

Schabernack Studios’ story is part of a larger narrative supported by initiatives like Cinema Next, which champions young film talent in Austria.These programs provide crucial resources and platforms for emerging artists to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. This support system is vital for fostering innovation and ensuring the continued growth of the Austrian film and design sector.

The Future of Schabernack Studios

With a growing portfolio and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries, Schabernack Studios is poised to make a significant impact on the motion design landscape. Their collaborative approach and dedication to visual storytelling position them as a studio to watch in the coming years. As the demand for high-quality motion graphics continues to rise, Schabernack Studios is well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.