Face to Face with... Andersen M Studio

A unique creative partnership between brother and sister, Martin Andersen and sister Line, form the Andersen M Studio. Represented by start up production company 15 badgers, the team says that its priority is to produce original creative communication and recently created idents featuring paper models. Here they explain the dynamics of the set up and express their ideas for forthcoming projects.  

Andersen M works on short films, commercials, design, photography and music; how would you describe yourselves?

We are simply two siblings that did something real bad to our parents and had to move abroad... Haha! No, we are two siblings who respect each other’s talent and who both share a very similar interest in art, culture and craftsmanship.

We therefore decided to use this to our strength and work together under the name Andersen M Studio, using traditional means and values in art to achieve this. We both feel it is important to understand and develop traditional and hand crafted techniques as part of our creative language.

Over the past 10 years we have been commissioned to work on music packaging design, book and identity design, photography, installation design, fashion promos and we also do a lot of personal music based projects.

How long did it take to create each Star Alliance ident?

From start to finish all five took three months. The actual model making took like three weeks and the five animations were shot over 5-6 weeks.

Is everything done for real or is there any computer trickery involved?

We take great pride in craftsmanship and have, as in our previous animations, created these five films completely in camera.

How did you first get involved in stop-frame animation?

Line (one part of Andersen M Studio) created a stop-frame animation as part of her final MA project at CSM. This film (A Map Comes to Life) won the Creative Future Award by Creative Review.

Since joining up with me (Martin) in 2006, we have created numerous animated films for clients such as The New Zealand Book Council (for Nick Worthington at Colenso BBDO), Alfred Dunhill, The Southbank Centre, PanMacmillan, More 4 and Nokia.

You’ve made a number of stop-frame film/idents; is it the style of animation you prefer and if so, why?

We both love creating “in camera” and have found an inspiring relationship in the way we work on these projects together. Line creates the models and animations and I am looking after the lighting and cinematography. We both create the ideas, storyboards and direct the shoots.

We both feel that there are lots of possibilities that can still be accomplished in paper animations. However, we’re both inspired by many forms of stop-frame animation and filmmaking in general and have lots of ideas in other mediums that we would love to get a chance to work on. We are currently discussing ideas for a short film that will use other materials than just paper.

Have you always worked together and do you think being brother and sister makes it easier or harder sometimes?

As siblings we have a great understanding and respect of each other’s talents and personalities and share a similar interest within art and communication. We both feel that there is a natural relationship and interest at heart. We respect each other’s ideas and visions, sometimes they can surprise, but we make sure to discuss all our ideas and see where they can take a project.

Is there a specific division of labour when you’re working or is everything shared out equally?

For the stop-frame animations we generally work together on the ideas, storyboards and directions for the projects. Then Line creates the model making and animations on shoot while I create the lighting, cinematography and editing. But on all other projects we tend to involve each other. We both know each other’s strengths and always try to get the best out of each other.

You seem to have a very specific stop-motion style, using paper/card; is that something you’ve purposely cultivated and how intricate can the jobs become?

The project can be and should be intricate and challenging. We both want to push ourselves to see what’s possible within the medium of paper, but we are also both looking forward to other creative challenges in other mediums. We have always believed in pushing the boundaries and are often discussing ideas for future projects. We are pleased to be involved in so many interesting aspects of creativity.

What’s next for Anderson M?

We have just created an identity for a new watch company; We are working on music packaging for a couple of indie bands; We are editing and designing two new book designs and Martin is working on a new photographic exhibition for a gallery in New York and writing and releasing music with the art band HEST. We have also just started working on a stop-frame animation and our first bit of live action work through 15 Badgers, with our producer, Toby Courlander. We can’t be too specific, as it’s It's all very confidential.

You can see the studio's recent idents here.