Case study

Kiri and Lou

15 April 2025

Stretchy Productions have set up their studio at Kōawa Studios to produce the feature film Kiri and Lou Rarararara!

HOW TO APPLY

In October 2024, Stretchy Productions set up their studio at Kōawa Studios to produce the feature film Kiri and Lou Rarararara! Building on our partnership with Aardman Academy, this stop-motion film tells the origin story of Kiri and Lou's friendship.

Animation Director Antony Elworthy, known for his work on Isle of Dogs, Pinocchio, and Coraline, leads a team of top animators. The film also features talents like writer/director Harry Sinclair and composer Don McGlashan. This partnership offers UC’s Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours students the chance to attend guest lectures and workshops with world-class animators in 2025, providing valuable industry insights.

"We’re thrilled for our animators to be housed at Kōawa Studios, in such a creative environment, enjoying goodwill and 'can do' from the Kōawa team and helping to inspire students." - Fiona Copland, Producer of Kiri and Lou.

Image of staff from Stretchy Productions with University of Canterbury's Executive Dean of Arts Kevin Watson, and Kōawa Studios Director, Sam Witters.

The partnership with Stretchy Productions provides unique opportunities for our students to observe parts of the animation production process. In 2025, students from UC’s Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours programme will have the chance to attend guest lectures and workshops with world-class Kiri and Lou animators, allowing them to gain valuable industry insight.

"Learning from high calibre animators and industry professionals will empower our students to thrive in the creative sector, we’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for the next generation of filmmakers and animators." - University of Canterbury Executive Dean Arts Professor Kevin Watson.