LAIKA Studios

Mark your calendars! Applications for LAIKA’s 2025 Summer Internship Program open on Monday, March 3, 2025.

LAIKA welcomed director Gints Zilbalodis to the studio last week for an engaging discussion about his Oscar-nominated animated feature, Flow. In a Q&A led by VFX Supervisor Steve Emerson, Gints reflected on the origins of his career, his process for composing music during production, and how he used his pets as references for the film. Check out Flow, now streaming on Max. #LifeAtLAIKA?

Madeleine Arana describes her role at LAIKA as part doctor, part stylist to the stars. But instead of people, her celebrity patients and clients are puppets. Learn more from Madeleine about her work in the studio's Puppet Hospital, the joys of helping to lead the Outreach Committee, and what continues to surprise her about #LifeAtLAIKA. https://lnkd.in/g7KhiBkS

LAIKA was thrilled to host David G. Derrick Jr., co-director of?Moana 2, during his visit to the studio last week! In a Q&A session moderated by LAIKA Storyboard Artist Jay Myong, David shared insights into his approach to the project, how Moana’s discovery of her heritage mirrored his own, and the importance of telling stories where underrepresented communities can see themselves. Special thanks to LAIKA’s API ERG for co-sponsoring this inspiring visit! #LifeAtLAIKA

If a LAIKAn has big goals for 2025, they know right where to go: to Donovan Marion, the studio’s Learning and Development Lead. Hear from Donovan about the careful thought that goes into crafting employees’ unique learning journeys, the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and connection with the Black ERG, and how much he loves being the supporting character in someone’s hero story. #LifeAtLAIKA?

LAIKA is absolutely brimming with talented employees, as you can see in this 2024 retrospective of our Art in the Canteen program. Every two weeks, a new exhibit goes up in the lunchroom, featuring artwork from ERGs, departments, and individuals. This year, we hosted 22 exhibits with work by nearly 100 artists. The art on display ranged from paintings and miniatures to pottery and poetry. Thank you to everyone who participated, and here’s to another year of incredible creativity! #LifeAtLAIKA?

Where could you shop for stained glass crows, a portrait of a feline knight, wall-mounted dinosaur heads, and so much more? At LAIKA’s Annual Craft Fair, of course, where LAIKAns are both the vendors and the customers. Watch this video to see some of the wares employees were excited to purchase this year. #LifeAtLAIKA?

LAIKAns were lucky enough to screen the latest adventure from Aardman Animations,?Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, ahead of its release in the US, followed a few days later by a discussion with Merlin Crossingham. Merlin chatted about all things claymation, iconic villains, and animating characters who don’t have mouths. Don’t miss?Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl?when it releases on Netflix on January 3. #LifeAtLAIKA?

Director Simon Otto brought the holiday spirit to LAIKA last week! Following a special early screening of?That Christmas, LAIKAns were gifted with a presentation from Simon, who discussed what it was like working with Richard Curtis; the challenges of pulling together an animated film with multiple storylines; and how the film’s team developed its character and color designs. Be sure to watch That Christmas?this holiday season, now streaming on Netflix. #LifeAtLAIKA??

This week, the Native ERG brought in local artist Celeste Whitewolf, for a two-day basket-weaving workshop. She shared with us the art of coiled paper twist baskets, a style of basket-making that she learned from the Columbia Basin Basket Guild here in Portland. We’re grateful to Celeste for spending those two days with us and excited to put our newly woven baskets to good use! #LifeAtLAIKA?