So if the clay is re-usable (as the article says), why aren’t they re-using it?
I don’t work with clay so idk the specifics. My guess though is they do reuse it but it isn’t something you can keep using forever. Grit, hair, skin oils, etc are all going to find their way into the clay. Also there may be a one way road with mixing specific colors together, or cross contamination with the seems between where two colors are touching
This is the best summary I could come up with:
According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, Aardman has been left with enough animation clay for one more feature film after the manufacturers of its favourite material closed down earlier this year.
Newclay Products ceased trading in March, meaning that specialist animation clay Lewis Newplast is no longer available.
Valerie Dearing told the Telegraph that Aardman bought a significant amount of the remaning stock “to keep them going”.
Aardman’s next stop-motion feature is a new Wallace and Gromit film, involving an out-of-control “smart gnome” and will be directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham.
It is due to arrive in 2024 (on Netflix and the BBC) and will presumably use up Aardman’s remaining amount of Lewis Newplast.
Paul Dearing told the Telegraph: “We ran the business for 16 years and it was thriving, but we couldn’t find anyone who wanted to take over the firm after we retired so we sold off everything.” However, all hope is not lost as Newclay’s website suggests that the company’s IP will remain on sale until December.
The original article contains 273 words, the summary contains 174 words. Saved 36%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
Pity Aardman couldn’t just purchase the proprietary formula and manufacturing equipment. It’s hard to imagine it in better hands.
Honestly, I’d donate to that “gofundme” lol
Big fan. Sucks to see this happen.
But supply chain risk management is a big topic in acidemia, and this would be a great example for students to ponder
