We are huge fans of stop-motion here at Creative Boom; it offers a refreshing change from the usual CG animation and is especially perfect for the holiday season. When we come across a stop-motion film that captures our attention, we love sharing it with our community. Typically, these films come from well-known studios like Blue Zoo or Zombie Studio, but every now and then, there’s a surprising exception.
One such exception is „Steal The Naughty List,“ a feature-length film set to release globally on 15 November on major streaming platforms. The film features the voice talent of Kevin Sorbo, known for his role as Hercules. While it may sound like a big-budget Hollywood production, it was actually created by a homeschooling family in Mississippi.
Led by aerospace engineer Nathan VonMinden, the family transformed their upper floor into a professional animation studio where they worked together on this ambitious project. Their children also played significant roles in the production, with their son Jackson serving as the animation director, daughter Avery handling set design, and daughter Charis working as an associate producer.
Despite facing numerous technical challenges inherent in stop-motion animation, the family’s engineering background and creativity helped them overcome obstacles. From building characters to creating intricate sets, their attention to detail shines through in every frame of the film.
The journey wasn’t without its struggles, as Meleice, who homeschooled six children while working on the film, recalls the long hours and technical complexities they encountered. However, their shared passion for storytelling and the Christmas message kept them motivated.
When they faced technical hurdles that threatened to derail the project, the family received guidance from the Rasch family, well-respected figures in the stop-motion animation industry. Their expertise proved invaluable in helping the family navigate challenges and stay on track.
Beyond the technical aspects, the heart of the film lies in its storytelling. „Steal The Naughty List“ explores themes of mental health and redemption as a group of troubled characters in the Arctic set out to steal Santa’s infamous list. Through their narrative, the family’s emotional depth and creativity truly shine.