Animators shape new life in gatehouse

Three international animators have taken up residence in the Mona Vale Gatehouse.

In conjunction with the local Community Board, the Christchurch City Council is trialling an artists in residence programme to utilise the recently restored gatehouse in Fendalton.

American Rachel Larsen and British stop-motion animators Rob Millard and Max Martin are the first creatives to enjoy the stunning setting.

Gatehouse guests: Animators Rob Millard, left, Max Martin and Rachel Larsen.

All three have been brought to Christchurch by animation director Antony Elworthy, who has returned to his home city to establish a world-class stop-motion animation studio in Ferrymead and work on a new project, Kiri and Lou.

He also plans to develop the studio and local talent while creating fresh opportunities in the city.

Mr Elworthy has worked on numerous award-winning productions, including Coraline and Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride.

Most recently, all four animators have worked on Wes Anderson’s new stop-motion animated film, Isle of Dogs, featuring the voices of 2018 Oscar nominees Frances McDormand and Greta Gerwig, along with Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray and Yoko Ono.

“Myself, and indeed the whole production team are extremely grateful to the Christchurch City Council to be given this amazing opportunity to trial the artists in residence programme at Mona Vale,” Mr Elworthy says.

For internationally recognised creative Ms Larsen, who met the animation director when they worked on Coraline, “the Mona Vale Gatehouse is the best place that I’ve ever lived in”.

“It’s also interesting to be in a city as it recovers – and exciting to be part of what it will become,” she says.

“We love the community vibe.”

For Mr Millard, living in the Gothic-style gatehouse “is bizarre, but in a really good way”.

While the gatehouse “looks a bit weird from the outside”, Mr Millard says it is great living in Mona Vale and having an incredible backyard.

Mr Martin adds that after a very early arrival in Christchurch, walking into Mona Vale was “just amazing”.

All three are thrilled to have the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand after wrapping up work on Isle of Dogs. They particularly enjoy working with clay, describing it as the “coolest” form to use in stop-motion animation.

Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board chairperson David Cartwright says the artists in residence programme is an ideal match for the Board’s commitment to making the most of Council-owned heritage sites.

“Having a trio of international animators in our backyard is beneficial both for the growth of our local creative enterprises and showcasing multiple business opportunities to a bigger audience,” Mr Cartwright says.

Christchurch City Council Operations Manager, Garden and Heritage Parks, Nicky Brown says the residence programme “presents a wonderful opportunity to make the most of one of our prime heritage buildings”.

“By opening the door to the creative community, we can also ensure that the Mona Vale Gatehouse plays a leading role in sustainable use within the city’s heritage environment,” Ms Brown says.

The animators are expected to remain in residence for a year.