In this hands-on workshop you’ll create your very own Boo the Ghost and bring them to life on camera. Learn how to make an expressive Claymation puppet and animate movement and facial expressions using replacement animation, while giving Boo a personality of their own. You’ll follow a fun and easy sculpting tutorial to create your character, then learn the basics of stop-motion animation and bring Boo to life through movement, expressions and personality. You’ll also create spooky accessories and backgrounds to help tell your story.
At the end of the workshop, you’ll have a finished animation to spook your family and friends in time for Halloween.
Led by professional stop-motion artist Sanna Räsänen and animator Samuel Carson you’ll learn the tricks and treats of the industry while having lots of Halloween fun.
Materials are included.
Sanna Räsänen:
Sanna graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Animation 2021. She started working whilst at school as a Model Maker on a few commercial jobs and her graduation film ‘Takatalvi’ was shortlisted for the RTS Student Awards 2021.
She worked as a Production Designer and Model Maker in the short film ‘Squib’ which won the Poetry Category at The Motion Picture International Film Festival and the Shark Award for Best Animated Film as well as racking up nominations from multiple festivals such as the British Animation Awards.
In 2022 she was shortlisted for the Lamb award at the BAA’s and for the past three years she has been working as Art Director at One6th on a BFI funded short film ‘Two Black Boys In Paradise’ which was released in 2025 and has won multiple awards including a BAFTA in 2025.
Samuel Carson:
Samuel Carson is an animator, filmmaker and creative facilitator based in Manchester. Samuel works across stop-motion, filmmaking and creative engagement, with a particular passion for making animation accessible to everyone.
His professional animation work includes Two Black Boys in Paradise, winner of the 2026 BAFTA for Best British Short Animation. Samuel has also delivered animation workshops in Malawi and Kenya, using creativity and storytelling as a way to connect, build confidence and make filmmaking accessible in communities facing significant challenges.
His workshops are relaxed, hands-on and welcoming, designed to take the pressure out of being “good at art” and encourage people to experiment, collaborate and play. Samuel believes animation is for everyone, regardless of experience or artistic background.