Stop Motion Magazine Extends Fundraiser to Power 2026 Relaunch

Stop Motion Magazine Extends Fundraiser to Power 2026 Relaunch

Stop Motion Magazine has announced an extension of its ongoing Relaunch Fundraiser, giving supporters more time to help secure the magazine’s next chapter. Thanks to early contributions from the global animation community, SMM has successfully raised enough to keep its servers running through Fall 2026.

But the campaign’s work isn’t done yet — the next phase aims to fund new digital issues, subscriber-only production tools, and expanded coverage of stop-motion studios and festivals around the world.

Supporting the Craft of Hand-Made Storytelling

Since its founding, Stop Motion Magazine has celebrated the art of frame-by-frame filmmaking — a discipline defined by patience, creativity, and tactile craftsmanship. In an age when AI can generate footage in seconds, SMM continues to champion “hand-made, human-led storytelling.”

By backing the relaunch, supporters help sustain a platform that for over 15 years has documented and uplifted the stop-motion field through interviews, tutorials, reviews, and technical insights.

Fundraiser Tiers and Perks

Supporters can contribute at multiple levels — from individual subscriptions to studio sponsorships — each with exclusive perks and recognition.

• $5 / Month (Recurring) — 1-year access billed monthly; includes supporter badge, Animation Tools and Applications, and name on the Supporter Wall.

• $25 / Year — Digital Subscription: four digital issues, name on Supporter Wall.

• $50 / Year — Pro Subscription: includes all digital issues, Animation Tools and Applications, and name in relaunch issue credits.

• $75 / Year — Pro + Stop Motion University Credit: adds a $30 course credit.

• $100 / Year — Insider Tier: classified ad + exclusive digital content pack (January 2026 release).

• $250 / Year — Community Sponsor: one-year small ad placement + supporter page logo/link.

• $500 / Year — Indie Sponsor: quarter-page ad + homepage logo + newsletter feature.

Each contribution directly funds server costs, software development, and magazine production — ensuring Stop Motion Magazine remains a living resource for the animation world.

Tools Available to Subscribers

All active subscribers gain access to a growing suite of SMM Production Tools, created to streamline workflows for artists, educators, and studios.

🧰 Current Tools (Available Now)

• Lipsync Calculator – plan mouth shapes and timing for dialogue.

• Frame & Exposure Calculator – estimate exposure times and frame counts.

• Animation Budget Calculator – manage budgets for studio or freelance projects.

• Invoice Builder – create and export invoices for clients.

• Frame Grabber Lite – capture and test animation frames directly from a live camera feed.

These tools are available to both $5-per-month subscribers (billed monthly for one year) and $50 annual Pro subscribers, providing full-year access to all Animation Tools and Applications through the Stop Motion Magazine member portal.

🚀 Future Software Releases

• JabberJaw 2000 (Coming 2026) – an advanced lip-sync and viseme-generation software designed specifically for facial animation.

• Additional software’s and to be announced soon.

Expanding Education and Resources

Beyond software and news, Stop Motion Magazine continues to grow its educational branch through Stop Motion University — offering accessible, self-paced courses for beginners and professionals alike.

Upcoming micro-courses include:

• Beginner’s Clay Animation Course – foundational principles of clay animation.

• Puppet Making for Stop Motion – a series of courses focused on learn construction, armature, and materials.

• VFX for Stop Motion – integrate digital effects and compositing techniques.

• More Courses Coming in 2026 – including advanced lighting, camera setup, and animation planning workshops.

Subscribers at the $75 tier and above receive credits toward Stop Motion University courses, while all Pro-level members gain discounted access to upcoming educational content.

Why This Matters

For more than 15 years, SMM has been a consistent voice for the stop-motion medium — from highlighting groundbreaking artists to covering major international festivals. The magazine’s relaunch isn’t just about continuity; it’s about preserving the handmade artistry that defines stop motion.

As the campaign reminds readers: “Every dollar helps keep stop motion alive.”

To learn more and support the campaign, visit:
👉 https://stopmotionmagazine.com/relaunch-fundraiser/