At Creative Boom, we have a profound appreciation for stop-motion animation; its tactile charm serves as a delightful alternative to the uniformity often found in computer-generated imagery, making it an especially fitting choice during the joyous holiday season. When we come across a cinematic gem that resonates with our passion, it’s our pleasure to share it with our vibrant community. While we often spotlight creations from renowned studios like Blue Zoo and Zombie Studio, we are excited to highlight an adventurous outlier.
Steal The Naughty List is an eagerly anticipated feature film set for global release on 15 November across major streaming platforms. This project boasts an impressive voice cast that includes Kevin Sorbo, famed for his role in Hercules. While it boasts the essence of a blockbuster Hollywood production, it has a charming backstory: it was crafted by a dedicated homeschooling family hailing from Mississippi.
The creative endeavor was led by aerospace engineer Nathan VonMinden, who ingeniously transformed the upper floor of their family residence into a professional stop-motion animation studio. Here, he collaborated closely with his wife Meleice and their teenage children, immersing them in every facet of the filmmaking process.
A family affair
The production evolved into an ambitious collective effort, with each family member embracing significant creative roles. Their 19-year-old son Jackson rose to the position of animation director, skillfully overseeing a talented team of animators while ensuring emotional depth in every visual frame. Meanwhile, his siblings, Avery (17) and Charis (15), assumed leadership for the set design and took on associate producer responsibilities, respectively.
Nathan’s engineering expertise proved vital in addressing the intricate technical hurdles that accompany stop-motion animation. Their home studio, situated upstairs, was meticulously converted into a fully functional creative haven, brimming with professional-grade lighting, sophisticated cameras, paint stations, and organized storage spaces. He engineered advanced mechanical systems for puppet manipulation, while the family came together to construct intricately designed sets within their home studio.
Their commitment to detail is evident, from the design of the characters to the creation of dozens of expertly crafted sets. Every frame is a testament to their unwavering focus on quality.
Rocky Road
The journey was not without its challenges. “We encountered every conceivable obstacle, from intricate technical issues to the exhaustive hours spent capturing each subtle movement in stop-motion,” shares Meleice, who skillfully juggled her production responsibilities while homeschooling their six children.
“Nonetheless, as a united family, we persevered. This movie encapsulates our shared love for storytelling, creativity, and the true spirit of Christmas.”
When production faced unforeseen technical obstacles that threatened to halt their progress, the family sought essential guidance from industry veterans, the Rasch family, revered figures in the world of stop-motion animation. “There came a pivotal moment where we were making too many mistakes, and our progress was stalling,” Nathan reflects. “We reached out to the Rasch family, and their help was instrumental in steering us back on course.”
Emotional themes
While their technical achievements are remarkable, it is the storytelling that truly elevated this production. The narrative unfolds around a cadre of troubled characters living in the Arctic, who embark on an audacious mission to steal Santa’s infamous naughty list, seamlessly interweaving themes of mental health and redemption into its storyline.
“We aimed to explore the depths of naughty Arctic characters with personality disorders, pushing them to their limits to see if transformation was possible,” Nathan explains.
The storyline delves into mental health issues through the portrayal of characters like Polly, a perpetually chilly polar bear grappling with depression. The character development underscores the potential for positive transformation and the significance of second chances.
“The emotional toll of such a demanding project was substantial,” acknowledges Meleice. “But witnessing our children evolve in their artistic pursuits while taking ownership of their roles made every struggle worth it.”
Voice cast and release
The film has assembled an impressive voice cast, featuring talents like Brian Hull, known for his work in the Hotel Transylvania franchise, who lends his voice to the snowman hero Rory. Comedian Bob Smiley and country music artist Mary Sarah assume key character roles, while Kevin Sorbo showcases his versatility by voicing multiple characters, including a Wolverine and a Puffin Coach.
The film, produced under the family’s Upstairs Studio Animation banner, will debut on major platforms such as Amazon, Google Play, Apple TV, and Fandango this November. In addition, the release will be enhanced by special screening events and filmmaker Q&A sessions, providing audiences with a glimpse into the distinctive production journey.
“Our goal was to craft a film that not only captivates viewers through its artistic expression but also conveys a powerful message regarding mental health, forgiveness, and the prospect of change,” Nathan concludes. “In this Christmas spirit, we hope this narrative inspires families to contemplate the deeper meaning of the season.”
The story of the film’s creation stands as a beacon of inspiration for creatives everywhere. It powerfully demonstrates that one does not need the backing of a large corporation to bring a creative vision to life; often, a determined family is all you need!
Emotional challenges, and her journey of self-discovery amidst the chaos of their heist. “Our intention was to create a narrative that resonates on a deeper level, sparking conversations about personal growth and healing while still entertaining our audience,” he adds.
**Interview with Nathan VonMinden, Director of “Steal The Naughty List”**
**Editor:** Nathan, thank you for joining us today! First, can you tell us what inspired you to embark on this ambitious project as a family?
**Nathan:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from a combined love for storytelling and the unique medium of stop-motion animation. As we started homeschooling our kids, we realized we had the time and resources to create something special together. We wanted to create a film that not only entertained but could also initiate conversations about complex themes like mental health during the holiday season.
**Editor:** It’s incredible that every member of your family had a significant role in this production. How did you manage to coordinate such a collaborative effort?
**Nathan:** It was definitely a challenge at times! We held regular family meetings to discuss our roles and progress. Each person took ownership of their specific tasks, and we leaned on each other for support. The creativity flowed naturally because we were all invested in the story and the message behind it.
**Editor:** Speaking of challenges, you mentioned reaching out to the Rasch family for guidance. How impactful was that collaboration for your project?
**Nathan:** Their assistance was invaluable. They provided insights that we were struggling to identify ourselves. Sometimes, getting an outside perspective helps to clear the fog. They guided us not only in technical aspects but also in staying motivated and keeping our vision intact during rough patches.
**Editor:** The project seems to encompass serious themes despite its whimsical nature. Can you elaborate on your approach to storytelling and how you balanced fun with such heavy topics?
**Nathan:** Absolutely. We believed that exploring deeper themes through the lens of humor and whimsy could create engaging and meaningful content. By crafting dynamic characters who face moral dilemmas, we were able to weave in themes of redemption, mental health, and personal transformation. It’s our hope that audiences will find both laughter and reflection in the story.
**Editor:** With the global release coming up on November 15, how are you feeling as the date approaches?
**Nathan:** Excitement and a bit of nervousness! It’s been a long journey, and seeing our creation finally shared with the world is thrilling. I cannot wait for audiences to experience the magic we’ve worked hard to create together as a family.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Nathan! “Steal The Naughty List” sounds like a project filled with heart and creativity. We look forward to its release!
**Nathan:** Thank you for having me! We hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.
