Laika Studios
In short
Laika is an American independent animation studio based in Hillsboro, Oregon, that specialises in stop-motion feature films. It is owned by Phil Knight and led by his son, Travis Knight.
In plain words
The studio makes films by moving physical puppets bit by bit and taking photos to create movement. They are famous for making high-quality movies that look very detailed and artistic.
A simple example
The studio created the film Coraline, where characters were built as tiny puppets and moved manually during filming.
Why it matters
They are one of the few major studios left that focuses on the traditional craft of stop-motion. Their work pushes the limits of how much technology can be used alongside handmade art.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse the studio with the Soviet space programme that sent the dog Laika into orbit.