Poker Face

Tippett Studio Brings Stop Motion Magic to Poker Face Episode “The Orpheus Syndrome”

In the Emmy-nominated episode “The Orpheus Syndrome” of Poker Face, director Rian Johnson tapped Tippett Studio to bring a unique cinematic touch: stop motion animation. This standout episode features actor Nick Nolte as an artist with a passion for stop motion puppetry, a character crafted as a tribute to the celebrated work of Phil Tippett himself.

Tippett Studio’s team designed and animated each stop motion puppet seen in Nolte’s workshop. The intricate puppets, created specifically for the episode, became a fascinating layer to the story, embodying both art and emotion. Every puppet’s movement was carefully crafted by Tippett’s artists to mirror the character’s feelings and experiences, adding depth to the episode’s narrative and visual storytelling.

Rian Johnson’s decision to bring Tippett Studio onboard paid homage to the studio’s iconic work in the industry, and the result was a richly layered, nostalgic visual experience. Through this collaboration, Poker Face introduced a new generation to the timeless artistry of stop motion, reminding us all of the magic that meticulous, handcrafted animation brings to the screen.