Who's behind hirschundelch?
Hirsch (AND Elch)
the creative force behind hirschundelch
Stefan Minder
Hirsch Director Screenwriter Animator Producer VFX-Specialist Composer
As a big fan of animated films, especially stop motion, it was only a matter of time before I would get hands-on myself. That's why LEGO animated films have been an important part of my life since I was a teenager.
It fascinates me that I can take a seemingly inanimate object and breathe life into it.
Original and well-written stories are important to me. If the viewer concentrates on the story and only notices in passing that they are looking at LEGO men, then I've done my job right.
It's my goal to improve in some way with each film and thus always offer something new to the viewer.
Why hirschundelch?
The Origin of the name
Hirschundelch was not always a solo show. In the beginning, I made the animated films together with my good friend Olivier Altenbach. We collected ideas and stories and animated them together. Unfortunately, Olli had to stop for time reasons, whereupon I continued alone.
But what does this have to do with the name? Quite simple: They are our mutual nicknames. Dear Olli came back from a vacation in Scandinavia with his new nickname “Elch” (German for moose) and immediately named his colleague (yours truly) “Hirsch” (German for deer). When it came to giving our production team a name, the solution was obvious: Hirsch und Elch (deer and moose). This then became “hirschundelch”.
Der Elch zum Hirsch
Olivier Altenbach
Elch Camera Operator Storyman Masterbuilder Animator Legowhisperer
Not only does Elch know how to use an SLR camera, he's also a talented Lego builder and was responsible for some of our best sets.
As a story creator, he has made our scripts better with his many good ideas. The story of the film "Never say good-bye" also draws directly from his life and tells how he met his wife.
The many hours of animation have shown him that "animating can be hell. But looking at the result afterwards and smiling with satisfaction makes up for everything."
Now that he is (unfortunately) no longer animating, you can find him with his family in the mountains, with his dog in the woods or every now and then at an FC Basel football match.
As a story creator, he has made our scripts better with his many good ideas. The story of the film "Never say good-bye" also draws directly from his life and tells how he met his wife.
The many hours of animation have shown him that "animating can be hell. But looking at the result afterwards and smiling with satisfaction makes up for everything."
Now that he is (unfortunately) no longer animating, you can find him with his family in the mountains, with his dog in the woods or every now and then at an FC Basel football match.
Who else?
There are other good souls who contribute their ideas from time to time, help with special technology or lend their voice.
Not just a Blender
Jan Schwegler
My 3D visualizer on call. If 3D animated worlds are needed, versatile and cool Jan is just the guy for me.
The Voice of Brickfilms
Phil Brown
Has lent his distinctive voice to my Lego characters several times. Not only a great actor, but also a wonderful person.
LEGO-Lover & Brickfilm-Enthusiast
Damian Schaller
When he's not contributing ideas to stories, he helps animate them from time to time. Or he just infects me with his enthusiasm.