This week we had the absolute joy of visiting Stephen Chiodo at the wonderful Chiodo Brothers Studio in LA ✨ – and what a delight it was!

There’s a good chance you know Stephen’s work. He is the director, producer, writer, creature and puppet creator, stop-motion animator, and special effects wizard behind a number of really original films – above all the cult classic ‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’ (1988), as well as ‘Critters’ (1986) and ‘Team America: World Police’ (2004). Or perhaps ‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ (2021) or the wonderfully quirky ‘Alien Xmas’ (2020) ring a bell?
Back in 2019, we co-authored a paper for a special issue on violent clowns dedicated to ‘Killer Klowns’. Ever since, I’ve hoped we might one day continue that conversation in person. Today, that wish came true – and it was absolutely worth the wait. To step inside the creative universe where so many iconic creatures were imagined and brought to life, to talk about sci-fi comedy, cult cinema, practical effects, and the enduring fascination with clowns – it was inspiring, generous, and super energising.

Stephen, thank you for such a spectacular, thoughtful, and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon! Conversations like these remind me why creative research collaborations matter so much. 😎 🤓 🥳