How was Morph Created?
Morph was created by Peter Lord and David Sproxton to feature in the children’s programme Take Hart alongside the artist and presenter Tony Hart, with the character being a simple terracotta-coloured figure who could change shape, earning him the name Morph due to his ability to metamorphose. The creation of Morph marked one of Aardman Animations‘ first notable projects, laying the groundwork for their future successes, including the “Sledgehammer” music video and Wallace and Gromit.
Introduction to Morph
The Concept and Creation
Morph, the animated clay character, made his TV debut in 1977 in the children’s BBC programme Take Hart, and was later joined by his cream-coloured partner-in-crime Chas. This unlikely duo captured the hearts of audiences with their comedic adventures and unique personalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Morph’s Creation and History
- When was Morph created? Morph was created to feature in the children’s programme Take Hart, first appearing on TV in 1977.
- Did Aardman make Morph? Yes, Morph was produced for the BBC by Aardman Animations.
- Was Morph on SMart? After Take Hart’s shows ended, Morph and Chas appeared in shorts on the Children’s BBC’s successor programme SMart from 1994 to 2005.
- How long does it take to make an episode of Morph? Each one-minute episode of the new series of Morph took animators eight to ten days, and they film six to eight seconds a day.
- Did Tony Hart invent Morph? No, Morph was created by Peter Lord and David Sproxton to feature in Take Hart alongside Tony Hart.
About Morph’s Characteristics and Abilities
- How is Morph filmed? Morph was originally shot on 16mm film, one frame at a time, with no immediate way to review the footage until it was developed.
- Who is Morph’s brother? Morph’s brother is Chas, a cream-coloured character who often accompanies Morph in his adventures.
- What is Morph made out of? Morph is a clay character produced by Aardman for the BBC.
- Is Claymation stop-motion? Yes, Claymation is an animation technique that uses movable clay characters and stop-motion recording.
About Morph’s Legacy and Usage
- Is Aardman Animator free? Yes, the Aardman Animator app is free to download and is an easy-to-use stop-motion animation app.
- What language does Morph speak? Morph often speaks “pure gobbledygook”, adding to his comedic charm.
- Who created Morph and Chas? Peter Lord and David Sproxton created Morph, and the character was later joined by Chas.
- Who is the white character in Morph? The white character is Chas, Morph’s best friend, who is amoral, narcissistic, and dimwitted but has a good friendship with Morph.
About Morph in Other Contexts
- Are Morph and Mystique the same? No, while both characters have shapeshifting powers, they use them differently, with Morph often using his powers for humorous effects.
- Can Morph use other mutants’ powers? No, Morph cannot use the powers and abilities of whoever he morphs into, he can only change his physical appearance.
Conclusion
Morph, with his unique ability to metamorphose and his endearing personality, has become a beloved character in children’s television, with a history that spans decades and includes appearances in Take Hart and SMart. The creation of Morph by Peter Lord and David Sproxton not only showcased their creativity but also marked the beginning of Aardman Animations‘ successful journey in the world of animation.