Crafting Visual Stories
Based in Connemara, Stiúideo Fia is a working studio dedicated to making animation and physical storytelling by hand. The studio brings together craft, materials, and process to support production, learning, and collaboration across stop-motion animation, practical effects, and sculptural fabrication.
Meet Paul
About paul Paul McDonnell is a maker and creative director with over three decades of experience in stop-motion production, puppetry, sculptural fabrication, and practical effects.
He is the founder and creative director of Stiúideo Fia, based in Connemara, where he leads studio practice, production, and training rooted in hands-on making and physical storytelling. Etos In a fast, digital world, the studio exists to protect physical craft, material knowledge, and learning through doing.
Our work begins with materials — clay, wire, silicone, wood, fabric — and the quiet understanding that comes from working with them over time. Through sculptural fabrication, puppetry, practical effects, and stop-motion production, we give physical form to ideas and stories.
Both a working studio and a place of learning, Stiúideo Fia supports artists and makers to develop skills through real production, collaboration, and hands-on practice.
Rooted in Connemara, the studio is shaped by place, community, and care — for materials, process, and the stories we choose to tell.
Animating Creativity Together
Empowering the Next Generation
Stiúideo Fia operates as both a production studio and a place of learning. Through studio-embedded programmes, courses, and public activity, the studio supports artists, animators, and makers to develop skills through hands-on making in a professional environment.
Celebrating Our Achievements
Creative Arts Award 2021
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Galway Film Festival Award 2020
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Innovative Workshop Recognition 2022
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Where We Are Based
Rooted in a rural and Gaeltacht context, Stiúideo Fia places value on place, community, and shared knowledge, creating space for focused work while remaining open and accessible to learners, collaborators, and the wider public.
Get in Touch Today
We’re eager to hear from you. Fill out the form below to connect with us about workshops, projects, or any inquiries you have regarding animation and art.