How Tim Burton’s Stop-Motion Films Inspired ‘I Am Frankelda’ Directors
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- Hollywood & Entertainment How Tim Burton’s Stop-Motion Films Inspired ‘I Am Frankelda’ Directors By Tim Lammers,
- We didn't quite understand what it was at first [because we were young], but we couldn't stop watching it, and continued to watch it every year.
- Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, of course, takes place in two decidedly different worlds — Halloween Town and Christmas Town — that Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon) navigates through.
Hollywood & Entertainment How Tim Burton’s Stop-Motion Films Inspired ‘I Am Frankelda’ Directors By Tim Lammers,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I cover Hollywood and entertainment.Follow Author Jun 16, 2026, 04:29pm EDTJun 16, 2026, 04:33pm EDTSummary Roy and Arturo Ambriz, directors of Netflix's new stop-motion film "I Am Frankelda," credit "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" as a lifelong inspiration, having watched it since age three. While Guillermo del Toro mentored them, Burton's iconic 1993 film, with its distinct worlds and musicality, deeply influenced their work. "I Am Frankelda" features an author navigating realms of existence and terror, drawing comparisons to Burton's classic. The brothers expressed delight at these comparisons and shared that Burton himself is excited about seeing their film. They admire "Nightmare" for its timeless, physical stop-motion artistry and hope "Frankelda" achieves similar longevity.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: (L-R) Directors Arturo Ambriz and Roy Ambriz attend the premiere of "I Am Frankelda" during the 25th edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 30, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWhile Guillermo del Toro has been instrumental in the career of Roy and Arturo Ambriz, having mentored the I Am Frankelda filmmakers over the past 17 years, another iconic director, Tim Burton, has been an inspiration to the brothers for nearly their entire lives.