The Art of Stop-Motion: A Conversation with Sarah Phelps, Producer for PES

I’m thrilled to revisit a special conversation from 2006 with my former high school classmate, Sarah Phelps. This episode holds a special place in my heart because it was the very first podcast I ever recorded! Sarah is the producer and manager behind the wildly creative and award-winning animator PES, whose groundbreaking stop-motion films like Roof Sex and Game Over have redefined what animation can be.We dive into Sarah’s fascinating journey—from studying abroad in South America and Portugal to her unexpected pivot into advertising, where she first crossed paths with PES. You’ll hear how a chance encounter over free pizza led to a creative partnership that’s brought some of the most inventive and beloved short films to life.We also explore the painstaking process of stop-motion animation, the challenges of filming outdoors (like on a New York City rooftop!), and how inspiration can strike from the most unexpected places—like a simple peanut. Sarah shares stories about the awards, the viral success of their work, and how PES’s unique vision has captivated both the art world and major brands like TLC and PlayStation.Whether you’re a fan of animation, a creative professional, or just love hearing about the hustle behind artistic success, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a whole lot of inspiration. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to check out PES’s work at www.eatpes.com and my website at www.talentfreaks.com to learn more about my work.