Lotte lives
Turn Your Real-Life Story into a One-of-a-Kind Handmade Film
At Lotte Lives, we transform your memories into a timeless keepsake — a handcrafted mini-film that moves frame by frame, made with paper, fabric, light and care. Whether you want a heartfelt gift for someone you love or a unique way to share your brand’s personality, every video is built to capture emotion and last a lifetime.Perfect for:
- Personalised Gifts: Create a film keepsake that touches the heart of someone you love.
- Brand Narratives: Showcase your business’s essence through unique, artisanal visuals.Each piece is 100% Handcrafted, 100% Emotionally resonant, and 100% Yours.
Scroll down - Stories await ↓
Crafting Memories: Films for Personal Milestones
For those who cherish unique, emotionally resonant keepsakes, a Lotte Lives film is more than a gift—it's a moment captured forever.Anniversaries & Weddings:
Celebrate love stories with custom animated journeys.Birthdays & Milestones:
Turn memories into magical motion (e.g., a child’s growth or a graduation).Proposals & Love Letters:
Surprise your partner with a one-of-a-kind declaration.Memorials:
Honor loved ones with a tender animated tribute.Holiday Gifts:
Give something unforgettable for Christmas, Mother’s Day, etc.
Elevate Your Brand: Artisanal Storytelling in Motion
For businesses and creators who value authenticity and connection, our stop-motion films transform your message into captivating, unforgettable visuals.Small Shops (Organic, Eco-Friendly, Artisan):
Showcase your products’ handmade essence.Sustainable Brands:
Highlight your process frame by frame (e.g., farm-to-table in motion).Local Cafés & Boutiques:
Animate your origin story or seasonal menus.Authors, Musicians & Designers:
Bring book characters or album art to life.Content Creators:
Stand out with enchanting stop-motion intros or outros.Institutions & Museums:
Present your artworks and collections in a unique, captivating way.
A personal collaboration crafted with care
Our Art & ProcessAt Lotte Lives, we bring the art of stop-motion—once reserved for cinema—into the hands of real people. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of Lotte Reiniger, I craft each mini-film frame by frame, using paper, fabric, glass, and light. No templates. No algorithms. Just one frame, one feeling at a time. Here, scripts aren’t invented—they’re lived. Your memories, your voice, your real story become the heart of a handcrafted work of art, ready to be shared with the world.How Your Lotte Lives Film Works For YouBusinesses can share their handcrafted mini-film on Instagram, Facebook, or their website to captivate followers; loop it on a screen inside a boutique or café to draw customers in; feature it in email newsletters or digital ads to stand out from the usual stock footage; or project it at pop-ups and special events. Because each frame is built by hand, the result feels authentic and perfectly in tune with your business’s unique style—whether you run a cozy coffee shop, an artisan clothing boutique, or a small organic store—giving you a powerful visual asset no filter or template could match.Individuals can send their mini-film as a heartfelt gift via WhatsApp or email, display it on a tablet or TV at home to relive a special moment, or use it during celebrations—birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, or memorials—to create an unforgettable keepsake. Each frame’s handmade detail ensures the film feels deeply personal, offering a tangible way to celebrate and remember life’s most meaningful occasions.What Will You Receive?- A Finished Video File (MP4): Ready to share on social media, your website, or at live events.
- Full Ownership: The animation is entirely yours to use, share, project, or gift as you wish.
- An Emotional Keepsake: A compact, handcrafted film that perfectly captures your story.Why choose Lotte Lives?Lotte Lives is for people and brands who value craftsmanship, slowness, and soul over speed and automation. We don’t create for festivals, trends, or the spotlight — we create for one person, one brand, one voice at a time. And when your story is finished, it’s entirely yours: the frames, the feeling, the freedom to share it wherever and however you choose. We’re here to bring it to life — not to keep it.Because your story deserves more than a filter.It deserves to be felt.
portfolio
Mirandú
Story delivered by Miranda's mother:
"I’d love an animation of Miranda gently tending to her flowers—but honestly, she’s still learning not to squish them when she gets excited. Could you capture that moment of hesitation when she pulls her hand back? (attached photo!), and I’d love to see her dancing with them. Maybe I appear in the film hugging her or dancing as well. This’ll be our gentle reminder to ‘be kind to growing things.’"
selected pack: complex animation
delivered in 9 days to Jimena Croceri (@jimenacroceri) Buenos Aires
the night we found Oscar
Story delivered by Remy's father:
"Our kids still talk about the night they dug Oscar out of the snowbank. Could you animate Remy’s frozen mittens cradling him, with Oscar’s tail barely wagging? And—this is cheesy—but maybe add a little ‘puff’ of breath in the cold air when he licks Remy’s cheek? We want to frame the still of that moment for the kids’ room."
selected pack: complex animation (1:54 mins)
delivered in 14 days to Hester Gerber, Switzerland
Cinema Sil Plaz
Cinema Sil Plaz
An independent cinema located in the town of Ilanz, Switzerland. Process details will be uploaded soon. Stay updated!
selected pack: Premium animation
Will be deliver in 18/20 days to Fadri Cadonau (@cinemasilplaz). Illanz, Switzerland
zuripilz
Zuripilz (@zuripilz) An eco-friendly mushroom farm located in Zürich, Switzerland.
selected pack: Premium animation
Delivered in 26 days to Zuripliz (@zurpliz). Zürich, Switzerland
baby zafira
Story delivered by Zafira's father:
"... my beloved princess came to this world last month and we cannot be happier. I want to surprise my wife with this special moment. I will send you some photos of the bedroom we prepared for our Zafira. And if possible, the moment my wife plays with her in that rocking chair? It sounds dramatic and rosa, but it’s our favorite family moment...."
selected pack: short animation
delivered in 5 days to Ariel Sosa (@arielmsosa) Manta, Ecuador.
ruben and ana
Story delivered by Ana:
"... Ruben and I have been married for 56 years. That's a long time! For our story we don’t need realistic faces—just our silhouettes. Perhaps a small circle around like a portrait?. Just that, a simple and quiet hour we’ve shared since we were 25."
selected pack: short animation
Delivered in 6 days to Ana Figueroa. Buenos Aires
katja
Story delivered by Katja:
"I want to animate that night in the abandoned house by the Sava River where my two friends and I danced to Russian Gothic doom punk until sunrise. I remember there was a bathtub there and the house looked creepy—Alina did heavy drugs but I just had some vodka. Somehow we ended up half naked dancing like crazy dolls, Ira spinning until she knocked over a candle (we barely avoided setting the curtains on fire!). Could you capture all that or at least part of this?"
selected pack: Short Animation (45s)
delivered in 6 days to Katja Stojanovič, Belgrade, Serbia
Stay Updated! ↑ Every week we will be uploading magic stories from new clients.
Request yours ↓
Stories in the Making
get wild
Get Wild!
Sustainable fashion brand from Argentina. Get Wild! Bamboo eco-clothes
selected pack: Premium animation
Will be deliver in 25/30 days to Get Wild, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Merlina the fairy
Story delivered by Merlina:
"I’ve written this dark fairy tale where my cat Nimbus transforms into a monster to guard me from ‘forest shadows’ (aka my anxiety). Can you make his fur ripple like ink spreading, with glowing eyes? But keep it weirdly cute—he’s still a house cat who’d rather nap than fight. Think: Studio Ghibli meets Tim Burton, but if they were broke and used recycled paper."
selected pack: Complex animation
Will be deliver in 14/16 days to Merlina Famularo (@merlinafamularo_). Buenos Aires
How to Commission Your Custom Animation
At Lotte Lives, we make bringing your story to life simple and collaborative. Here's how we transform your vision into a unique, handmade film:Our Step-by-Step Creative Journey
Select the animation package that best suits your story and needs (Short, Complex or Premium). Each pack offers a unique level of detail and duration.
This is where the magic begins! Tell us about your memories, brand essence, or the special moment you want to celebrate. We'll connect via WhatsApp for an initial consultation to understand your vision and gather any photos or videos for inspiration.
3. Collaborative Creation
Storyboard & Design: Based on your story and visual references, we'll craft initial sketches. These define the aesthetic for your characters, backgrounds, and the narrative flow, ensuring we're perfectly aligned with your vision.
Handmade Animation: With your approval, we meticulously bring your story to life, frame by frame. Each mini-film is 100% handcrafted in our studio using paper, fabric, glass, light, and custom-designed sets – a true labor of love.
4. Final Polish & Delivery
Editing & Sound: We enhance your animation with custom music, professional sound effects, and final touches to create a captivating experience.
Preview & Approval: You'll receive a short preview clip for your review. This ensures your complete satisfaction before final payment.
Final Delivery: Once approved, we'll deliver your finished video file in multiple high-quality formats (MP4, GIF, 4K, social media-ready), ready to share and cherish.
Payment & Assurance
We believe in transparency and your complete satisfaction:
Editing & Sound: We enhance your animation with custom music, professional sound effects, and final touches to create a captivating experience.
Preview & Approval: You'll receive a short preview clip for your review. This ensures your complete satisfaction before final payment.
Final Delivery: Once approved, we'll deliver your finished video file in multiple high-quality formats (MP4, GIF, 4K, social media-ready), ready to share and cherish.
Enhance Your Keepsake
Optional Physical Keepsake: In addition to your digital film, we offer a beautifully framed piece featuring the original hand-cut characters and backgrounds from your animation. A tangible piece of art to display! (Included with our Legacy Film package, available as an add-on for Mini-Moment and Story Weaver packs).
Our Custom Animation Packages
At Lotte Lives, every film is a unique piece of art, meticulously crafted by hand to tell your story.
Choose the package that best fits your vision, or contact us for a custom quote.
Short
Animation
up to 1m
I: $300
B: $550
I. for private use (individuals). B. business (brands). *Business pricing includes commercial usage rights and priority support.
What's included:
Hand-crafted Stop-Motion Animation (Black & White for a classic, timeless feel)
Up to 2 articulated characters
1 scenic background
Editing with music and basic sound effects
Delivery in .mov or MP4 format (ready for social media & web)
3 material revisions
Delivery Time: Estimated 10-15 business days
complex animation
up to 3 m
I: $450
B: $700
I. for private use (individuals). B. business (brands). *Business pricing includes commercial usage rights and priority support.
What's included:
Hand-crafted Stop-Motion Animation (Full Color & Black & White options available)
Up to 4 articulated characters
3 scenic backgrounds
Enhanced editing with sound effects and visual narrative
Voice-over narration (optional, additional cost may apply)
5 material revisions
Delivery in .mov or MP4 format (high-resolution & social media ready)
Delivery Time: Estimated 15-25 business days
Premium animation
up to 4m
I: $750
B: $1200
I. for private use (individuals). B. business (brands). *Business pricing includes commercial usage rights and priority support.
What's included:
Hand-crafted Stop-Motion Animation (Full Color & Black & White options available)
Unlimited articulated characters and custom scenic backgrounds
Advanced editing with professional sound design and effects
Voice-over narration (included if required, with professional talent options)
Unlimited material revisions
Delivery in high-resolution broadcast-ready format & for all social media platforms
Includes a beautifully framed physical keepsake of your animation's characters and backgrounds
Complimentary delivery of framed keepsake
Delivery Time: Estimated 25-40 business days
💳 Secure International PaymentWe offer secure payment options in EUR, USD, and other major currencies via: Wise or Bank account in Spain (for European clients) Please contact us via WhatsApp to receive your personalised payment details.
animation process
Characters and scenarios
CUT-OUTS DESIGNED BY HAND, FRAME BY FRAME
After our consultation, we transform your photos and memories into articulated paper characters and immersive scenarios. Every element—from backgrounds to special effects—is sketched, cut, and hand-painted to match your story’s essence."It’s not just animation; it’s a tactile heirloom."
... and the magic happens!
12+ HOURS OF HANDMADE MAGIC PER ANIMATION
Using custom-built multiplane cameras (from recycled materials), we animate without digital shortcuts. Techniques include:- Lighting: Handmade filters for mood
- Transitions: Silk-screen vintage textures
- Movement: Physical "wind" with fans"Your story moves—literally—because we move it."
testimonials
Jimena Croceri (birthday gift)
"I commissioned this animation for my 40th birthday, and when I saw my daughter’s little paper version hugging me on screen, I couldn’t hold back tears. Lotte Lives captured her perfectly. Now it’s our family’s most treasured digital heirloom."
oscar's parents
"When our kids and their friends found Oscar buried in the snow that winter night, we knew this was more than just a rescue—it was the day our family grew. Lotte Lives didn’t just animate the moment; they captured how Remy’s hands trembled while removing the snow, and how Luna appears from nowhere with a shovel (that was real). Now, every time we play this animation, Oscar (safe and spoiled at home!) tilts his head at his tiny paper self. It’s our favorite family treasure—a reminder that heroes come in all sizes."
Zafira's parents
Ariel surprised me with this animation one month after Zafira was born. I was skeptical at first (‘How can paper capture her tiny nose?’), but when I saw our family’s profiles side by side—even my husband’s beard stubble!—I was stunned. We play it on loop during family dinners."
who creates your stories?
Adrian Melis
Artist and filmmaker, specialist in storytelling, editing and experimental filmmaking
Adrián Melis is a Cuban artist with an international career that combines his expertise in visual arts and filmmaking to create unique stop motion animations. Trained at the University of Arts in Havana and a former resident at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam, his work has been exhibited at institutions such as the Centre Pompidou (Paris), the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, and the Queens Museum (NY). Inspired by Lotte Reiniger’s classic technique, Adrián transforms memories into art in motion, frame by frame, with a handmade and emotional approach."
my personal story & why I created lotte lives
After 12 years living in Europe, I moved to Buenos Aires to raise my daughter, Miranda. She’s three years old now—my greatest joy and my reason to rebuild my life here. I left behind my friends, relatives and the life I knew, but I’d do it a thousand times over to be with her. Miranda adores Lotte Reiniger’s silhouette animations, and watching her enjoy at those flickering shadows sparked an idea: What if I could merge my love for handmade filmmaking with the desire to build a life rooted in creativity, presence, and care?That’s how Lotte Lives began—a way to craft something special and meaningful for others while staying close to her. Every animation is made with the same care I’d pour into a gift for Miranda.
