How Tim Burton’s Stop-Motion Films Inspired ‘I Am Frankelda’ Directors

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentHow Tim Burton’s Stop-Motion Films Inspired ‘I Am Frankelda’ DirectorsByTim Lammers,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I cover Hollywood and entertainment.Follow AuthorJun 16, 2026, 04:29pm EDTJun 16, 2026, 04:33pm EDTSummaryRoy 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.Show More 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.Directed by Henry Selick and produced by the filmmaker, who based it on his original poem, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas was released in theaters in 1993 and captured the attention of the Ambriz brothers early on.Forbes‘I Am Frankelda’ Directors On How Guillermo Del Toro Influenced Their Stop-Motion FilmBy Tim La...