DIY Mini-Mutoscope Kit Revives the Charm of Analog Animation and Escape Digital Live Photos

For most of us, the term “mutoscope” might sound like a fresh, modern concept. But in reality, this ingenious device is a blast from the past, harking back to the early days of cinema. Tentacle Media, a UK-based animation studio, has taken this vintage technology and given it a contemporary twist with their latest creation: the Mini-Mutoscope.

Designer: Tentacle Media and Typoretum

The Mini-Mutoscope is a nod to the earliest days of film, where the magic of motion was first captured and presented to wide-eyed audiences. Imagine the tech behind the very first films, now condensed into a charming, miniature version that you can hold in your hands. It’s almost as if the moving images from history have been resurrected and transformed into a compact, personal experience.

James Wilkinson, the creative director at Tentacle Media, introduces this device as a modern take on 19th-century motion picture technology. Essentially, the Mini-Mutoscope functions as a mechanical flipbook, featuring 36 still frames that, when viewed in quick succession, create the illusion of movement.

The company emphasized the analog quality of the Mini-Mutoscope, noting that it was a deliberate departure from the digital screens that dominate modern life. The creative director expressed that while they loved animation, consuming it only digitally lacks the tactile quality, texture, and presence of print media or physical art. The Mini-Mutoscope, according to Wilkinson, reintroduces that tangible connection, offering a physical interaction with animation that he likened to experiencing a live photo on a phone, but with a vintage, handcrafted feel.

Tentacle Media collaborated with Typoretum, a studio renowned for its antique and vintage printing expertise, to design a visually striking body for the device. The result is a plywood-based product that’s not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing. With bold colors, crisp lines, and a satisfying tactile feel, the Mini-Mutoscope is as much a piece of art as it is a tool for animation. The importance of the design was emphasized, with a focus on creating a device that would be visually appealing and something people would want to display on their desks or shelves for a touch of animated inspiration.

Beyond its design, the Mini-Mutoscope also embraces sustainability. The mechanical components are locally sourced in the UK, and the studio partnered with The Laser Hut, a laser engraving and cutting service, to create precise mechanics from plywood. This sustainable approach makes the Mini-Mutoscope not just an object of nostalgia but also a forward-thinking product in terms of environmental responsibility.

Available as a kit, the Mini-Mutoscope is accessible to craft enthusiasts and easy enough for anyone to assemble. The initial release offers a selection of five custom animations featuring vintage movie monsters, appealing to fans of classic cinema. For those who wish to personalize their experience, there is also an option to purchase a version with blank frames, allowing users to create their own unique animations.