John August (Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, Aladdin) will write an untitled stop-motion animated film for Laika. It will be directed by Pete Candeland.

Inspired by an original idea from Candeland, the story revolves around a theatre-loving high school student who is lured into a mystifying never-ending bacchanal in search of her missing mother.

​“I’m thrilled to be back in the world of stop-motion animation working with a team of incredible artisans telling stories one frame at a time,” said August.  “Truly everything about stop-motion is time-consuming and difficult, but the results have a texture and authenticity that can’t be replicated. You can feel the fingerprints of everyone who touched it.”

Deadline first reported on August signing on with Laika.