Charles Copping

Director Of Photography

About Charles

Charles Copping is an acclaimed British cinematographer and Director of Photography who has spent over three decades specializing in world-class stop-motion animation. Best known for his extensive work with the Academy Award-winning Aardman Animations, Copping has risen from an entry-level studio runner to a leading cinematographer behind major global feature films.

Key Projects & Filmography

Charles Copping's chief cinematography and lighting credits include:

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (2026) – Cinematographer.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance most fowl (2024) – Senior Lighting Cameraman.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) – Cinematographer.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019) – Cinematographer.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) – Cinematographer.
Early Man (2018) – Senior Lighting Cameraman.
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (2012) – Senior Lighting Cameraman.
Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008) – Lighting Cameraman.
Shaun the Sheep (TV Series) – Director of Photography.
Creature Comforts (TV Series) – Director of Photography.

Early Beginnings (1994): He entered the industry as a studio runner on the iconic Aardman short film Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave.

Camera Assistant Era (2000): Transitioned into camera work, serving as a Camera Assistant on Aardman's debut theatrical feature, Chicken Run. During this time, he proactively took on opportunities to light sets, transitioning his career focus toward lighting and cinematography.

Lighting Cameraman & TV Success (2000s): Charles built his reputation as a Lighting Cameraman and Director of Photography across high-profile television series and shorts. His prominent television credits include two series of Creature Comforts and seven seasons of the globally popular Shaun the Sheep series. He also served as a lighting cameraman on the acclaimed short Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008) as well as shorts and series for the BBC and animation companies in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Feature Film DoP (2010s–Present): Charles has worked on multiple major feature films, serving as Senior Lighting Cameraman on The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (2012) and Early Man (2018) before stepping up as the main Cinematographer on four flagship global releases: Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019) Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) and most recently Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (2026)

Charles has been a full member of BAFTA since 2012 and votes in the Cinematography, Animation and British Chapters of the Film Awards