Behind the Scenes of the Sheepdogs’ New Stop-Motion Video

As demonstrated by the detail in the Ewan Currie doll, a model-maker shaped the band members' unique facial features from clay, mimicking each hairstyle, while Matt had several bespoke pieces of clothing commissioned. The bulk of the clothing was altered GI Joe and Barbie items.

Matt has an affinity for most things retro, which includes the first-rate 1948 U.S. Army Indian motorcycle. It's a classic slice of cool Americana with a suicide shifter and springer front end. Truth be told, Matt would love to own one, should his pocketbook allow, but in the meantime, he'll have to be content watching Sam Corbett ride the replica.

Complementing the '48 Indian is another classic, a Willys MB U.S. Army Jeep, a vehicle made from 1941-'45. It is an iconic jeep, essentially the prototype for the modern civilian Jeep, and an additional favorite of Matt's (and not merely because they share the same initials). The Willys was mentioned in the Grateful Dead's "Sugar Magnolia," which likens a girl's jump to that of the vehicle's in four-wheel drive.

While the video may indulge in a fair bit of violence, Matt feels that its goofy qualities outweigh the grim, especially when one considers that the characters are all toys. A perfect example of this follows the scene here, where the ninja's pants are pulled down – an on-set joke which ended up making its way into the final cut of the video.

The lair of the ninjas features a unique decoration in the form of ancient footwear, as seen framing the staircase, called Mizugumo, a Japanese word meaning "water spider," which was said to allow the ninja to walk on water (a myth debunked on Mythbusters). Set builder Lee Lindfield, who holds a black belt in karate, found himself an impromptu martial arts guru on set, helping out with propping and ninja-movement.

The majority of the props and materials used in the video were salvaged from in and around Matt's studio, including items found in the parking lot and, shamefully, the Dumpster. The oil drums, for instance, pictured off to the side of the action, were repurposed Campbell's tomato soup cans, spray-painted and mussed up to add depth to the set.

The propping is as extensive in this, the lead-up to the hero shot, as in any other spot in the video. A mini C4 explosive briefcase, miniature metal folding chairs and a recipe of sawdust, coffee grinds and dirt all played their respective parts in setting this scene, which was a chance for the Sam Corbett doll to have his moment: He disarms the bomb while his bandmates free the groupies.

The final shot, photographed separately and not appearing in the video, was Matt's showpiece – a chance to show off a bit of everything while doubling as a press shot for the band. Featuring the vehicles, the weapons and the band looking particularly badass, the shot is backdropped by a hand-painted sunset – the same sunset that the band and babes rode off into.