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New 2025! Stop motion animation table
New 2025! Stop motion animation table
New to Groundworks inthe Winter of 2025 is the new stop motion animation station.
This setup is intended as a prototyping space, to help get animators up and running with an idea and hash out what they will need to achieve in order to complete their project.
This knowledge base page will help with the equipment available, some best use cases and tips and tricks from our team.
What is included at the table:
What is included at the table:
Camera:
Camera:
A Canon 80D with 18-135mm lens. the image to the right showcases the important places you might need to set before beginning. Here are some examples:
Power switch "ON"
Settings knob " M" (Manual), adjust settings from computer
Viewfinder "ON" to see image in camera viewfinder
1/4"20 attachment in hot shoe mount, so you can connect available lights
Lens set to "AF" (Auto focus) adjust focus from computer with this setting
Stabilizer "ON"
iMac computer equipped with Dragon Frame:
iMac computer equipped with Dragon Frame:
The iMac next to the animation setup has the same standard software image as all the other computers in Groundworks, with the addition of Dragon Frame animation software. The camera is connected to this computer and can be controlled through Dragon Frame.
SmallRig LED lights:
SmallRig LED lights:
The SmallRig LED lights are small directional lights that work very well for focused lighting options, or as props in your animation project. Each light comes with gels, diffusion, egg crate, barn doors, spot attachments, and stands. Charging cables are included within the cabinet.
Generay RGB LED lights:
Generay RGB LED lights:
The RGB-6X3S On-Camera RGB LED Light provides wonderful even light for broad lighting or lighting the cyc backdrop. The lights have full RGB color spectrum, adjustable color temperature, and effects settings to simulate fire, fireworks, emergency vehicle lights, etc.
Diy Studio Stop Motion Metal Puppet:
Diy Studio Stop Motion Metal Puppet:
These fully articulated metal puppets, positioned on stands allow for animating movement. The stand allows for precise vertical positioning of a character. The stand can connect to the figure in a variety of ways. Make sure to use the allen key (provided in cabinet) for tightening joints as needed.
Action Figure, Dummy Robot:
Action Figure, Dummy Robot:
We also include several posable, fully articulated "action figures," for use in your animation. These characters do stand, have a variety. of objects to hold and multiple hand options for holding the objects. Though not as stable as the metal puppets, these work well for posable shots.
Tips & tricks:
Tips & tricks:
Edu Puertas - YouTube channel: Great channel for learning camera settings and techniques around stop motion animation.
Self Guided Learning:
Self Guided Learning:
Looking for a way to hone your sop motion skills, but don't have a project to practise on? Let us provide you with some ideas to try and get the ball rolling with your animation chops.
Create a walking motion
Use the metal puppet and dragon frame to create a walking motion that can be looped, so you can use it repeatedly when making a scene.
YouTube video - Stop Motion Tutorial: Animating a Walk
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