What is stop motion?

Stop motion animation (also called stop frame animation) is animation that is captured one frame at time, with physical objects that are moved between frames. When you play back the sequence of images rapidly, it creates the illusion of movement. If you understand how 2D drawn animation (early Disney) works, stop motion is similar, except using physical objects instead of drawings.

The basic process of animation involves taking a photograph of your objects or characters, moving them slightly, and taking another photograph. When you play back the images consecutively, the objects or characters appear to move on their own.

Below are some stop motion videos that I like a lot:

Create a stop motion movie

What do you need (a simple version):

• Camera (digital camera, or even a phone)
• Tripod (or something to hold your camera in the same position). You can check one out for free in the Office of Information Technology (OIT) at Aderhold 232.
• Computer
• Animating program, such as MonkeyJam, SAM Animation, Dragon Animation or even iMovie, or Windows Movie Maker
• Materials needed to create your scenes and characters (this can be paper, clay, paints, etc.)
• And, of course, your IMAGINATION!

Tips for the project

• Your stop motion video should be one to two minutes long. You might need to take 100 - 200 pictures for it. You can create longer videos, which means you need to take more pictures. The more images you have, the smoother your video will be.

Step 1: Brainstorm ideas

After this step, your group should have a general idea of the story that you're going to tell. Keep in mind of your video length, your story should be short and neat. Make sure it is feasible with the resources you have, and let your mind loose! Post your video ideas on the Padlet Wall and other groups will give you some feedback.

Step 2: Create a storyboard

Now you need to transfer your abstract story into a detailed storyboard. A storyboard has the main ideas of the story, visually, so it's easier to make the animation. Consider all details and add them to your storyboard.

Step 3: Create your scenes and figures

Now it is time to create your scenes and figures. They can be made from anything, or they can be real life. TIP: if you are making the figures out of paper, then make each joint separately, the head, body, upper and lower arms, and legs, so you can move them in the animation, to give a real life effect.

We will not meet in class at this step, but you need to work with your group at the time that you all agreed on. Group managers need to email me a meeting summary after each meeting, including:

• Members attend the meeting (this will count as your attendance)
• Meeting duration
• What you have worked on

Step 4: Start animating

Using your storyboard to help you, take a picture of your figure in the first position. Then, move the figure a little bit, and take the next picture. Move it again, and take another picture. Make sure you don't move the camera AT ANY TIME, and only make SUBTLE MOVEMENTS to your scene and figures each time. Carry on moving the figure, taking a picture every time you do. TIP: if you want a certain point in your animation longer, just take lots of pictures of the same moment! If the scene moves a bit, DON'T WORRY, this will give the animation a bit of character and quirkiness!

You can change the scenes, add more characters, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be having fun, and be great at it! The only thing you need is PATIENCE. Stop-motion can require hundreds, if not thousands of pictures. So, have fun, practice and be patient.

We will not meet in class at this step, but you need to work with your group at the time that you all agreed on. Group managers need to email me a meeting summary after each meeting, including:

• Members attend the meeting (this will count as your attendance)
• Meeting duration
• What you have worked on

Step 5: Putting it all together

Once you have all your photos, upload them onto your computer. Make sure you have an animating program, many of which are free (unless you want to be professional), and great for beginners. Here are some examples:

• MonkeyJam
• SAM Animation
• Dragon Animation (professional)
• iMovie
• Windows Movie Maker

There are loads of programs out there, so just put one onto your computer! Many programs allow you to add sound, voice overs, credits, a title sequence, and lots more, so just play around until you're happy.

Your video will be graded with the rubric below. The total point is 100 points. It worth 15% of your final grade.

Congratulations!

You have made your own stop motion video! Show your friends and family! Also share it in the class, we will vote for our favorite one.