Stop Motion Animation

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• Credits


• Teacher Page

Process

Before you learn about the animation process it is good to have the subject of your film in mind.  Let's do that now.  With your group brainstorm and answer the questions on the "Stop Motion Animation Pre Planning Worksheet".

For this task you will need to find the answers to the questions on the Web Quest Study Guide as you explore some of the sites below.

For this second task you and your group must research examples of stop motion animation.  Check out http://pharosproductions.com/aosma/aosma_home.html for early examples of this process and a brief history.   Some great examples of stop motion here:  http://www.lebonze.com/v2/flash/dancin.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/22316/history.html and http://library.thinkquest.org/22316/today.html also have a lot of resources you may find very valuable.

As you explore these web sites, fill in the answers you find in the worksheet.

At this time you should split into 2 groups.  One group will research the information, tips, and suggestions for building characters.  The other will research the information, tips and suggestions for designing sets. 

Building Characters and Designing Sets

Now that you have researched some of the history of stop motion and watched a few examples of claymation it is time to learn about the process.  Fill in the answers on the guide as you go along.  http://library.thinkquest.org/22316/trythis.html will get you started with some of the basics of how to build your characters and sets.  http://library.thinkquest.org/22316/start.html will help give you ideas of how to get started, from writing a storyboard to filming with a digital still camera.  Finally, http://library.thinkquest.org/22316/details.html will give you some tips and tricks from experienced animators before you dive in.

Some more resources about character and set construction:

http://www.animateclay.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=10&page=1

http://www.animateclay.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=16&page=1

You have brainstormed ideas and have researched some of the history and process of Stop Motion Animation.  It is now time to create your own film.  Keep in mind the tips and suggestions you have read in the previous web pages as you begin production.  Follow the steps of the "Stop Motion Animation Checklist" as you go through this process.