Stop Motion Animation
What is Stop Motion Animation?
Stop motion 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.
Stop motion 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.
How will I make a Stop Motion Animation?
You will need to download an app to create your stop motion animation.
There are many available, but here is one for iPhone - Stop Motion Studio is FREE
You will need to download an app to create your stop motion animation.
There are many available, but here is one for iPhone - Stop Motion Studio is FREE
Inspiration!
Watch the videos below as inspiration for what is possible with stop motion animation!
Brainstorming
- Create a list of at least TEN ideas for your animation.
- Select the THREE best ideas.
- Work on a sketch and list of materials you would need for each of your ideas.
- Select the THREE best ideas.
- Work on a sketch and list of materials you would need for each of your ideas.
Storyboarding
Select your best idea. Create a storyboard of what the animation will look like.
Storyboarding can also help with deciding what background and props you need in each scene.
Storyboarding can also help with deciding what background and props you need in each scene.
Animating
- Create pieces you will manipulate (draw or paint characters and cut them out)
- Gather props if needed (toy cars, etc)
- Set up you work station (desk, corner of your room, etc)
- Do a test animation (explore the software and do a trial run)
Tips for Stop Motion Animation Beginners
- Gather props if needed (toy cars, etc)
- Set up you work station (desk, corner of your room, etc)
- Do a test animation (explore the software and do a trial run)
Tips for Stop Motion Animation Beginners
- It is best to keep the camera in the same location throughout the shooting process. If preferred, the camera can be moved to a different location for each scene.
- Keep your background in mind when filming. To keep it clean and simple, use a piece of white posterboard as your backdrop. If you are feeling more creative, paint the posterboard to make a more interesting background.
- Add props to the “set” of your film. Whether it be a toy car that the characters use to move about the town or a house made out of legos, props can help tell your story and add interest.
Finishing & Exporting
Watch your video!
Edit out bad frames (blurry, hand was in the shot, etc)
Adjust the frame rate if needed (fewer frames per minute will make the animation slower but more choppy)
Export the file for viewing.
- Select the file you want to export.
- Click "export movie" and save as a file to your phone or upload to Google Drive, YouTube or Vimeo.
Edit out bad frames (blurry, hand was in the shot, etc)
Adjust the frame rate if needed (fewer frames per minute will make the animation slower but more choppy)
Export the file for viewing.
- Select the file you want to export.
- Click "export movie" and save as a file to your phone or upload to Google Drive, YouTube or Vimeo.