Unit 23: Stop motion animation- Julian & Anna

Second	Frames	Description of images
1	1-12	Red smarties coming into shot making the letter S, on a white background.
2	12-24	Yellow smarties coming into making the letter W, on a white background.
3	24-36	Brown smarties coming into making the letter E. on a white background.
4	36-48	Green smarties coming into making the letter E, on a white background.
5	48-60	Purple smarties coming into making the letter T, on a white back ground.
6	60-72	Pink smarties coming into making the letter S., on a white background.
7	72-84	All the different coulor smarties make a smiley face.
8	84-96	Smarties start to go missing from each letter as if they are being eaten.
9	96-108	Smarties start to go missing from each letter as if they are being eaten.
10	108-120

The effects of using stop-motion animation:

- The video is eye-catching/ visually appealing, which helps keep information about what you are viewing in your head. 

- It can give an old fashioned style: the idea that's effects were crashing by hand can give a personal (lo-fi) touch.

- Credit is also given as someone has spent a lot of time creating the video using frame by frame which inspired other individuals to create their own stop motion. 

- To educate, great for explaining concepts, give information in a clear/ fun manner.

- To inform, to deliver a message in a fun but memorable way.

- To entertain, visually appealing, very entertaining.

1) what does FPS stand for?

• Frame rate (expressed in frames per second or FPS) is the frequency (rate) at which consecutive images called frames appear on a display. The term applies equally to film and video cameras, computer graphics, and motion capture systems. Frame rate may also be called the frame frequency, and be expressed in hertz.

2) What is the typical frame rate for a) stop-motion b) TV-films c) slow-motion/televised sports events?

• The usual frame rate for stop motion animation is 12fps, TV/films the frame rate is 24fps and for slow-motion/televised sporting events it is considered to be 25-30fps. 

3) How will this effect are stop-motion production?

• For stop-motion animation with the frame rate being 12fps that tells us that there will usually be 10seconds where there will be 108-120 frames which will be broken down to individual shots taken by the producer. 

Different types of stop motion animation:

- Claymation, 3D effect, models are re-used, teams of 100+ people work for more than a year to complete this type of claymation, "plastilina" is the clay used in these animation films. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfBm3kfUeYc  - Michael Jackson and Spike bunny-dance off

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0qagA4_eVQ&feature=youtu.be  - Wallace and Gromit 

    

- Puppet animation, object animation where puppets are used, development of stop-motion animation, puppets were introduced due to their human like qualities so directors can move the puppet freely and more easily to show different movements, taking individual pictures and moving the puppets per different frame. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McQs-xI5BRQ  - Ray HarryHausen 3 movies stop-motion 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6PRxUjrhZo  - Stop motion animation Kubo

                  

- Cut-out animation, similar to claymation, moved- take shot- then move again, background created first, then cut-outs placed on top, quick animation ( South Park only used cut outs for their first episode).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa0va1lihA0  - South park 1997 First episode

    

- Found objects, used random objects to create animation, which include food and drink, fruit is one of the most common used objects in stop motion, can be made colourful and very creative ( the fruit can be chopped in tiny pieces and moved around)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DFzjP6PbnU&list=FL13ju5hedE9zl_IsyEeHbjA&index=11&t=0s

- Candy, short stop motion film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOL8RAb3Pxw  - Doritos tribe 

                             

- Time lapse animation, process of taking many still pictures from the same viewpoint, over a set period  of time, whereas the time between frame shots is consistent , to give the illusion of time passing quickly. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h7p0NckTKc&feature=youtu.be  - The boxtrolls behind the scenes 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G86kati8fzc&feature=youtu.be  - London time lapse 

                  

- Brick animation, made using Lego bricks, or other similar plastic construction toys, they are usually created with stop motion animation, all sets and characters are made from lego.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Effc2dMmOJE  - How to make a lego animation (brickfilm) 

- Pixilation, stop motion technique where live actors are used as frame by frame, movements of real people are filmed or edited in such a way that they appear to move like artificial animation. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3pJZSTQqIg  - Coldplay strawberry swing

          

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTo-c7bR7wI 

Stop motion animation- advert

The stop motion animation for the RedBull advert is pixilation, by using this technique it gives the audience a sense of real life, and to advertise a specific drink that is suitable for the target audience that is viewing the advert. This technique in this advert is used to persuade the audience to buy the product that they are advertising. This has been successful as it is a good visual advert with bright colours to inform the audience. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tw1OEmiebs

Stop motion animation- TV show 

The stop motion animation for the TV show Pingu is claymation, and is very effective with younger children. The process of this animation is by using 3D effect, models are re-used, teams of 100+ people work for more than a year to complete this type of claymation, "plastilina" is the clay used in these animation films. This TV show uses claymation animation to entertain the correct target audience. This has been successful as there has been many different episodes aired on the television and is popular with younger children.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnniLlnsooI

Stop motion animation- Film

The stop motion animation for the film Corpse bride uses puppet animation. The process of this animation is where puppets are used, development of stop-motion animation, puppets were introduced due to their human like qualities so directors can move the puppet freely and more easily to show different movements, taking individual pictures and moving the puppets per different frame. This type of technique is used to entertain the audience. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY

Stop motion animation- Music video

The stop motion animation for the music video Her morning elegance uses pixilation animation. The process of this animation is a technique where live actors are used as frame by frame, movements of real people are filmed or edited in such a way that they appear to move like artificial animation. This is successful as it entertains the audience. This technique has been very successful as it comes across in a funny/light hearted way.  

 

Model making techniques

Sculpting, is a successful technique used by model makers which consists of using clay or plasticine into a specific shape/style. For this to work effectively the materials used need to consistently be soft enough to be shaped and also hard enough to remain in the shape without dismantling or losing its shape. However, this technique is very time consuming but with the results looking outstanding and being very effective.  

Two of the most famous/well known sculpting animation are Wallace and Gromit and chicken runs which is both have the same maker "Aardman animation". Many more stop motion films use use clay models and sculpting as it gives the effective of looking realistic. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5t_DXgZmFM   - The Clay in Stop-Motion animation at Aardman Studios 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3CEE9xKKZc   - Making of- national trust and Wallace and Gromit 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVlfttyv5js  - Chicken Run (2000) 

Armature, is a technique which consists of skeleton or framework used by an animation artist to give support to model/ figure which is made used by soft material for example: clay or plasticine. An armature can be created from any material that is damp-resistant and rigid enough to being to hold such plastic materials as moist clay and plaster, which are applied to and shaped around it. After, pieces of thick wire and a few blocks of wood nailed together, or a galavanized iron pipe secured to a baseboard can serve as the armature for a life-sized head or a standing figure. However, larger sculptures are held up/ supported by more complicated armatures constructed of lead pipe, iron rods, or pipes and wood. a combination of these materials are used in the huge armatures which is required for monumental/ large building for example if you was making a village. Armatures for large models were used as early as the Renaissance. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-CIzO64A1o  - Stop-motion basics: Armatures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxQPRl6he9g  - Miniature Stop-motion hands and armature 

3D printing, is a technique used which is very effective as it reproduces models and a large scale which saves time and costs of a production team as they don't need to spend months created each individual facial expression by hand. Using this technique is also more accurate and you know that it will be the same size throughout and look consistent. This is a very popular technique and has changed the industry as it is the most quickest but still effective way of making Stop-motion. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMRMufXca1s  - How 3d printing has changed stop-motion animation 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWCEcog_YeU  - How 3d printing is revolutionising stop-motion animation 

Process in planning a stop motion animation- 

- Brainstorm ideas

- Think of the narrative development

- Think of settings and characters

- Think about frame rate (how many frames per second)

- Create a storyboard 

One of the first steps to making a stop-motion animation is to make a storyboard. A storyboard contains the key frames and the moments in the scene which outlines the story. The keyframes are the chapter headings. When you change a camera angle in your animation it requires a separate panel on the storyboard.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2JJxRlxV2s

 - How to storyboard for animation

History of development of animation- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4gBaZcBHkE  - The history of animation 

The magic lantern, a type of image projector which was invented in the 1650's. Pictures are painted or printed onto transparent glass plates, and a light source would illuminate the drawing from behind and the image would be projected through the lenses.

It was developed in the 17th century, the movement of these images was also possible by projecting two images at once, one that was stationary and another that could be moved by hand to create the effect that the image was moving scene though it was actually a fixed picture. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmjESb1xC08   - The history of the magic lantern 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1fUSqH5op8   - Magic lantern slides

Phénaskisticope, was invented in 1832 by Belgain physicist Josheph Plateau and Austrian professor of practical geometry Simon Stampfer. The device was to create and illusion of movement by moving very fast in a circular movement and making all the images seem to combine into one continuous moving image. 

It could animate a bouncing ball or walking person.

When done correctly the Phénaskisticope could look reasonably fluid and give a good illusion of movement. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqwkdlwmHig&feature=youtu.be    - Phénakisticope- tribute to Joseph Plateau
 

Zoetrope, was invented daedalum in 1834 (meaning wheel of the devil) by William Horner. Later the name was changed to zoetrope (wheel of life). The zoetrope achieved 14 fps and images appeared to move naturally. Zoetrope was forerunner of the cinema film. The machine that spun the strip of images at high speed was in order to show movement. 

Step 1: Lighting

When deciding the lighting for a stop-motion animation it is best to use no natural light as it will give off shadowing and will change throughout the day and will not look professional. You should have multiple different lights for different purposes and at least 2 lamps to light up the scene.  

- A black light- to illuminate the subject from behind

- A background light- to illuminate the background of a shot

- A key light- the main light source illuminating your subject or scene

- A fill light- to illuminate or fill in shadows and reduce contrast.  

Three-point lighting is where you are using four lights. When using this technique you are looking to have the four lights in the right position, with the right amount of intensity and the correct quality, which will make your stop-motion look professional. 

The key light, is the main source of light especially used for brick films. The key light should not be to harsh (too bright) or too soft (dull). Greaseproof (wax/cooking) paper is used to tone down the lighting if it is very bright. 

- strongest light

- placed to one side of the camera/ object (15-45 degrees)

The fill light

- secondary light

- placed opposite side to the key light

- used to fill the shadow. (which had been created by the key light) 

- softer in tone/ less bright than key light

- use greaseproof paper or move further away to achieve a softer tone 

The back light 

- placed behind the object (lights from rear)

- does not provide direct lighting like the key and fill light

- provide definition and subtle highlights around the object

- separates the object from the background to give a three- dimensional technique 

The back ground light 

- illuminate the background of the set

This light is important as using natural light the sun moves throughout the day which will create shadows on your set. 

Brickfims can come encounter with problems when using the 3 point lighting system that would not be a problem when filming people. 

- may still get white spots on characters due to being shiny/ reflective 

- move the lights back from characters/ greaseproof paper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmFdb5_tatI   - lighting in stop-motion, what to use

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQSgbHzw3Rk    - Lighting stop-motion at Aardman animations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPIujzf0KC4  - Brickfilm academy 3: stop motion lighting basics

Step 2: Set-building 

When building/ putting together a set for stop-motion film/ short video it is a long and difficult process but also can be fun and enjoyable. The first part to building/ creating a set is to know all of your ideas including what the backgrounds and buildings (texture and colour) are going to look like and most importantly the measurements. After this it will be time to begin rough sketches which can be as many times to get the correct one before there is a satisfaction of what you wanted. once the sketches are done the next stage is to create basic models made from different material including paper or card which is good if you are on a budget but still want to create a professional look. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpV6iEYnuxU&t=124s     - stop-motion animation set building

making a stop motion movie -   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx9EZTP6DrA

(The power of sound) The original scary mary poppins recut trailer  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ2PxNW5lqU

One of the last things added to a short film or any film is the musical score, and the reason for this is that it is normally not too important to the story/narrative so is not a priority when it comes to production. The dialogue has more emphasis which has a big effect on the movement of the characters than the backing track. Once the movement of a character is filmed it will be much easier to sync it to the music in each scene for example when there is a dramatic scene/ a beat drop. 

Anomalisa trailer- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9osRGkOl54 

Corpse Bride, piano duet- 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuEOA9GbK6U

Sound effects, used is stop-motion animation are not natural but artificial. When creating your own sounds for your animation it can be a long process as you have to find the right objects to create the perfect sound that you want to create. Sound effects play a huge part in the production of stop-motion animation as it helps the audience bring the characters to life as if they are watching a film including real life people and surroundings. However, it can be difficult to sync the effects with the movement recorded as if this is done and not synced to the movement it will look unprofessional and the illusion will be broken and not look realistic. 

How film sound effects are made-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTL1DbnPLng

Fresh Guacamole by Res Animation-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJdJIwCF_Y 

Voice Overs, are the dialogue which is recorded by voice actors of each character before it is animated and filmed so that the lip sync will be as accurate as possible, other wise it will be clearly obvious that it is out of sync. The sound department works hard with the script as well as the footage that has been filmed to synchronize the visuals with the music/sound. For example, an orchestra conductor will watch the screen with the scene that is being scored to make sure that the timings are in sync/met. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9njAN_uXSXA   -Coraline clip: voice session with voice actors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMpOasuoefQ    - Self image: creature comforts

Editing of footage, titles and credits to a soundtrack, using video and sound editing software- 

In stop motion there are many ways of editing the animation and the process that many people you is green screens, speed and removing wires is important to make a good stop motion. They use wires in stop motion animation for many different reasons which some consist of: supporting a heavy option/ moulded character, making a character, object fly, However, the wires can be removed when editing using a photo editing software. A green screen is popular in stop motion as you can edit the background to anything you wish which saves time in production which is edited to put all the photos together to make a continous video/animation. You can use a software programe like adobe to remove or add a background to the final animation. 

Stop-motion tutorial: green screen FX -   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XESmD6sVIg4&feature=youtu.be 

                                  

11.11.2020- pre production research task 

One of my favourite stop motion animations is 'Coraline' which is a puppet animation. 

The narrative of the film is a girl moves to a new house with her family and finds a secret passage way in her bedroom which is her life and family with a twist and her new parents are trying to keep her in this new world. This clip shows Coraline meeting her other family in the new world realising they have buttons as eyes. 

There is strong emotion shown in this animation as it shows a young girl lost without her original parents. Before Coraline found 'the new world' she argued with her parents and wished they were different and now she is living in a world without them she wants them back and to make things right. 

The story was successful because as an audience we get to connect to the character and go on her journey with her which makes us feel involved. 

inciting indicent- moving into a new home with her parents 

opening- find a hidden secret door in her bedroom to find a new world with her family with buttons as eyes

climax- her new family is not letting her go back to her 'normal' world and is trying to keep her to stay here making her feel trapped. 

resolution- she uses her bravery to get back home and realises she shouldn't take her parents for granted 

This is one of my favourite scene/ clips from the whole animation, as it is when the movie gets interesting and leaves the audience wanting to know more. It this particular shot we see a close up to see the characters emotions and how shocked and surprised she is to have found this mythological door. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkrnVkFn59c

The characters are made by puppet animation which gives a sense of real life and looks very realistic which I like when watching an animation. I think the producer/ production team made good use of design on the characters as they use buttons as eyes to separate the new world to her normal life and could be an asset I use in my own stop-motion animation. 

For my own stop-motion animation I am looking to either create a pixilation animation (using real life people to create an illusion of a moving image), or found objects animation as I feel these two animations are realistic to re create into my own. Some examples I found in my own research of the ones I enjoyed watching include: 

Candy (found objects), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DFzjP6PbnU

and 

Cold Play- 'strawberry swing" (pixilation), watch 

I like the idea of using different colours of fruit and veg to make it visually appealing and not dull. 

Ideas (brainstorm)

• pixilation animation, a boy goes through different world (eg. video games) and it becomes real life. 
• found objects, 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1zxsk_wsGs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKPH1Uxwi6U

watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zye28xU3F64

watch