Film Education -

Tips for stop-motion animation

Making models for stop-motion animation

• Try to keep models simple and bold
• Include 2 or 3 features on face and head to animate
• Include at least 3 features on body to animate
• Make sure the features are big
• The model must be able to stand up

Creating a storyboard

• Make a list of the events which will take place in your animation using bullet points
• Write down the length of time it will take for each event to occur
• Draw storyboard images to show the actions taking place for each event

Shooting the animation

Install your chosen 'frame grabbing' software (see below for examples of software for Mac and Windows) and read the instructions of how to use the software. Make sure the camera is on and you have removed the tape and plug the camera into the mains before you start to shoot your animation

Shooting tips

• Take twelve shots to start a scene before you start animating
• Take one shot per movement
• If you want to include a pause then take six shots
• If your character blinks or winks take three shots of the closed eye
• Take twelve shots to end the scene
• Remember that all movements must be small so the animation is smooth and flowing
• Watch and save your movie regularly

Editing the animation

When editing your animation you can take out any unwanted frames by deleting them. You can also ‘copy and paste’ in extra frames to make the scene longer. Remember sounds, titles and music can be added during editing.

Animation websites

• www.animationforeducation.co.uk
• www.tech4learning.com

Thanks to Oscar Stringer for providing the stop-motion instructions.