UNIT 3: ANIMATION PROJECT: IMPOSSIBLE REALITY STOP-MOTION
Technical: To gain an understanding of stop-motion (frame-by-frame) animation, and the techniques and technologies associated with stop-motion animation.
Conceptual: To introduce the element of “time” to a narrative and to create an
“impossible reality” by utilizing stop motion animation.
Overview: Your challenge is to create an original 30-second (minimum) animated clip that utilizes stop-motion animation that gives life to an otherwise inanimate object or creates an impossible reality.
References:
http://www.eatpes.com/ - Stop-motion filmmaker Adam Pesapane (PES)
http://www.eatpes.com/ - Stop-motion filmmaker Adam Pesapane (PES)
http://freeposterfilms.com/ - Tony vs. Paul
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=stop+motion - plenty on youtube.com
PDF - Lecture slides from class
Vocabulary: Animation, Frame Rate, FPS, Stop Motion, Frame-By-Frame, Time Code, Story Board
Materials: Computer, Digital still picture camera, Memory card and card reader or appropriate
cables for camera, Simple video / animation software (iMovie, iStopMotoin, etc)
Process:
1. Brainstorm ideas. What is your animation going to be about? What methods will you use to create it – object assemblage, claymation, pixilation, traditional animation?
2. Ruff out your timeline using a storyboard. It doesn’t have to be “pretty”, but it should communicate your idea effectively.
3. Gather your materials, props, people, etc., and start shooting! Remember to consider lighting, color balance, and consistency. Set your camera’s white balance setting. If you’re camera has a low-resolution setting, use it. Hi-resolution is not needed for video. Shoot lots of frames. Averaging just 10 frames per second (for 30 seconds) adds up to 300 frames minimum. It’s always better to over shoot and edit down than to have to go back and re-shoot.
4. Edit you animation using video editing software. Add sound effects and music as necessary. Add credits if you like, but remember the animation (minus credits) must be a minimum of 30 seconds long.
5. Export your finished animation as a quicktime file. In iMovie, do this by selecting “Quicktime” from under the “Share” drop down menu. Then select Compress for: “Expert Settings” in the subsequent dialogue box, and hit “Share.” In the next window select “Movie to Quitcktime Movie” under the “Export:” dropdown, and “Broadband - High” from under the “Use:” dropdown. Hit “Save.” Upload the exported animation to the class folder.
