How to Create a Stop Motion Animation

In the days before computer generated images, stop motion animation was used to make 3D-style animated films. While Hollywood has moved on to what they can make exclusively with software, you can use the stop motion style with your action figures or other inanimate objects for any film project you have.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Video camera
• Inanimate figures or objects
• Space for filming

Preparation

1. Decide what type of figures you will use to create your animation. Molding clay figures was the most popular form to use. If you don't have the time for that, using action figures or Lego block models can work well.
2. Write up a story to base your movie on. If you're using old toys like action figures, try to remember the adventures you thought up playing with those figures, and put it down on paper.
3. Choose a video camera to film with. A digital camera will always work best because you can easily transfer the images onto a computer to edit them.

Filming

4. Set up your scene and characters for the beginning of the shoot. Position the camera to capture the shot and angle you want.
5. Film one frame by pressing the record button and then stopping a split second later. Adjust the figures' positions appropriately and very slightly, then film another frame. Repeat this many times to simulate action on film.
6. Upload your movie onto a computer once it is complete. Edit the movie, as you desire. Trim frames that last too long for movement that are more realistic and add any music or dialogue that goes with the video. Make sure you have good editing software to do this.

Tips & Warnings

• When crafting a stop-motion animation storyline, it's very important to write down character movement (known as blocking). You need to know exactly how each figure will move ahead of time so you can adjust their positions correctly during your shooting.
• Recording music and dialog before or after the filming is your choice. Most major films need the lines recorded first and then design the animation for them. You may find it easier, however, to record lines after the filmed animation.
• Stop motion animation is very time consuming. It will take a long time to film your entire scene frame by frame.