1. Stop-Motion Animation
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2. Stop-Motion Animation
What is Stop-Motion Animation?
Stop-motion animation is a filming technique in which various objects are photographed in a series of slightly different positions so the objects appear to move.
Created by Wayne Thames, Venus ISD. Images used with permission.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

3. Stop-Motion Techniques
There are many stop motion techniques:
Claymation
Hand-drawn images
Paper cutouts
Blocks
Action figures
And even people
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4. Stop-Motion Examples Some examples of stop-motion animation:
King Kong (1933)
Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Can you name other stop-motion animation videos that you have seen?
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5. The Process
Brainstorm possible ideas for a project. Be sure to take notes!
Create a script by putting thoughts and ideas together in story form.
Once the script is written, create a storyboard with sketches of each scene.
Design and build the set, including the background.
Take still-image pictures in sequence to use in the animation.
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6. Scripting
Scripting helps to “visualize” what will happen in the animation process
Decide on a theme for the animation project.
Write out the ideas in story form.
Determine the animation length and how many frames will be needed:
Animation 24 pictures/frames per second (fps)
You may use as few as 12 (pictures) fps., but anything less will make the animation choppy
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7. Storyboarding
The purpose of the storyboard is to create a visual picture of the entire animation project.
Storyboarding helps students develop the flow of the animation project and spot potential problems that may arise during filming.
Image used with permission. Wayne Thames, Venus ISD
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8. Storyboard Planning
In the planning stage, groups may choose to storyboard using poster board, a marker, and stick-on notes.
Groups should sketch their ideas in picture form and label each one in sequence.
Identify materials needed to create the desired set.
Identify the different shots needed for the filming.
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9. Set-Up for Animation Materials needed for the set-up:
Digital Camera for still images
Tripod to mount the camera.
Materials for creating a background
Designated area to leave work undisturbed for the duration of the project
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10. Creating a Background
Once the storyboard is complete, students should gather props, supplies, and other objects for the set.
Students can create a 3D set by building a background, middle ground, and foreground.
Background
Middle ground
Foreground
Diagram by Wayne Thames, Venus ISD
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11. Photographing the Project
Once the set-up is ready, students will work in groups to take still image pictures.
Mark the camera angles, and note any other information needed for the camera shots.
Shoot and edit the stop-motion animation video using video-editing software.
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12. Completed Project
The completed animation project should include the following:
Animation 2 to 3 minutes in length
Added music
Can include voice-over
Retouch images, using a photo editing program, if needed.
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