Stop Motion

In this section of the blog, I will be focussing Stop Motion, and how effective this method of animation is. This research will cover not only the theory side of Pivot, but the practical use aswell.

The following questions should be answered in this section:- 

1) An overview of your animation software
2) What you are going to use the software for
3) A PMI (positive, minus, interesting)
4) How to use the program (basic tutorial)
5) What type of animation the software is
6) An example of the software (embedded into your blog)
7) A short evaluation of the software based on your experience.

Overview of Stop Motion

In animation stop motion animation is a cinematic process, or technique used to makes static objects appear as if they were moving. This technique is commonly used in claymation and puppet-based animation. The objects are brought to life by breaking up the figure's motion into increments and filming one frame of film per increment.

What I am going to use Stop Motion for

Stop Motion is one of many programs that I will be testing. I will set my self another design brief, which will allow me to test this programme. As this is a programme that is not on a website, I will be using the assigned software on my computer and at the allocated desktops at school. 

Positive, Minus and Interesting

Positive
The programme can produce interesting and creating results and is quite easy to use when you get used to it.

Minus
When starting out with Stop Motion, it is quite hard to work the programme and it is very time consuming. Also, the user needs a webcam.

Interesting

There is a setting called 'Onion Skin' which allows you to view the previous picture that you took, in order to see how far your next picture is away from the previous one, in order to achieve a smooth film. 

How to use the Programme

This is a step-by-step guide on how to create an animation using Stop Motion!

Get objects and figures to use in your movie. Some good choices include clay, wire, Lego or similar building block figures. Be imaginative in the types of objects and figures that might work for your movie.You can also use a whiteboard, animating figures and editing the drawing slightly with each frame.

Set up the figures (characters) in a particular position and within the "set."

Place your camera in front of the "set" that you are going to take photos of. Make sure that it can view the entire frame. It is very important to support the camera or place it so that it is sitting steadily and cannot shake as you take the photos. Otherwise, the end result will appear chaotic and lack continuity.

Set up a good source of lighting. It might be a lamp or a flashlight. If your light is flickering, you need to shut off other sources of light like blinds or curtains.

Take a single photo of the figure in the selected position.

Begin the movement sequence. Move the figure bit by bit, in very small movements each time. It may be the entire body if the figure is walking, or it may just be an arm, head or leg. If you are moving only one body part and you find that the figure is tilting or threatening to fall over, make use of poster tack under the feet or other area touching part of the set.

Repeat the movement sequence until your action step is completed.

Save the pictures on to your computer in an easy to remember place. 

What type of animation is Stop Motion?
Stop Motion is a type of animation which allows you to take many screenshots with the use of a camera. These screenshots will be very similar to the last, and when played altogether, there should be a 'flow' to the movie. This method of animation can be used using any objects, thus creating varied results! 

An example of stop motion 

Evaluation of this software 

Overall, I am happy with the knowledge I have gained from this software, and definitely feel that this form of animation is the one that I will use in order to complete my design brief and this assessment task, due to the fact that it is creative and, although time-consuming, produces great results!