#STOP MOTION ANIMATION FULL#
#STOP MOTION ANIMATION SERIES#

Silhouette animation: this refers to backlighting cutouts.Puppet animation: puppets built on the armature are moved and animated.Cutout motion: when cutouts of characters or decor cutouts are animated.Object-motion: different types of inanimate objects are animated.Claymation: clay figures are moved around and animated, and this art form is called clay animation or claymation.Still, let me share the different types of stop motion animation just so you know them all. That’s not what I’m talking about today though.

Live-action stop motion featuring human actors exists, too, but it’s called pixilation. Imagine that you have to make each gesture and mold the figurine after each frame. The toys used in stop motion movies are hard to “direct.” As the animator, you have to make them move, so it’s a time-consuming activity. Unlike live-action films, you have inanimate “actors,” not humans, and they can really take on any shape or form. So, that’s the major characteristic of stop motion: the characters and actors are not humans but rather inanimate objects. Of course, you also have the popular toy figurines. They are usually made of clay, or they have an armature skeleton covered in other flexible materials. The characters in stop motion are toys, not humans. Some people call this animation style stop-frame animation, but it refers to the same technique. The toys, which are the actors, are physically moved between the frames to create the illusion of motion. Sometimes stop motion is also called stop-frame animation because each scene or action is captured through photographs one frame at a time. Stop motion using objects is sometimes referred to as object animation. Not all stop motion requires figures or models many stop motion films can involve using humans, household appliances, and other things for comedic effect. Stop motion animation using plasticine is called clay animation or “clay-mation”. Little puppets and figurines are moved by people, photographed, and played back rapidly.ĭolls with movable joints or clay figures are often used in stop motion for their ease of repositioning.

The idea of movement is nothing more than an illusion because it’s just a filming technique.

#STOP MOTION ANIMATION SERIES#

The object is moved in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played as a continuous sequence. It’s a 3D form of animation where the objects appear to move in real-time, but it’s really just photos played back. So, to summarize, stop motion is an animation technique in which inanimate objects or characters are manipulated between frames and appear as though they are moving. You can use any type of small object, toy, puppet, or clay figure to create your cast and decor. There’s really no limit in terms of how creative you can be as an animator. When images are played back quickly, it tricks the eye into thinking the puppets are moving on their own.īut, there’s a lot more to it because it’s actually an art form that uses so many different art forms and technologies. On the most basic level, stop motion animation is a form of 3D animation where the figures, clay models, or puppets are placed in the required position and photographed many times. In fact, people who are unfamiliar with animation techniques often overlook stop motion. The “dead” characters come to life beautifully in the movie, and their actions are so realistic, an untrained eye wouldn’t even realize the whole film is stop-motion animation. You’re probably fascinated with stop motion characters, like Victor and Victoria from Corpse Bride. Stop motion animation is still around, and you’ve probably seen it in commercials or some of the most popular films, like Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (2015) or his most famous film, The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). I don't accept paid sponsorships, my opinion is my own, but if you find my recommendations helpful and you end up buying something you like through one of my links, I could earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

#STOP MOTION ANIMATION FULL#

I love creating free content full of tips for my readers, you.