Stop motion animation is one of the most intricate and labor-intensive animation and film-making techniques, but it also has a distinct charm and feels that shine through. The process has been used to generate some remarkable productions, and it isn’t easy to imagine them being made any other way.
The history of stop motion dates back to the mid-1800s, and The Humpty Dumpty Circus is thought to be the first entry in the genre. Keep reading to discover a lot more!
What Is Stop Motion Animation?
Stop motion animation, or stop frame animation, involves capturing static objects in a frame and moving them around in small increments while photographing each frame individually. When these single frames are combined, they display a distinct type of playback that creates the appearance of movement, similar to a digital flipbook. Stop motion filming is time-consuming, with at least 12 to 24 frames equaling one second of video.
Stop motion animation varies from standard hand-drawn 2D animation in that it employs a physical object rather than drawings. This approach is most commonly used in advertisements, music videos, TV shows, and feature films.
The History of Stop Motion Animation
The world of stop-motion burst open in the early 1800s when famous animators began experimenting with the technique. The Humpty Dumpty Circus by J. Stuart Blackton and Albert E. Smith is thought to have been the first stop-motion animated film to be commercially distributed. However, other stop-motion videos were being made at the same time.
Types of Stop Motion Animation
Stop motion can be caught in various ways depending on the captured objects. For example, the essential distinction between these strategies is the type of object used to create the animation.
Let’s explore the animation stop motion types:
Object-Motion
Object motion is the process of moving and capturing items per frame to produce stop-motion animation. With many types of things available, this strategy provides you with limitless storytelling options.
Example: The Humpty Dumpty Circus, 1898.
Claymation
Claymation allows the creation of bizarre new worlds by sculpting figures and props out of modeling clay. Moving clay items in each frame is what claymation is all about. It allows you to incorporate inventive figures made of wires and clays that can be used creatively on screen.
Example: Morph, Wallace, and Gromit.
Pixilation
Pixilation is a method that involves shooting live actors and objects frame-by-frame to mimic movement. People’s movements are captured using this stop-motion technique. A frame takes a long time to complete because individuals are involved. With this strategy, movement control must also be considered.
Example: Hôtel électrique, 1908.
Cutout Animation
Cut-out animation involves making stop-motion characters using props, flat characters, and scenes cut from materials such as paper, cards, or fabric. Paper cut-out animation is among the oldest animation techniques. Although you can regulate its movement, cutting cutoff parts is pretty difficult.
Example: The Spirit of Christmas, 1995.
Puppet Animation
Puppet animation is the process of creating stop-motion animation with puppets. Puppets aid in the telling of one-of-a-kind stories. The existence of strings, on the other hand, makes your shoot difficult. This animation is not suitable for beginners, but it is more manageable for experienced animators.
Examples: Coraline (2009), Kubo and the Two Strings (2016).
Silhouette Animation
The objects or actors are placed behind a thin white sheet, and their shadows are illuminated with a backlight. This low-cost method allows you to make a lovely silhouette animation.
Example: The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926), Papageno (1935).
Brickfilm
A brickfilm is a movie created with Lego pieces or other plastic building blocks. They are frequently produced with stop motion, traditional animation, or computer-generated imagery (CGI), and occasionally live-action movies with plastic construction toys (or illustrations of them).
Example: Journey to the Moon, 1973.
Five Great Examples of Oscar Nominated Stop-Motion Animation of All Times
In stop motion, 3D computer graphics may be used to generate astonishing tricks that leave viewers in awe. Explainer videos also contain a lot of charm, But stop-motion techniques will suffice where nothing else would.
Have a look at the incredible stop-motion animation examples out there!
1. Tokri (The Basket) Award-Winning Stop Motion Animated Video
Here is an example of an award-winning stop-motion animation video. The heart-touching story between a father and a daughter is depicted in exquisite stop-motion. This is the best video to take stop-motion ideas from!
2. The Coin | Stop-Motion Animated Short Film
Another one of the great stop-motion animation examples you must look at. The Coin is a short film by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Siqi Song. This short film sheds light on cultural and family traditions in a stop-motion style.
3. Good Intentions | Award-Winning Stop-Motion Film
This is another award-winning stop-motion animation short film on our list. The story revolves around a young woman who caused a car accident, escapes the scene, and can’t stop thinking about it since then. This paper-cut-out animation short film is a must-watch for everyone.
4. Lost & Found | Oscar Shortlisted Stop-Motion Animation
Lost & Found is an emotionally impactful story packed in seven minutes with no dialogue. The paper-cut-out animation short film has been nominated and shortlisted for Oscar. If you need outstanding video ideas to begin, this is your best watch!
5. Negative Space | Oscar Nominated Stop-Motion Animation
Negative space is an Oscar-nominated stop-motion animation video that portrays the warm relationship between a father and a son through the act of packing a suitcase. The short film is captivating and compels users to keep watching till the end.
What Are the Benefits of Stop-Motion Animation?
Stop-motion animations can evoke feelings that other animation styles simply cannot. Although it is time-consuming, frame animation uses simple and basic methods. It lays the groundwork for contemporary commercial and film animators who can now create more original videos for various uses with their advanced animation talents.
Besides, since artists frequently incorporate real-time frames and props, even a brief animated video can be breathtakingly beautiful. Also, it’s the ideal way to show concrete objects like food, greenery, flowers, and so much more, all of which must be used in specific circumstances.
How to Produce a Stop-Motion Animation Video?
Got stop motion ideas in mind? Unlike the genre pioneers, you won’t need access to pricey equipment to produce your stop-motion animation. Here is what you’ll need:
- Digital Camera. A smartphone camera will work fine too. However, the higher the quality, the better the results
- Stand/Mount. You must install the camera, so it stays still during manufacturing, which is a crucial operation component. Fortunately, they are inexpensive
- Editing Software. Once more, your phone will work effectively, but you’ll need video editing software to organize your photos and send the finished product as a single file
- Items to film. Get a few props and start filming, whether you’re creating elaborate setups or simply giving everyday objects life
Create a Remarkable Stop Motion Animation Video with Anideos!
That’s a wrap! We hope this guide will compel you to produce a stop-motion animation video. Despite the advancement of computer-based animation, stop-motion is still popular because of its distinctiveness. Although it is a time-consuming process, it is highly capable of grabbing the viewers’ attention.
If you still don’t know where to begin, contact our professionals to discover more. No matter your required style, Anideos is here to breathe life into your concepts through outstanding animation services.
Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by Adam
