Stop Motion Production

Stop Motion ProductionDEMI JAY BROADHEAD

Stop MotionStop motion animation is a technique of animation which has been used since 1898; the first use of this method was in a short film The humpty dumpty circus. However, stop motion animation wasnt truly introduced into cinema until Willis O'Brien explored stop motion and carried out this into his work such as The lost world, Dinosaur and Caveman and King Kong. This technique is carried out by moving an physically manipulated object in small measurements to make that object appear as if it is moving. You make the movements in a number of photographed frames; the end result of this once playing the frames in a continuous sequence is the object moving.

Clay figures, puppets and miniatures are often used in stop motion animation as they can be handled and repositioned easily. Stop motion animation can be seen in artistic films, shorts and also commercials.

Early moving imageOne of the early methods of moving image is the Phenakistoscope; which was invented by Joseph Plateau in 1831. This method included having several images which have slight differences of an object/subject moving; these images would then we mounted onto a disc. Alongside this disc there would be a secondary disc with slits in which would be used to view the images. You would then spin the disc; as the disc would be moving so fast it tricks the brain into thinking that the image is actually moving. This links with the persistence of vision principle which is how we still see an image 0.04 seconds after we have originally viewed it. That gives the illusion of movement as we can link the old image with the new image without even noticing as the images are moving quickly.

As this was the first method of moving images other film makers discovered Josephs method and adapted this method to make even better, more advanced moving image equipment.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phenakistoscope_3g07690a.gif here is a link to a gif showing the movement of a phenakistoscope; in this gif you can see how the slight change of movement of the subject gives the impression that the couple are dancing.

Early moving imageWilliam Horner was another film maker which was an inventor of an early moving image projector; his invention was called the Zoetrope. The zoetrope has the same characteristics as the Phenalistoscope; this device was invented in 1834.Similar to the Phenalistoscope this device was also a sequence of images which were all slightly different to give the subject on the picture the effect that it was moving. These images would typically on a strip of paper; this would then be loaded into a circular device with viewing slots around the exterior of it. When you spin the device and you view the interior images from the outside the zoetrope tricks the brain into thinking that the image is moving. This also links in with the persistence of vision; as when you are seeing these images move quickly you can still see the previous image.

Now that the moving image and stop motion animation was getting used more frequently more inventors and film makers were beginning to make equipment which could give the same outcome but Is more complex and of a better standard.

As you can see on the images on the right; this device has a cylinder shaped look; this helps when viewing the image on the interior as it allows it to spin faster when its in this device which adds to the illusion of movement.

Early moving imageA zoopraxiscope is another example of early moving image equipment to give the stop motion animation effect. This was invented by Eadweard Muybridge in 1877; this equipment was considered the first movie projector. Made out of moving glass this disc would have images on and would be spun at a fast pace to give the impression of movement which is the persistence of vision.These images were initially painted onto the glass disc as silhouettes; but not long after there were a second series of disc which also included color images. These were made by printing the images onto the disc photographically but just the outline; these were then hand painted with colors. The zoopraxiscope was first invented due to Muybridge wanting to prove that when a horse runs all four of its hooves leave the ground; he developed the idea of using stop motion imagery to show the sequence of the horse running in images and then by spinning the wheel making it appear to move like an illusion.

This early moving image equipment was very popular and successful therefore, it was the primary inspirations for the Kinetoscope which is the first commercial film exhibition system. This was invented by Thomas Edison and William Dickson; this was a big step in film making and cinema.

As you can see on the image to the right; there is a glass disc which includes various images; you can see that each of the images are in a different position. When spun those images will then create the illusion of movement.

MuybridgeEadweard Muybridge is the inventor of the first movie projector the zoopraxiscope which was created in 1877. From this invention came the big step in the use of stop motion animation; therefore, Muybridge is a significant step into the development of moving images in cinema. His invention was a better developed and more technical version of previous early moving image equipment such as the phenakistoscope and the zoetrope.Muybridge developed the zoopraxiscope after being hired by a horse owner; the horse owner was curious to as if when a horse runs all four of the horses hooves left the ground. This was a question in which the answer could be discovered by using stop motion; Muybridge set up an array of cameras and set them to take images as the horse ran. Once he had collected images of all stages of the horse running he placed them onto the disc and span it through the projector; and when viewed the various images linked together to make a sequence of the horse running.

Muybridges method of moving image is linked to the persistence of vision; this matter consists of your brain being able to be tricked into thinking subjects are moving due to the change of image and the speed. If an image is moving quickly and the subject of that image changes position in various frames you still see the previous image 0.04 seconds after the image has changed into a new one.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Horse_in_Motion-anim.gif here is a link to a gif which shows the animation of the running horse created by Eadweard Muybridge which was played on a zoopraxiscope.

Persistence of VisionThe persistence of vision is a belief; this belief states that our eyes can still see an image 0.04 seconds after this image has gone. Therefore this theory links in well with moving image cinema; as when you are viewing an animation of this style there is an array of images in which the subjects move. When the subjects are moving you are able to link the previous image with the new one in the 0.04 seconds in which you are still viewing it.By doing this it helps us link the images together and give the full impression of fluid animation; this combined with the images changing at a fast pace allows us to believe that they are moving. However, this isnt happening at all we are just viewing a different image at a very fast pace.

Beta movement Is a concept which is linked with the persistence of vision; this is where you see two images quickly and your brain fills in the gaps and assumes that the image is moving. This is demonstrated in the clip to the right by showing the moving light creating a streak.

As you can see in the clip to the right hand side; when demonstrated you can see that even with missing properties of an image when combined and moving at a fast pace your brain still processes the last image as you are viewing the new one.

Willis OBrienWillis OBrien is a pioneer of stop motion animation; originally OBrien worked as a sculptor however, in his spare time he created models some of which included a dinosaur and caveman. He would make these sculptures and then add moulded rubber around the exterior to allow his pieces more freedom of movement and character.Willis was an innovator in the field of stop motion film as he didnt just use images of subjects he physically created them and placed them into a set and photographed them to give the effect that they were moving. His work was well developed from previous methods of early moving image such as the work of Eadweard Muybridge and William Horner.O'Brien's methods caught the attention of the Edison company; this then leaded them into working together to create some short films using O'Brien's sculptures to make shorts using stop motion animation. One of his early pieces was the Dinosaur and the missing link which was created in 1915. His more well known pieces include the original King Kong movie which was made in 1933.

These images show an example of a shot from the Dinosaur and the missing link and also the sculptures used for King Kong.

Ray HarryhausenRay Harryhausen is another pioneer of stop motion animation; he is an American writer, producer and also a special effects creator. Ray was mentored by William OBrien who was another pioneer of stop motion and techniques used in early moving cinema. Harryhausen is well known in the world of film for being the inventor of Dynamation, this is a technique that was used to make actors look like they are interacting with animated objects/subjects.Dynamation was done by projecting a live action image onto a rear screen, in front of this there would be an animation table with the model for the shot placed on. Then a glass sheet would be placed in front of both, they the action plate was shot and Ray would use the viewfinder to establish where his matte line needed to go. Once this line was drawn on he would then paint out the lower section below the line with black paint; photograph the animation of the model reacting to the live action and then create a second pass in the camera. This pass would reinstate the previous matted out section creating a combined image of the subject seemingly as part of the live action.Ray was a big inspiration and role model for film makers; he inspired them with his new approach to film making by his technique Dynamation. This technique allowed him to make films such as Jason and the Argonauts in 1953; this film has a well known fight sequence in it with skeletons, all these model skeletons was able to be animated in amongst the live action in the film thanks to Dynamation.

You can see here the method in which Ray used to conduct Dynamation; and also an example of his work in the film The 7th Voyage of Sinbad.

Jan SvankmayerJan Svankmayer is a Czech film maker who explored stop motion animation; he discovered a technique In which allowed him to animate human subjects. This technique is one which has been adapted from previous stop motion techniques such as Dynamation; as Dynamation was a technique which allowed you to animate models pixilation allows you to do the same but with actors/actresses. His techniques later influenced some of todays top film makers such as Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam.Jans work is somewhat odd but satisfying; he combines various different approaches to things to create a piece of film which is more based around art. You can see this in one of his films Alice (1988) which is a film based on the story of Alice in Wonderland. In this film he uses various objects as puppets; he places them in position and takes his frame, alters the positioning of the object to the next frame and repeats this transition. In the end result this allows the film to give the impression that these objects are alive and moving alone. Alice does also include an actress who plays Alice in various parts of the film; she was filmed using pixilation to give the impression that she is moving even though it was shot frame by frame. Another prime example of a well known piece created by Svankmayer is Food (1992) this piece is similar to Alice as it was shot with the same technique. The use of sound in these pieces of work is what helps these objects and subjects seem realistic; the sound effects added to the movements gives the impression that these things are really happening.

These images show shots from both Alice and Food by Jan Svankmayer; as you can see in the image there was both inanimate objects used in the movie and actors.

PixilationDescribe Pixilation as a technique in stop motion and list an example. What makes this technique interesting?

Aardman Animations

Visual style Tim Burton

Adult audienceStop motion animation products can be made for a variety of audiences; for example there are television shows and films in the industry that use stop motion animation that are solely made for an adult audience. These audiences and products are infiltrated by adding codes and conventions which will suit this particular audience and make it appeal to that certain age range.

Family Guy is a well known television show which is very popular amongst adults/young adults; this show includes animation, although you would stereotype and compare a cartoon animation style television show to a younger audience this show is made for an older audience. By including codes and conventions such as adult themes and language it makes the show enjoyable for the adult as they understand the context and theme of the show. Family guy makes references and links to other films in their content; this appeals to the adult audience as they understand the links by having knowledge on these other products which are being referenced therefore, it makes the audience feel smart and gives them pleasure that they understood it.

To make an animation which is suitable for an adult audience you need to include factors which will appeal to them, this can include factors of the; sound, character design, colors, voices. For example in an episode of robot chicken which is an adult animation they use strong language and character voices which resemble real life; whereas if you compared this to a children's animation you would most likely see very simple language used, and the characters would be more high pitched and make noises as well as speech as this would be more interactive and interesting for a child.

Childrens audienceThe main audience for media which is based around animation is children; this is because animation is simple and visually pleasing; it allows you to add bright colors and create characters and settings in which you couldnt with actors/actresses. Most of childrens television shows and films today are all made using animation; these films are all made combining codes and conventions which makes the film suitable, interesting and educational to children.

An example of a well known children's animation media is Peppa Pig; in this show there is a wide use of bright colors which helps keep the child interested as these bright colors stand out. The language used in this show is minimal and basic, this dialogue along with the sound of the characters voice is sounds in which a child will want to listen to as the voices of the main characters sound young and high pitched which is similar to their own. The art style and design of the characters and settings in children's animation are fairly simple; this is because you need to keep the child interested if there is too much going on and there is lots of detail and un necessary subjects the child wont enjoy it as much. In childrens animation the narrative of each film or episode needs to be kept simple and easy for them to follow; this can be helped by the use of sound effects and subjects/themes which they will already be familiar with.

As you can see here from this image of a children's animation pocoyo the characters are all designed very simple and colorful. The lack of detail and the bright colors are appealing to children as its characters they can easily identify and are also eye-catching and fun to look at.

Universal audienceAs well as having a specified audience for one age range there is also animation products that are for a universal audience which are suitable for everybody. An example of this can be seen in films which are for children but include innuendos and jokes and remarks which only an adult audience will understand. This is included so that the film would be interesting and enjoyable for the adults who are watching with the child.

An example of this can be seen in the television show Wallace and Gromit; this show appeals to children as it has funny scenes in it and the characters are simple and the use of Claymation makes the animation appear basic and fun. However, in this television show there are themes and jokes in which only adults will be able to understand so therefore its enjoyable for them to view as well as the children.

An example of this can be seen in this image here, the children would find it funny because Wallace Is only wearing a box and is naked. However, on the box there is a sticker which reads may contain nuts this is an innuendo for the adults as only they would understand the context of the joke.This can also be seen in the children's television show Shaun the sheep; in this show there is an episode in which you see Shaun and another sheep in a lab and they are mixing up milk and other ingredients to make a drink. However, if you look at this closely and you have knowledge of Breaking Bad the television show you will see the links between the outfits in which they are wearing in this clip.

Production considerations - FPSWhen shooting the shots for a stop motion animation there is a method called Shooting on twos; this method is an industry standard method which allows you to create smooth movement. Shooting on Twos means that when you are taking a picture for your frame you would take two pictures for every one movement that you complete in your sequence. When you use this method it then gives the impression of 24 FPS when actually you are only making 12 movements. 1 movement = 2 shots For example if you are shooting a 10 second clip and you are using the shooting on twos method at a rate of 24FPS then you would need to take 240 images and make 120 movements.Depending on the type of media in which you are creating you would need to use a different amount of frames per second for the best possible outcome. Animation, Film and TV all have different FPS which are used to create that media; Animation requires you to shoot at 12FPS but you could also do this technique but shoot on twos. In addition, when creating a film 24 FPS are used, and when shooting TV there are 25 FPS.Having a set amount of frames per second is key to making a media product as this allows you to ensure that the video doesn't look jumpy. For example if you are taking one frame per second for each movement then when played in sequence the movements wouldn't look smooth and appear jumpy between each movement.

TV advertThe television advert in which I researched is an advert made my Pes advertising Honda the car and motorcycle company. In this advert you follow a journey around a variation of places and the main subject of the clip changes into different products in which Honda sell such as different motorbikes and cars and engines. Pess style is similar to Jan Svankmyers as he also used stop motion animation to allow him to move inanimate subjects to make them appear as it they are moving.

I believe that this advert is very visually satisfying; I like the use of the cut-out, this is when you use an image or a drawing and then animate it. In this clip the image moves along the screen and changes into various other objects. This style is very clever and visually pleasing as it makes you watch carefully as its not something that could have been constructed without stop motion. The use of stop motion for this advert has allowed Pes to be even more creative with his ideas as he can manipulate certain aspects and create an effect and aesthetics. Stop motion animation for this advert has allowed it to be functional, the aesthetics in which Pes wanted to create have been achieved by him being allowed to take certain frames and move subjects and objects.

This advert is aimed at an audience of adults; as the product which is being advertised is one in which would only appeal to them. I believe adults would be interested in this advert as it is unique and very eye catching however, I think an advert of this kind would be more appealing to children as some of the drawings and images used in the advert are very child like and cartoon style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpyeQeTDGFA

TV showThe television show which I have chosen to research is the series Creature Comforts by Aardman Animations. This show is based around clay models of animals which have voice overs from the British public; they talk about all different types of topics and have discussions whilst including comedy.

I believe this television show is successful as it has comedy factor and is quite an interesting television show which I believe people of all ages would find appealing. The use of Claymation to create these certain characters has helped the aesthetic of the show as the characters are able to be adjusted to the certain situations happening in the programme. The use of stop motion animation has helped make this show become functional as you are able to move the characters into different positions to tell the story. If you was filming live action you wouldnt be able to create the same believable visual as you would be able to see people moving the models.

I believe there is a universal audience for this programme; as the characters and appearance of the show is quite appealing to children through the use of animals as characters which interact and talk. However, the language used and the topics in which are spoken about in the programme are suited towards adults.

This television show uses the same style of animation as present film maker and director Tim Burton; in his films such as corpse bride and short film Vincent he uses Claymation. This technique was successful in Burtons projects too as it allowed him to animate inanimate objects just like you can see in these episodes of creature comforts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NulYV_4DqYo

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