Session 5: Telling a Story with Stop Motion
Stop Motion is a fun way to tell a story. In this lesson you will go through the entire production process in one day. Here are a few examples from summer 2009.
Shot Composition for Video
Shot Types at MediaCollege.com: Review the shot vocabulary on this web page.
In this short lesson we are going to learn the film vocabulary for the wide variety of shot compositions. We will also practice these shots in a fun activity. “Composition Still”
Pre-Production
Topic Selection: As a group you will select a topic from your curriculum that you think is simple to animate. Spend a little time discussing your options and sharing resource materials.
Script: Write a simple script that describes the process or illustrates the point you wanted to make.
Storyboard: Create a storyboard that plans out the images, sound and motion that will bring your script to life. (see page 25 for more information)
Approval: Please share your pre-production with your instructor prior to starting on the production phase.
Production
File Management: (2:33) Set up a new folder on the stop motion computers project folder *Auto Save
Record Audio: (6:39) Have two members record the narration in small chunks. Make sure to save in the project folder you just set up.
Set and prop construction: Have two members create the set and props (keep it simple)
Camera, tripod and lighting: Set up your video gear (keep camera on auto for now)
*I now have a special long firewire cable set up on each pod. Please leave the cables in the camera bags and use the long black cable.
Capture Stop Motion: (9:20)
- Make sure to save in the project folder you just set up
- Think of shooting complete scenes. This doesn’t have to be done in order.
Roles: Computer Op, Camera Op, Lead animator, assistant animator & grip (lights)
Post Production
Expectations: You should have an openning title. Then an interesting stop motion animation with a narrated script followed by credit. Try adding sound FX for extra credit!
Rough cut: Trim, re-arrange, time stretch, repeat, and titles (16:00)
Share your rough cut with the instructor or another group
Revise and add transitions, effects (9:55) | sound effects, music (7:19)
Digital Juice Sound FX and Music Library (9:28)
Ripping Audio Using Windows Media Player (3:20)
Building a Score with Soundbooth (5:46)
Publish
Share .avi, .wmv, H264 or DVD Menu (8:39)
If you get done early you can work on developing your lesson plans. We will watch the finished projects on Monday morning.
Have a relaxing weekend