So you're stuck at home under curfew without access to friends who would usually be actors or crew members on your set. It doesn't have to end there. My last blog post was about using your smartphone to make movies but what if you are alone at home ? Once again all you will need is a smartphone. A smartphone and everyday items around the house. Let me introduce you to the world of stop motion animation. Stop Motion Animation is a technique used in animation to bring static objects to life on screen. This is done by moving the object in increments while filming a frame per increment. When all the frames are played in sequence it shows movement.
Stop motion can be simple like the children's series Pingu or more elaborate like Wallace & Gromit. Established directors like Tim Burton have made box office hits using stop motion animation like Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Adam Pesapane also known as "PES" is a great example, with his work having delighted animation fans for over a decade. His film "Fresh Guacamole" was the shortest film ever to be nominated for an Oscar.
Whether using Android or iPhone there are many apps you can download to start you on your stop motion journey. It's time consuming but very rewarding.
Use toys lying around the house, build a set using cardboard with or without a storyline it's the most fun you can have on your own. As an exercise recreate your favourite movie scene using action figures and dolls.
Every second of film is actually 24 still images so creating a smooth seamless stop motion is truly a labour of love and patience. The more time you spend on stop motion the more you will get out of it, take it to another level and shoot in front of a fluorescent green paper that you can replace afterwards while editing with any location you can imagine, add SFX and dialogue. Create your own world and watch it come to life.
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