Film Education -

Making the models

• Try to keep the model simple and bold
• Include 2 or 3 features on face and head to animate
• Include at least 3 features on body to animate
• Make sure the features are big
• The model must be able to stand up

Creating a storyboard

• Make a list of the events which will take place in your animation using bullet points
• Write down the length of time it will take for each event to occur
• Draw storyboard images to show the actions taking place for each event

Shooting the animation

• Install your chosen 'frame grabbing' software (see below for examples of software for Mac and Windows) and read the instructions of how to use the software
• Make sure the camera is on and you have removed the tape and plug the camera into the mains before you start to shoot your animation

Shooting tips

• Take 12 shots to start a scene before you start animating
• Take 1 shot per movement
• If you want to include a pause then take 6 shots
• If your character blinks or winks take 3 shots of the closed eye
• Take 12 shots to end the scene
• Remember that all movements must be small so the animation is smooth and flowing
• Watch and save your movie regularly

Editing the animation

• When editing your animation you can take out any unwanted frames by deleting them
• You can also ‘copy and paste’ in extra frames to make the scene longer
• Sounds, titles and music can be added during editing

Animation software

• iStopMotion by Boinx (Mac OS)
• iMovie by apple (Mac OS)
• 2animate by 2Simple Software (Windows)
• Revelation Natural Art by Logotron (Windows)
• DocsAlive by Softedge Systems (Windows)
• Kid Pix Deluxe 4 by RM software (Windows)

Animation websites and software

www.animationforeducation.co.uk

www.tech4learning.com

www.accessarts.org/ArtKids/Tutorials/Animation

Thanks to Oscar Stringer for providing the stop-motion instructions.