Stop Motion Video

Stop motion animation is a filming technique in which objects are moved by hand in small increments between individually photographed frames. When the series of frames is played back, it gives the appearance that the objects are moving and changing on their own. A lot of preparation, time, and patience goes into designing a stop motion video, so planning out your vision before starting is important.

Step 1: Learn about the history of animation

Did you know that animation is a lot like a flipbook? As you flip through, you can see that each drawing is a little different than the previous one. When you flip through it quickly, the illusion of movement is created. The same effect happens in stop motion animation. The animations we see today in movies and films have a pretty remarkable history. Many different inventors, photographers, and artists played a role in the evolution of this technology. Learn more about the history with the video below or explore on your own through books, videos, and websites to learn more about the history of animation.

Career Connections

Stop Motion videos use all different types of objects and techniques. Let’s meet some animators and learn more about their stop motion video process.

Step 2: Understand the science behind animation

Physics plays a big role in animation. To be a good animator, you need to know how the world works. You need to look closely at how people move, how animals run and fly, how cars stop and go, how a ball bounces. In stop motion, it really is all in the name. You are stopping and controlling the motion. Learn more about the science behind animation with the video below or explore on your own through books, videos, and websites.

Step 3: Create a storyboard

A storyboard is a graphic organizer used to map out and pre-visualize the sequence of animation. Think of your favorite movie. It, too, had a storyboard created before filming happened. Taking the time to plan out your scenes will help you be more successful when filming. You can use the storyboard to take notes of sound effects, movement, and characters.

Choose an option to create your storyboard.

Option 1: Digital Storyboard Online Tool
- Research and see if you can find a tool online that will help you design your storyboard.
Option 2:Print out a Storyboard template
- Print out copies of the storyboard template. Then use a pen or pencil to illustrate your frames and add descriptive notes.
Option 3: Choose your own method
- Have a creative way to map out your story? Go ahead and create your own storyboard.

Storyboard Template

Step 4: Create your stop motion animation

Gather the materials you need to set your scene. Think about light, camera, backdrop, characters, scenery, and other elements that bring your story to life. Set up your scene and begin filming. Make sure your camera is secure and won’t move! Learn more about tips and tricks with filming stop motion by watching the video below or explore on your own through books, videos, and websites. When done filming, add additional elements like sound effects or music while editing. Then export your video!

Step 5: Share your stop motion video

It is important to share your creation with others. This gives you the chance to show off what you've learned, get feedback, and teach others how to create their own stop motion videos.

Choose a way to share your video, and explain how you made it.

Option 1: Share with friends and family
- Ask a friend or family member to view your completed Stop Motion Video. Share about what you learned while creating it.
Option 2: Share your video as a premiere at a school or community event
- Share your video and what you learned while creating it with others from your school or community. You can present to your class or community group, or create your own movie premiere event for friends, family, and community members.

Earn your digital badge

Congratulations on creating your Stop Motion Video! It's time to reflect on your learning and submit your creation to earn a digital badge.

Complete the Stop Motion Video Digital Badge Form. Be sure to answer all sections of the form.
We will review your submission, and within two weeks, you will receive an email notification with a certificate and digital badge.

Stop Motion Video Digital Badge Form

Stop Motion Animation Digital Badge by Rachel

Purpose

When I complete this digital badge, I will know how to plan, film, and share a stop motion video with others.

Dispositions

Creativity
Communication
Collaboration

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license

Learning from the past

Zoopraxiscope (pictured above), which means animal action viewer, was one of the first examples of projected motion pictures. Eadweard Muybridge invented this device in the 1870s. Wanting to find a way to create the illusion of movement with his photographs, Muybridge experimented with light and movement. As the disc spun around, painted transcriptions of his photographs were projected quickly, one after the other. This created the effect of an animated short sequence of movement.

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