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Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation Susannah Shaw (Programme Development Manager for the Animated Exeter festival. Head of the Bristol Animation Course from 1996 to 2000 at the University of the West of England, and former camera assistant at Aardman.)

Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation By Susannah Shaw (Programme Development Manager for the Animated Exeter festival. Head of the Bristol Animation Course from 1996 to 2000 at the University of the West of England, and former camera assistant at Aardman.)

Summary

Presents a practical introduction to the craft skills of model animation. This book includes some basic exercises and it talks about topics such as developing a story, making models, creating sets and props, the mechanics of movement, filming, post production and how to find a first job in a studio.

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Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation Summary

Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation by Susannah Shaw (Programme Development Manager for the Animated Exeter festival. Head of the Bristol Animation Course from 1996 to 2000 at the University of the West of England, and former camera assistant at Aardman.)

To make great animation, you need to know how to control a whole world: how to make a character, how to make that character live and be happy or sad. You need to create four walls around them, a landscape, the sun and moon - a whole life for them. You have to get inside that puppet and first make it live, then make it perform.

Susannah Shaw provides the first truly practical introduction to the craft skills of model animation. This is a vital book in the development of model animation which, following the success of Aardman's first full-length film 'Chicken Run',is now at the forefront of modern animation.

Illustrated in full colour throughout you are shown step by step how to create successful model animation. Starting with some basic exercises, readers will learn about developing a story, making models, creating sets and props, the mechanics of movement, filming, post production and how to set about finding that elusive first job in a modern studio.

Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation Reviews

'A wonderful introduction to a rather complicated and unique art form.'
Ray Harryhausen director of The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, and Jason and the Argonauts

'Don't attempt stop motion before you read this book! Susannah has covered everything in this no-nonsense approach to the industry.'
Richard Goleszowski director of Creature Comforts and Rex the Runt

'Stop Motion contains a huge amount of valuable information for the budding stop-frame film maker. A great addition to the film craft library.'
David Sproxton, co-founder and Managing Director of Aardman Animations

'Practical, informative and full of quotes from key characters in the story of the stop-frame industry. I wish I'd had this book when I was a student.'
Joan Ashworth, Head of Animation, Royal College of Art

'When it comes to animating, this excellent book covers timing of movement, story development from idea to script, compositing you shots, editing and so on. Susannah's book will certainly make you want to get out there and get started on model animation.'
Pat Raine Webb, Animatoon magazine, February 2004

...a mine of information. This book gives an unrivalled detailed technical overview of the subject.
The Times Higher Education Supplement

...an attractive, easy to handle paperback with clear and concise text...This is the perfect book for anyone contemplating getting into model animation.
Dope Sheet

This is a truly fantastic book. If you want to learn how to do stop motion animation film-making or to do animation well, read this book closely, do the exercises and follow the instructions. This book is beautifully laid out and illustrated with copious useful diagrams and photographs.
Focus magazine

Table of Contents

acknowledgements

chapter 1
introduction, playing God
nature and caricature
what this book is for

chapter 2
getting equipped
what is your aim?
recording formats
film
video/DV
animation software/frame grabbers
essential and non-essential extras
the animator's toolkit
lighting
editing/sound
rough guide to film/video or DV recording budgets
glossary

chapter 3
getting animated
animating familiar objects as a first approach
timing: single frame or double frame?
notes on movement
first experiments: the bouncing ball
the dope sheet/X-sheet
planning

chapter 4
keep it simple, developing your story
idea script treatment
planning your shots, basic film grammar/composition of shots
the storyboard
editing animatics and story reels

chapter 5
coat hangers for armatures making your own model
character design
working with modelling clays
making your own puppet

chapter 6
model makers, the professionals
the maquette
ball and socket armature
mould making, hard and soft moulds
casting
colouring
costumes/dressing
glossary of model making materials

chapter 7
four walls and a sky, sets and props
research the look
design and building of sets
interior sets
exterior sets
forced perspective
making props
rigging
glossary of materials for sets

chapter 8
sound advice
pre production
recording dialogue
lip sync
sound breakdown

chapter 9
the mechanics of movement
studies from observation
posing the model
timing
weight
anticipation, action and reaction
walking and running
the illusion of speed
animal and bird movement

chapter 10
the performance
character animation
comedy and comic timing
subtle character animation

chapter 11
filming
filming information
lighting
motion control
health and safety issues
special effects tips and hints
final checks before you hit that button
sending your film to the labs
glossary

chapter 12
post production
timecode
sound

chapter 13
getting the job the business of animation
know your limitations
different work, different studios
commercials
series
TV specials and features
applying for jobs
your showreel
festivals
sending proposals to commissioning editors

bibliography

appendix 1
software, camera and recording equipment suppliers

appendix 2
manufacturers and outlets

appendix 3
calendar of animation festivals and film festivals incorporating animation

appendix 4
animation courses that include or specialize in stop motion and related organizations and websites

Additional information

CIN0240516591VG
9780240516592
0240516591
Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation by Susannah Shaw (Programme Development Manager for the Animated Exeter festival. Head of the Bristol Animation Course from 1996 to 2000 at the University of the West of England, and former camera assistant at Aardman.)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Taylor & Francis Ltd
20030903
224
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation