What is Animation
Animation is the ability to give life to an inanimate object
or character whether it be drawn, modelled or computer generated.
This life is given by combining several similar images that when
put in sequence and shown a speed, trick the audience into believing
the character is moving.
For a more detailed description
on the theory of animation please check out the selections of
books available in the shop.
3 Main Types of Animation
Drawn Animation
Drawn animation is created by drawing the characters on cels
that are then positioned on top of the background before one
frame of film is shot. This cel is then removed and replaced
with a similar cel with slight movement from the previous one.
One frame is shot like before and the process continues. It normally
takes about 24 frames of film for every 1 second. This is the
traditional method for cartoons however this technique has been
superseded by computers.
Stop Motion
Animation (3D)
This type of animation is more complicated because you are dealing
with real characters in three dimensional space. The process
however is almost the same. The characters are modelled into
their movements by the animator who takes on the role of the
actor giving his performance through the clay character.
Computer Animation
This method is becoming the default method for the animation
industry as both 2D and 3D animations are performed on the computers
virtual environments.
The focus of these notes now concentrates on Stop Motion animation
as that is the method used for my animation 'The Secret Life of Ceravax' .
For more details on each
of these methods please check out the selection of books in the
shop.
Basic Requirements for Stop Motion Animation.
The frames can be captured through a variety of methods from
traditional cine cams to Digital Camcorders in conjunction with
a computer. The method I have used is detailed below and these
are an example of possible setup requirements. However other
possibly cheeper methods may be available.
1. Digital
Camcorder with DV
in and out sockets, manual override on all functions and a good
quality lens. A range of camcorders are available in the shop. The capture device can also be
a digital still camera or web cam which is a much cheaper option
but the downside is the image quality is greatly reduced. Web
cams and digital cameras are also available from the shop.
2. A tripod would also be a useful investment
to keep the camera still and in the same position throughout.
Some are available to buy in the shop.
3. A compatible
computer with firewire
sockets to enable the transfer of the digital image to be saved
as frames on the computer. The computer I used was an imac but
PCs would probably work just as well. However you would need
a different Frame capture program. A list of sites that offer
downloads are shown in the animation
links section.
4. Frame
capture software
like frame
thief etc.
As well as the technical equipment you will also require a set,
lighting, props and the characters that will feature in the animation.
All of the equipment needed for this is either available in the
shop or in the links section.
I will explore in more detail
the individual requirements further down but first I will explain
the basics of animation and how to begin.
Formulating a Story.
This is a key element in any animation and can vary from a simple
gag to a highly complex story line. You should first think:
1. What do you want to say to your audience?
2. What will your character
to do?
3. All Story's should have a beginning a middle and an end.
4. Does the story have a purpose, e.g. to entertain, inform,
shock, etc...
5. Who is your audience?
When you have answered the questions and constructed a basic
story line you need to begin a story board.
Making a Story board
The story board is useful for creating an image file of how the
story progresses and also shows weaknesses and parts that are
not necessary. It also allows you to change the order of sequences
easily before it is committed to film. The story board can be
as detailed or as sketchy as you like. As long as you are able
to understand the story without reading anything. The images
should tell the story. It also becomes a usefull tool when you
begin to film your animation as it gives you ideas of how the
shot will look and positioning of camera lighting and characters
and how they relate to each other to give the desired effect.
An example of a storyboard
will be available soon on this site.
To buy books on storyboarding
check out the shop now.
Creating Characters
When you have your story and know what characters will perform
in it you will then be ready to create your characters. Normal
3D plasticine characters are made with just the plasticine or with an armature which is a skeleton structure that hold the plasticine
up and enables characters to have thinner legs etc.
However for my animation I have used clay instead of plasticine. This is because the subject
of my animation is about the process of ceramics. This is difficult
to work with because it dries out quickly under the lights and
I am not using any armatures. But the nature of the characters
means that it is possible using this method.
My next animation will be
using plasticine characters and armatures and more detailed information
on this method and material will be available soon.
For more information on creating characters for animation check
out the book Cracking
Animation available
to buy from the shop now.
To buy materials for creating
characters check out the shop or the links section
Building the set.
The set can be as complicated or as simple as you want.
The Basic Set
The set I have constructed
is a simple room with 3 walls and a floor. The MDF panels are
joined together with brackets so they can be removed. Another
way to do this is to use dowel rods that fit into holes in the
opposite panel allowing you to remove walls for various shots.
The walls can then either be painted or wall papered. Skirting
boards fitted and floor tiles etc. added to the floor to complete
the set.
Set designs can vary depending
on what is required for the animation and the type of set should
be a consideration when constructing the story.
Details on other sets and
the building of props will be coming soon.
To buy materials for sets
or for companys that make sets check out the links page.
Lighting the set.
Lighting is a very important part of the process because it can
add mood and highlight specific areas of a scene.
There are 3 types of lighting
The Key light which is the main source of light and should be
the strongest and is often placed to one side of the camera and
a little higher than the character to give a normal look. This
could be suggested as sunlight, or the light from a window etc.
The fill light is the next form of lighting. The job of this
light is to fill in the darkest shadows with a softened light
to give a bit more detail. This light is often diffused by tracing
paper or by using a white board to deflect the light.
The last source of lighting is the back light. This light is
normally placed quite highly at the rear of the set and gives
the subject a highlighted outline.
For more information on
lighting check out some of the books in the shop or for suppliers of lighting equipment check out
the links page.
Props
You will also probably require props for your animation. I have
used simple props that already exist, such as glaze bucket, bag
of clay, paint brushes, etc. However some projects may require
you to make props. If you are unable to make what you need there
are companies that can make small props for your animation. Check out the
list.
More details on how to make your own props will be coming soon.
Once you have made the characters,
finalised the story, built the set and have all the props you
will then be ready to animate. As I said before there are several
methods that can be used to do this but I will describe the one
I am using.
Capturing your animation
Connect your Dv Camcorder to your computer using the firewire
port and to the dv socket on your camcorder.
Turn on your camcorder then your computer.
If your computer is an apple then it should recognise that your
camcorder is attached and be ready to start.
If you have not already done so you will need to obtain a frame capture
program a list of
which is available here.
Example using Frame Thief:
After registering etc. launch the program and the video feed
should detect the camera and show an image in the video feed
window. If not quit the application, restart the computer and
start again. If this fails to work try the troubleshooting on
the frame thief website or your computers manual.
When you have the video feed running position your characters,
set, props etc. in the first frame position, then press the red
capture button. You can press this twice if you are shooting
the animation in doubles or twos. This allows you to cut the
amount of movements needed to get one second of film.
Animating
You should also try to vary the speed of your movements, and
don't be afraid to keep the character still for a few seconds
as this can convey certain emotions. If you have trouble working
out how the character should look. Time yourself making the movements
and examine how they are made. For facial expressions of your
character use a mirror and act out how it should look to give
believability to your characters.
Different parts of the character can also move at different speeds
and remember that characters often move in one direction before
moving in the other.
When you have captured your animation you can then export it
to an editing
package to add the
finishing touches including sound effects, music and titles.
Sound Effects
There are many sites offering
sound effects collections that you can buy however you must be
aware of copyright laws. To find out more information on this
visit some of the sound
effects links or
alternativly you can make your own with a microphone and recording
device.
Music
This is an optional extra
but can help create emotions or moods. If you have the ability
you can create your own but you would probably be better contacting
a company that can talor make music to your animation. A list
of them are available here.
Adding Titles
The end product
What do you do with your finished animation.
You might consider submiting
it to an animation or film festival. Links to various festivals
throught the year are available here.
Buy
animation books from the shop
This information is only given as a guide
and more detailed and accurate information is provided in the
wide selection of book available in the shop.