How to Make a Stop Motion Video
Intermediate | 1 hour 22 min
Introduction
01:01
Materials
02:17
Beginner Stop Motion
01:16
09:47
16:09
Advanced Stop Motion
12:52
09:36
04:30
15:30
09:42
Learn how to make simple yet sweet stop-motion videos at home with acclaimed photographer, Thayer Gowdy. In this class, Thayer breaks down the basics of stop-motion technology, demystifying how to determine frames per second, storyboard ideas, build successful sets, and troubleshoot problems. Using an app called iStopMotion, you can keep your movie as low-tech or high-tech as you want, using on an iPhone and iPad or a high quality digital camera and your home computer. Once you understand the basics of animation, you can make stop-motion movies any length you please—from just a few seconds to minutes on end.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Gear:
  • iPhone and iPad (for beginner animation)
  • GIF adapter to hold phone to tripod (for beginner animation)
  • DSLR camera and computer (for advanced animation)
  • USB or firewire cable to tether your camera to computer (for advanced animation)
  • Tripod with side arm or pipe and clamps
  • Sand bag (or make one out of books and tote bags!)
  • Clip lamps from hardware store with daylight bulbs
  • Foamcore
Animator’s Toolbox:
  • Museum wax
  • Tweezers
  • Wooden dowels
  • Ruler
  • Small blocks (Jenga blocks are perfect!)
  • T-pins
  • Clear fishing line
  • Xacto blade
  • Rubber eraser
  • Pencil
  • Hairspray (travel size bottle)
  • Scissors
  • Double-sided tape
  • Adhesive sticky dots
  • Thin paper tape
  • Small clothespins
  • Calculator
  • Paper for your backdrop
  • Items to animate (such as toys; pompoms; confetti; party blowers; letters; and other small items)
Software:
  • iStopMotion for iPad - www.boinx.com/istopmotion/ipad/ (for beginner animation)
  • iStopMotion remote camera app *FREE on iTunes (for beginner animation)
  • iStopMotion 3 for Mac - www.boinx.com/istopmotion/mac/ (for advanced animation)
Downloads:
Learn how to: 
  • Calculate frames per second
  • Storyboard an idea
  • Build a set
  • “Onionskin” and troubleshoot mistakes
  • Use iStopMotion software
 
What you’ll get:
  • A detailed class by acclaimed photographer Thayer Gowdy on how to make stop-motion videos at home
  • 9 HD video lessons you can access online anytime, anywhere
  • Step-by-step instruction and downloadable PDF included 
  • The ability to leave comments, ask questions and interact with other students
Class PDF
Transcript
Notes
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Class Reviews
56 users recommended this class to a friend
crafter-
Very nice class thank you
More than 3 months ago
Treygan Taylor
Pretty Good. I learned a few new things about stop motion.
More than 3 months ago
Angela Tilley
Great info presented in an easy to digest manner. She walks you step by step.
More than 3 months ago