Stop-motion animation and its little sister clay animation (sometimes referred to as claymation) are two film techniques which have been around since the film technology was introduced in the late nineteenth century. Having gained new popularity in recent years with the success of television shows such as Bob the Builder and movies such as ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’, it is little surprise that film-makers are once again revisiting the technique which was made famous by directors Will Vinton and Art Clokely.
Although the technique of clay animation can be quite a detailed process, as it involves the creation and care of intricate clay characters and sets which need to be moved and manipulated shot-by-shot to achieve the desired fluid motion as seen in the finished product, student film-makers are fond of the clay medium as it allows total control of the subjects on camera. It is also quite easy to film – requiring lighting, a single camera, and some compilation software to edit at a later time. Sound and special effects can also be added at a later time as there are no live actors on screen, meaning there does not need to be matched sound to movement.
With such predecessors as Gumby, Pingu, Bob the Builder, Wallace & Gromit, and Chicken Run, it is little surprise that the major film studios are investing in the clay animation technique as a sure success at the box office. If you are an amateur or student film-maker now may be the perfect time to get involved in this fun and intricate technique – who knows, you may create the next Bob the Builder!
Although the technique of clay animation can be quite a detailed process, as it involves the creation and care of intricate clay characters and sets which need to be moved and manipulated shot-by-shot to achieve the desired fluid motion as seen in the finished product, student film-makers are fond of the clay medium as it allows total control of the subjects on camera. It is also quite easy to film – requiring lighting, a single camera, and some compilation software to edit at a later time. Sound and special effects can also be added at a later time as there are no live actors on screen, meaning there does not need to be matched sound to movement.
With such predecessors as Gumby, Pingu, Bob the Builder, Wallace & Gromit, and Chicken Run, it is little surprise that the major film studios are investing in the clay animation technique as a sure success at the box office. If you are an amateur or student film-maker now may be the perfect time to get involved in this fun and intricate technique – who knows, you may create the next Bob the Builder!