syllabus
Week 1 a - What is animation? The different forms of animation and the emergence of stop motion. History focus: The early pioneers.
History example: The Lost World (1925)
Week 1 b - Animation using the human body. Pixilation.
Practical application: Group pixilation film.
Week 2 a - The animation studio, understanding the equipment.
History focus: Early masters of animation.
History example: George Pal and his Puppetoons.
Week 2 b - The process of stop motion animation.
Practical application: Group animation film (simple object movement).
Week 3 a - How are puppets made?
History focus: Mass-produced animation of the 50’s and 60’s.
History example: Animated children’s programming (The Clangers).
Week 3 b - Animating toys. The best toys to use, & how to move them.
Practical application: Group stop-motion film.
Week 4 a - How to design a character for animation.
History focus: Modern animated programming.
History example: Animated children’s programming (Trapdoor).
Week 4 b - Building a clay character.
Practical application: Individual character creation for future filming.
Week 5 a - Story, story, story! The importance of a storyboard.
History focus: Animation legends (Ray Harryhausen).
History example: Clash of the Titans.
Week 5 b - Filming animation. How to light your character. How to lock-down your character.
Practical application: Group animation film.
Week 6 a - Set design - secrets of the animation professionals.
History focus: Stop-motion in major film productions.
History example: The Empire Strikes Back.
Week 6 b - Finding materials for building. How to build it strong!
Practical application: Set construction.
Week 7 a - Launching the final group project.
History focus: Modern stop motion masters.
History example: The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Week 7 b - Working as a team.
Practical application: Group animation project filming.
Week 8 a - Continuing the animation project.
History focus: Stop-motion in other media.
History example: Michel Gondry animated music video.
Week 8 b - Working as a team.
Practical application: Group animation project filming.
Week 9 a - Continuing the animation project.
History focus: Clay-mation triumphs!
History example: Wallace and Gromit.
Week 9 b - Working as a team.
Practical application: Group animation project filming.
Week 10 a - Continuing the animation project.
History focus: The continuing development of modern stop-motion.
History example: Corpse Bride.
Week 10 b - Post-production, adding sound and editing.
Practical application: Assessment and critique of final film.
Please note: Each two-hour session will have a brief break in the middle. Students are encouraged to bring a drink and small snack for the break period.
All film clips shown will contain material judged appropriate for the age of the students. For more details on the clips to be shown, please contact the instructor.