Stop-Frame Film Animation

 

This the technique used in the making of animated puppet films and commercials in which inanimate objects appear to move. Manipulated by hand, the subjects are fractionally re-positioned before each frame of the film is exposed. Computer-generated animation, although now in common use, has not replaced the stop-frame film technique which, to some, has a more pleasing quality.

Technique

Before commencing filming, it is advisable to make a chart of the movements required. Normal film projection is at 24 frames a second and all movement is consequently related to this yardstick.

Each movement is first assessed in real time. Say, for example, that a cigarette pack is required to spin at the rate of one revolution a second. ...

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