Any Stop-Motion experience?

[hisser]

Hi all,
I was wondering if anybody out there has any experience with Stop-Motion filmmaking.
Can anybody recommend a camera that works good with Stop-Motion?
Any other advice you can give for making Stop-Motion films?
Anyway, Happy New Year everyone!!!

[eddie]

Hi There

Yep Ive done some. Ive used 2 cameras, a gorgeous Sony DV cam-corder. If you can get one, then I recommend it. You can do 'single frame' (actually about 5 frames) and review what you've just done.
Also used an 'adapted' super8, since the camera doesnt have single frame, I rigged up a micro switch that you flick, shoots about 5 frames at a time, although its irregular.

Ive found its not as hard as it may seem to get pleasing results, but you do need time and space to get utterly absorbed by it. I like how easy it is, all you need are some models and a standard lamp and a tripod and the world is yours to create.

I really recommend a DV camera (any) that can take single frames. You might want to check that the lens is suitable for closeup work.

Also spend time to make good quality models, that move as you want them too. Use lighting as creatively as you can. Get that Aardman book on animation. Make you own models (armatures are really expensive!)

Try and keep in mind how much 'film time' you have created. Since it takes ages to animate a few minutes you have to battle off the impatience, and remember to stay cool and calm. Watch Jan Svankmajer and Quay brothers films for inspiration on mood, and Terry Gilliam animations (monty python) for timing, and gags.

Good luck and be patient!

[binxalot]

You can buy a decent digital picture camera (150-300$) and take individual photographs with it. I've done animation this way, It helps to have a camera with a zoom lense of some sort, optical zoom, not digital. Most cameras come with software that download the images off the camera and name them in numbered order to your hard drive.

You can use premier or after effects to create movies from the individual frames.

Hope this helped,
-Binx

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The Bonafide Production Company