Intro to Stop-Motion Movie Studio With Clay, Toys and Crafts
In this 4-Week Animation class, students explore the hands-on process of Stop-Motion through setting up characters and sets, using Clay, Crafts, People, Toys & other materials. Their film(s) would be put together via tablet or Smartphone.
Raymond Mullikin (Raytoons Comics)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(474)
Popular
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
Optional: Students can work on their stop motion in between class times.Assessment
The learner's progress and comprehension skills are observed through informal assessment, in observation of their work on their claymation/stop-motion films.Class Experience
This is an animation class where students explore the hands-on process of Stop-Motion through setting up characters and sets, using toys, Clay, and other materials. They would be taking the digital snapshots and putting together/editing their film via computer or Smartphone. 📱 See Syllabus for more details on class Itinerary. 📢 Please install Zoom on the same device as the Lapse It Software. That way the instructor will be able to see what the student is doing and be able to help the student if they are having any difficulties. This is a LIVE class and is NOT pre-recorded. This class will be presented via cameras from the instructor. He will have one camera at his face and another will be at the table where he is demonstration his stop motion animation, so that the student can see the instructor as speaks, and be able to observe step-by-step what the instructor is doing. Students can interact with the instructor, as well ask ask questions during instruction. Students are expected to communicate with the teacher. Communication, visuals, and hands-on instruction are all the things that I are important in helping the students get a better understanding of the subject.
Learning Goals
1. Students will learn to use their artistic and creative talents to communicate and tell a story.2. Students will learn to design their own characters, from 2D sketch transitioned to 3D Clay models.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Stop-Motion Introduction
✓ Students learn the basic concept of what is Stop Motion Animation.
✓ Students will first be introduced to the Stop-Motion through a Slideshow and watching example Stop Motion videos. They will also see some sample videos created by past students.
✓ Students will share their film ideas and plan out what their films will be about.
✓ Students will be given instructions from the instructor on how to use smartphones (or computers or tablets) and Stop Motion software. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Stop-Motion Practice
✓ Students will see example titles that use Stop Motion.
✓ Through Direct Instruction, students will follow along (or just watch and do it after class) with the teacher as he puts together a "title animation" for a Stop Motion film. (Title is recommended to be a stop-motion animation.)
✓ Students will work on designing their characters and backgrounds.
✓ Students will practice using the Stop-Motion software and get assistance from the instructor, if they need any help. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Special Effects and Rotoscoping
✓ The students will be introduced to Rotoscoping with the FlipaClip software. Students can try some Rotoscoping with FlipaClip or they can just watch.
✓ The students will learn (and discuss) different ways of creating Stop Motion effects. This will include watching videos on special effects, as well seeing examples being made by the instructor. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Background Effects (Including Rear Projection)
✓ The students will learn how to create green/blue screen effects.
✓ The students would also learn about "Rear Projection", another method for creating background effects. (This will include learning about how this was the main effect used before green/blue screen effects.)
✓ Students will also have the option to share their films with the rest of the class. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Pretty much anything can be used for Stop-Motion, whether it be clay, paper, toys, craft materials, etc.
If the learner chooses to use paper (cut-out animation) or some other craft materials for creating their Stop-Motion characters or scenes, some of the tools need to do these things could be potential hazards.
Scissors and sculping tools may be needed while creating Stop Motion characters or scenes, which could be pointy and/or sharp. Paper could even given children paper cuts.
Since most materials are optional, it is up to the parent to decide what the child can or can not use.
Supply List
🏗️ Materials Required:
✓ Smartphone or Tablet (Android or iOS)
If you only have a computer, you could either run the android apps on your PC with BlueStacks:
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/3-free-ways-to-run-android-apps-on-your-pc
Or you could try installing a Stop Motion program for Windows: https://fixthephoto.com/best-free-stop-motion-software.html
Here is a link to Stop Motion Studio on the PC or Mac: https://www.cateater.com/
✓ Stop Motion Studio (to animate the student art)
Lapse It or Lapse It Pro is another program that works well.
🏗️ Highly Recommended Materials:
(These materials are what most students will use in the class. But they are not required for the class.)
✔️ Modeling/Oil-Based Clay
(Modeling Clay is the best material for Stop Motion characters. But paper, toys, random objects - or even people - can also be used.)
✔️ Legos
✔️ Colored Paper
✔️ Scissors
✔️ Large Box - For Setting Up Background
(This might not be necessary if your scene is located outdoors or in your home.)
✔️Scotch Tape and Glue
📎 Suggested Materials:
✔️ Smartphone Camera Stand (If you are using a Smartphone and it doesn’t have a kickstand case)
✔️ Plastic construction toy blocks
✔️ Toothpicks and paperclips
✔️ Tablecloth
✔️ Sculpting tools
✔️ Styrofoam, armature wire, and/or foil
✔️ Pipecleaners
✔️ Toys
✔️ Beads and/or Buttons
✔️ Scraps of cloth.
Optional:
✔️ Flipaclip App Software (For Android or iOS)
This animation software app has the ability to easily import Stop Motion videos and add some fun "rotoscoping" effects.
Rotoscoping effects work great with Stopmotion! You can use it to make toy or clay characters fire lasers! Or add explosions!
(I also do a class on adding Rotoscoping effects with Flipaclip: https://outschool.com/classes/making-stunning-animated-effects-in-movies-intro-to-rotoscoping-BsAiRsio?usid=fF9cKM18&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link)
📢 Please install Zoom on the same device as the Lapse It Software. That way the instructor will be able to see what the student is doing and be able to help the student if they are having any difficulties. 2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Outschool is neither affiliated with, nor sponsored by, nor endorsed by the LEGO Group, owner of the LEGO® and LEGO® logo marks.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
474reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of La Verne
Associate's Degree in Education from Cuesta College
Hi, my name is Raymond Mullikin. 👋
I am a professional cartoonist and credentialed teacher from San Luis Obispo, California.
I teach classes in Cartooning, Comic Book Printing and Publishing, 2D Cartoon Animation, Claymation/Stop Motion, Toy Figure Design, Video Game and App Coding, Creative Writing, etc.
I am also a professional illustrator/writer and Creative Director for Raytoons Comics. The Raytoons website is at Raytoons.Net. I have published cartoons in books, magazines, newspapers, and e-cards. I am an app designer who have designed my own games and software for schools and Appstores. I have also done past work in animation, creating animated film shorts for film festivals around the world.
I graduated from the University of Laverne with a Teaching Credential (2012) and a BA in Liberal Studies (2009). I also have certifications in Early Childhood Education, Technology and 2D Design. I've worked in education for 20+ years (including a few years in Special Ed) and have been doing contract teaching since 2009. I teach art and technology to children and adults of all ages.
How students approach a learning task can strongly influence the quality of their learning outcomes. For me, my approach is often very hands on (kinesthetic) with a lot of visual examples... That's how I've learned things, with a more creative approach. I have a lot of this in my instruction, with a mix of direct and interactive instruction with lots of Experiential Learning hands on!
It is also important to me to get feedback from both children and parents... Some kids have some very clever ideas! And, in teaching, there is always room for expansion of ideas and improving oneself.
I love drawing, comics, writing, creating my own games, and reading. Pretty much everything that I teach I enjoy and do professionally. I also enjoy teaching and thank all the parents and students willing to give me a try! 😃Reviews
Live Group Course
$17
weekly or $67 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Completed by 360 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-11
2-9 learners per class
