Clay Animation

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Clay Animation

• presentation compiled by Susan Bowdoin

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What is Clay Animation?
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What is clay animation?

• Animation that is done using clay characters
  (although it can be done with other materials as
  well!)
• Also called claymation and stop motion
  animation.

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Some well-known examples
Aardman, (2000). Chicken run. Retrieved Sep. 27,
2005, from Chicken Run- Fun Web site
http//www.aardman.com/chickenrun/.
Vintage Vending, (2005). Product detail page.
Retrieved Sep. 27, 2005, from Vintage Vending Web
site http//www.vintagevending.com/products_shop-
detail.cfm?PID1723CID129.
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How is clay animation created?

• Individual pictures of the clay characters are
  knit together with special software in order to
  create a seamless movie.

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Why use Clay Animation in the classroom?
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Why use clay animation?

• Engages students
• Is hands-on and interactive
• Requires a variety of skills
• Can be applied across grade levels and curriculum
  areas

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Why use clay animation continued

• Can encourage high levels of thinking
• Engages multiple learning modalities
• Encourages creative thinking and decision making
• Encourages problem solving and teamwork

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Lets look at some examples
H
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The Process
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What is the process?

• Create an idea (storyboard)
• Create characters from clay
• Build the set (including a background)
• Take pictures
• Use software to make your movie

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Step 1 The Idea

• Brainstorm!!!
• What / who will your character(s) be?
• What will the progression of your movie be?
• What is the setting?
• Do you need a script?

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Step 2 The Character(s)

• Sketch your character before starting with clay
• Keep your characters smaller than 6 inches tall
  or 6 inches long
• Work on work mats (included in kit)
• Use clay that doesnt harden
• Create armatures from wire or aluminum foil
• Use styrofoam or other materials to add bulk
• Put the most weight at the bottom of the character

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Step 3 The Background

• Keep it simple
• Use construction paper, wrapping paper, etc.
• Make it contrast with your character
• Use found objects plants, rocks, boxes, etc.

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Step 4 Take pictures

• Any camera will work (digital is easiest)
• Position camera at least 3 feet away from the
  scene
• Use a tripod!!!
• Use clamp lights for additional lighting.

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Step 5 The Movie!

• Use the Video Blender software to build your
  animation!
• Remember to save it as a QuickTime movie so you
  can share it with others.

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The Claymation Kit
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So, whats in the kit?

• Video Blender 2 software and book
• Teaching with Clay Animation book
• Modeling Clay
• Sculpting Tools
• Accessories (sequins, wiggle eyes, etc.)
• Work Mat

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Your Task
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Your task today

• Work in groups of 2-3.
• Create a short claymation movie on a topic of
  your choice! If you need ideas, check the
  Claymation book!
• Refer to the Claymation book (provided in the
  kit) and the website for additional information.
• Make (save) your final movie as an .avi file.

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References

• Aardman, (2000). Chicken run. Retrieved Sep. 27,
  2005, from Chicken Run- Fun Web site
  http//www.aardman.com/chickenrun/ .
• Aardman, (2005). Welcome to wallace grommit
  films. Retrieved Sep. 27, 2005, from Wallace
  Grommit Online Web site http//www.wallaceandgrom
  it.com/fla/wg.html .
• Vintage Vending, (2005). Product detail page.
  Retrieved Sep. 27, 2005, from Vintage Vending Web
  site http//www.vintagevending.com/products_shop-
  detail.cfm?PID1723CID129 .