Stop-motion is a great medium for animation. It is so labor-intensive. Computers are so simple, and everyone does computer graphics so it must be “the thing”, right? Stop-motion is expensive.
Not so quickly
We hope to help you understand some of the myths surrounding stop-motion animation so that your next project can be made more informed.
Stop-motion can be costly
Stopmo is not more expensive than computer animation. Budgets can be flexible. They depend on how and what you want to shoot your stop-motion. Claymation, object animation and action-figures are all available at the lower end. Specially constructed puppets are available at the higher end with miniature sets that look like real life. Computer graphics is superior to stop-motion in that it allows for reshoots. Cg scenes can be reset, and then rerendered repeatedly. Stop-motion requires a reshoot. This can be costly if sets have been removed. Stop-motion animation is more affordable than computer graphics if you know what you want.
Is stop-motion just claymation?
Yes… and no. It can be claymation or stopmotion. But it can also include many other things. Simply put, stop-motion involves taking inanimate objects and moving them slightly to take a photograph. Repeat this process over and over until you have 24 frames of animation. This animation is similar to cel-based animation, but takes place in a physical, 3-dimensional world. Stop-motion animation can be done with puppets, miniatures, garden tools, chairs, and even people.
Computer graphics are much easier
This is a lot like question 1. The truth is that cg can sometimes seem easier than others, but it doesn’t always. Are you still confused? You are now ready to create a photo-realistic potato chip using computer graphics. It would take many days to design, texture and light that chip. What is the time it takes to make a potato chip? Take a bag. It all depends on the subject matter. A quick animation of tools moving and creating a word-stop motion is a great option. You want to create an environment that has a lot of buildings, and large outdoor spaces? You might consider Cg as your best option.
Cg looks better
Let’s now talk about how you look. Stop-motion is real, it’s physical. This handmade look is captured on camera. This look is what Cg artists try to capture (at great cost). To recreate this look, the lego movie used fingerprints to map the blocks. Cg is used in every toothpaste commercial, insurance commercial, children’s cartoon and blockbuster movie. It has become a “common” look. It’s expected. You need to be different from everyone else if you want to stand out. Stop-motion is certainly different.
Computer graphics are a favorite of our clients.
You might be able to, but it is better to impress clients by taking them to a real set. It may only be a small set but it feels like Hollywood. Do you want to bore them? For a few hours, have them sit behind the computer graphics desk. Stop-motion is the most creative and collaborative animation process. Stop motion animation studios UK provide a team effort of animators, cinematographers, set designers, riggers and lighting professionals all working together to achieve a vision. It’s exhilarating!! !
This list will help you make an informed decision about whether stop-motion is the best medium for your story. Contact us if you have any questions
