Research 2

Stop Motion - dealing with limitations of the technique

Appropriate size

The size of a set is important not only so that it can fit into the room. But also, the set up of lighting, camera access and access of the animator to all moving parts is crucial. At the Manchester Animation Festival 2018, Barry Purves has shared several amusing stories from his experience as an animator with various sets.

At MAF 2018 Tim Allen, Key Animator for the Isle of Dogs &  Roy Bell, Head of Painting department, also explained how the perspective was used to trick the scale of the set in this film. By manipulating the size of texture and tricking the viewer to see bigger scape. This technique can be seen at 1:30 min.

Whilst also showing that if something is not in the shot it does not have to be done/made. For example, no point of making a roof in a room if it will not be in the shot, will restrict camera/lights. But the shadows a ceiling would naturally cast on the walls must be considered as important or if no importance to the story aesthetics.

For my set, I want to have detachable walls. Not only as I will be likely building the set at home where I can work until late hours and to allow transportation of finished piece. But also to allow camera access from all required angles as well as the lighting access. Since the set is not going to be big enough to contain the lights, or the camera in itself.

In the future I would like to try the perspective tricks, considering the size of our Stop Motion studios it seems handy. :)