Character&Narrative-Study Task 2- Research 4- Stop Motion Different Methods

Research 4- Stop-Motion Different Methods Potential&Limitations

Stop-Motion can be done in many different ways, using many different mediums. As I am a student and therefore my budget is limited, the mediums I had to choose from would not be what would be used in the industry in most cases.

Here you can see my basic attempt at the armatures that will be the base of the characters. These are built out of aluminium wire twisted to double strength so they can last longer without snapping. Then built up into the desired shape and covered in PVA and tissue paper to harden the muscle sections so the arms will only bend at the joints and covered in foam

Morph was an early character for children's television that was just plasticine moulded into the character. This isn't used much anymore as the characters can very easily be misshapen, therefore the characters needed to be very simple. This is why most industry standard animations use Latex and Silicone.

This is the book i've been using for a reference throughout doing my own stop-motion as it shows some very useful imagery on how studios make their armatures and how each stage is done. They tend to use metal frameworks as they are sustainable as they can last for a very long time. They are also made with removable limbs so if one should break, they can be easily switched out.

Here is the method taken to gain a long lasting character made of silicone and latex that cost much more than if you were to use just wire. Yet you can see the appeal as they are easier to make, use and they can last if taken care of.

This all shows how if you did want to make a character that was to industry standard, there are ways of cutting costs. As you can see they use lego to build the moulds and they aren't making the whole body in this process, only the hands. So there are ways to use stop-motion and it not cost as much as some do in the industry, which can go to about £10,000-£20,000.