It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting stop-motion as an animation medium. It is time consuming. Computers make it so easy and everyone is doing computer graphics. Stop-motion can be expensive.
But not so fast
We hope we can clarify some misconceptions regarding stop-motion animation so you can make an informed decision on whether stop motion UK is worth considering for your next project.
Stop-motion is costly
Stopmo costs less than computer animation. Budgets are flexible. It all depends on how and where you’ll shoot your stopmotion. Claymation is the lowest of three options: action-figures, claymation and object animation. The higher end features specially designed puppets that have miniature sets and are lifelike. Reshoots are the only real advantage computer graphics have over stop-motion. Computer graphics can be reset and rerendered many times. It is necessary to reshoot stop-motion scenes. This can prove costly if they have been removed. However, stop-motion animation may be cheaper than computer graphics, if you know exactly what you want.
Stop-motion is just claymation.
Yes, and no. You can call it claymation but stopmotion can also refer to other things. The process of stopping motion is the act of taking inanimate objects, moving them small amounts and taking pictures. To capture 24 frames per second of animation, do this repeatedly. This is similar to cel based animation, except that it takes place in a 3D world. Stop-motion animation can also be made with miniatures and puppets.
Computer graphics are easy
We cheat; this is in fact a lot similar to question 1. Cg is not always easy, but sometimes it can be. Still confused? So, you can create a photo realistic potato chip with computer graphics. The process of designing, texturing and lighting the chip would take several days. How long does it take for a potato chip to be made? Open a bag. It depends on what you are shooting. It is faster and cheaper to create a quick animation that shows some tools moving. Do you want to create a large environment with many buildings and vast outdoor settings? Cg may be the best choice for you.
Cg looks even better
Let’s get to the point. Stop-motion can be physical and it’s real. The handmade look can be captured on film. The look is captured by Cg artists at great expense. To replicate that look as closely as possible, the lego movie placed fingerprints on the lego blocks. Every toothpaste, every insurance commercial, every kids cartoon and every blockbuster film use cg. It’s now a common look. It’s expected. It’s expected. But, if you really want to be noticed, you need to do something unique. Stop-motion can be a great way to stand out.
Our clients love computer graphics.
Yes, it may be. But if you want to impress your client, bring them to an actual set. Although it is a very small set, it still feels like Hollywood. You want to bore them all? You can have them work at the computer graphics station for a while. Stop-motion animation is the best type of animation because it requires creativity and teamwork. To achieve a vision, the team of cinematographers (lighting, riggers), set designers, animators, and a director) must all work together. It’s exhilarating!! !
I hope you find this list helpful in deciding whether stop motion is the right media to tell your story. For any questions, don’t hesitate contact us