28/08/2024
Claymation, also known as clay animation or plasticine animation, is a captivating form of stop-motion animation. Here’s how it works:
Materials: In claymation, each animated piece—whether it’s a character or part of the background—is sculpted from plasticine clay or a similar malleable material. These objects are usually built around a wire skeleton called an armature.
Shooting Process: The animator arranges the clay objects on a set and photographs them one frame at a time. After each shot, the objects are slightly moved by hand to prepare for the next frame. This process continues until the desired amount of film is achieved.
Illusion of Motion: When the frames are played back in rapid succession (usually at over ten to twelve frames per second), viewers perceive the changing images as motion. A consistent shooting environment is crucial to maintain the illusion of continuity.
Labor-Intensive: Creating a stop-motion animation using clay is incredibly laborious. For instance, a 30-minute movie would require approximately 21,600 stops to change the figures for the frames. Feature-length films can take even longer.
Variations: Claymation can take different forms:
Freeform: The clay shape changes radically as the animation progresses.
Character Claymation: The clay maintains a recognizable character throughout the shot.
Strata-Cut Animation: Slices of a tightly packed clay loaf reveal internal imagery as the camera captures each cut.
Examples: Some famous claymation works include Art Clokey’s Gumby series and Will Vinton’s creations. Additionally, German animator Oskar Fischinger pioneered a variation using blocks of wax during the 1920s and 1930s12.
If you’re interested in exploring more claymation films, check out classics like “Pinocchio” and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"3. It’s a fascinating blend of creativity and patience! 🎥🌟
Get in touch if you want to learn Claymation https://www.animationsuplement.com/index.php/courses/clay-mation
