Clay-Animation

Clay animation allows you produce a stop-motion video. Clay is a moldable substance that allows for relatively fine movements between pictures, allowing multiple pictures over the course of time to give the effect of movement. Because it is relatively inexpensive, clay can be a great tool for use in the classroom.

To get started, a story must be created before any work is done with the clay. That way, the students will know what they need to build instead of just playing with the clay. Once a story has been selected, people (or other characters such as animals) and props can be created out of the different colors of clay. Care must be taken to not put too much emphasis on the details of creating clay figures, as the more detailed they are, the more that will need to be adjusted between each picture to mimic the effect of life-likeness.

Once you've created your clay figures, create a set for them. This should include both a "floor" and a backdrop. It may also use non-clay props. It's important to be aware that your set must be large enough that you can get several different angles of shots without running off the floor or backdrop.

In Hollywood-style production movies, typically it takes 24-30 shots per second of film. For classroom use, around 6-7 shots per second should suffice for a solid clay animation story.

During film, you will take one picture, adjust the figures slightly, and take another picture. Over the long run, this will create the effect of movement across the screen. Be careful not to move the actual camera during a scene for this will cause the pictures to lack fluidity. It is possible to use the zoom feature, however it must be done slowly through out the filming.

It's important to note that as you are filming, if you have multiple clay figures in the shot, make sure to move them as well in addition to the main character. It's important to do that so that the characters all look life-like and not like statues.