Stop Motion Animation for Middle School

 

Online Camp

Campers will explore a variety of stop motion techniques, and will complete one animated short film by the end of the camp session.  They will also experiment with recording their own sound and voice tracks.  Through a variety of exercises, each camper will be able to express their animation voice through storytelling and worldbuilding.

Campers can follow the guide below to set up their at-home animation stations: including their capture device, zoom device, and materials.  No prior animation experience is required, and campers will learn the skills to continue animating beyond our camp time.

Register by July 6

More details | What you'll need | Instructor | Session info (click here or see sidebar)

Snapshot

This workshop combines scheduled real-time virtual class meetings via Zoom, asynchronous material, and independent work.

• Ages: 11–13 yrs.
• Number of weeks: 1
• Session dates: 7/12/21-7/16/21
• Meeting schedule: M-F: 10:00 am–2:30 pm CT (with breaks)
• Tuition: $275

Details

Meets for one week, Monday–Friday, 10:00 am–2:30 pm CT (with breaks)

What you'll need at home

Note: We are here to support you! We will send out surveys and hold orientation sessions before camp to make sure you have everything you need in place. Here is a helpful video for setting up our workstation.

Class Meeting Device:

This device will require:

• Wi-fi / Internet access
• Webcam
• Use of a web browser
• Built-in microphone
• Zoom app installed (We will walk you through Zoom).

Can be one of the following

• PC Desktop or Laptop
• Chromebook
• Mac Desktop or Laptop
• Tablet (IPad, Kindle, etc.)

Capture Device
Digital Camera / photo recording device for taking stop-motion photos

This should be a separate device from the Class Meeting Device. It needs to be able to take photos and have either Bluetooth or a USB cable. We recommend keeping it fully charged. Please note: this device will not be available for anything other than animation during the designated class hours. (Please bear this in mind if kids will be using a parent’s smartphone.)

Can be one of the following:

• Smartphone: Android
• Smartphone: iPhone
• Tablet (iPad, Kindle, etc.)
• Digital camera (DSLR camera, etc.)
• HueHD USB digital camera
  • Note: the Hue animation software that comes with the camera isn't supported by newer Operating Systems; however, because it comes on a gooseneck stand, the USB camera won't need a tripod and can support overhead shooting.
    • Hue HD camera 
    • Hue HD Pro version - has a longer neck than the standard version, bulit-in light, and bulit-in microphone

Camera Stabilization:

In order to achieve an animated effect, it is important to keep the camera still while shooting. This support must allow for overhead shooting.

Can be one of the following:

• Tripod for camera device
  • Example
• Camera stand
• Use Hue camera with built-in stand (see above)

Software / Apps:

• Stop Motion Studio (free version suffices; you can also upgrade to Pro version for $10)
• Zoom (free virtual conferencing app)

Accessories:

• Computer Headphones / Earbuds (recommended but not required)

Craft Materials:

This camp is very hands-on and engaging! To make everything work, we ask that you gather all craft materials prior to the start of camp.
Here is a list of materials that apply to our stop motion camps.

Instructor: Emily Shapiro

Emily received her BFA at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, concentrating in experimental animation. Her background in arts-based human services and education, working with the disability community, has encouraged her to explore the intersection of filmmaking and activism. Her most recent film is called And You See Me, a short documentary about a community of mixed-ability improvisational dancers in Austin.