Introduction to Stop Motion
Discover the magic of stop motion and bring your ideas to life using your smartphone! In this hands-on course, you’ll learn to animate with clay and wire, master essential techniques, and create your own short animations—all while having fun with a timeless art form.
Please read the following instructions before completing the Application Form.
- Please complete all sections in full, ONLINE.
- Once the form is completed in full, please upload your proof of payment.
- Submit your completed application and we will get back to you with registration confirmation.
Mode of delivery: Online
Duration: 6 weeks
Start date: 29 March 2025
Scheduled Class times: 09h00 – 13h00 every Saturday
In addition to live online classes, participants will need to complete approximately 3 hours per week watching lectures and completing relevant exercises, so that you can master the skill learnt during class time.
Total Credits: Non-credit bearing
Certification: Certificate of attendance (students must have attended the complete course and completed in-class exercises. A formal assessment is not included as part of the course)
Requirements:
Software – Stopmotion Studio (free phone app, can upgrade to Pro version to get extra features at an additional R115 once off payment)
Internet – Ensure that you have sufficient bandwidth and data to join video calls.
Set up requirements
- Tripod/adjustable secure phone holder
- Cheaper Range: Camera Tripod Tefeng TF-3110 Camera DSLR Holder Phone Holder
- Mid Range: Parrot Products Tripod Econo 1350mm – Black
- Higher Range: Yunteng VCT-668 Pro Camera Tripod with Damping Head Fluid Pan for SLR/DSLR
- Phone holder and light: LED Light Ring – Selfie Ring Light with Cell Phone Stand and Desk Clip 9cm
- Phone attachment for tripod: LASA Tripod Phone Mount Holder Screw Rotatable Bracket
- Dark undisturbed room with space to shoot
- Stable light source
- Support rig
- Purchase: Aardman Rig Kit
- Cheapest and DIY: Helping Hands Magnification Clamping Tool (Here’s a video link on how to DIY these helping hands into a rig . Although I don’t think it will be necessary to replace the one join for the type of animation we will be covering in this course. Cheapest stopmotion rig on planet earth
Smart phone – Min specs below:
- Must have a camera
- Required OS Android 6.0 and up.
- Requires iOS iphone 14.0 or later.
Materials List: All materials can be bought from PNA
The Stop Motion animation course provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of stop motion, introducing students to its rich history and evolution. Participants will learn about the different mediums and techniques used in stop motion, from clay animation to shadow puppets, while examining examples from iconic films, shows, and advertisements. The course emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation, covering storyboarding, thumbnails, and puppet design to help students develop well-thought-out animations.
Students will be introduced to the 12 principles of animation, with a focus on key principles like squash and stretch, timing and spacing, ease in and ease out, and arcs.
Through hands-on exercises, they will explore different camera setups, such as top-down and side views, to understand their applications. The course also introduces students to the creation of puppets, using support rigs, and introduces basic compositing techniques like wire removal and adding title cards.
This course is delivered through live demonstrations, recorded lessons, and curated resources. This course equips students with an introduction to the tools and knowledge to create engaging stop motion animations.
This fun and accessible course is perfect for anyone curious about the magic of stop motion animation! Whether you’re taking your first steps into animation or looking to expand your creative skill set, this hands-on course is designed for:
- High School Learners – Get a taste of animation and bring your ideas to life!
- Diploma Students & Recent Graduates – Enhance your skills with a unique, hands-on animation technique.
- Industry Professionals – Broaden your expertise by exploring another part of the animation pipeline.
- Creatives & Related Industry Professionals – Learn a new storytelling medium to complement your existing skills.
No prior experience is needed—just a passion for creativity and a willingness to experiment!
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Create basic and engaging stop motion animations using your smartphones with different types of material, like clay and wire.
- Have a basic understanding of storyboarding and thumbnailing to assist in planning animation.
- Basic knowledge and skills in using the Stop Motion Studio app to create simple animations.
- Basic understanding of 12 principles of animation.
- Understand how to set up two different shooting styles (one top down and one side on), with lighting, camera and background set ups.
Complete the Application Form, sign it and make the necessary payment.
Email the completed registration together with proof of payment to lindi@theanimationschool.co.za
Confirmation will be sent via email.
The course costs R3 900,00
- No bursaries are available for short courses.
Anything labeled Stop Motion asset can be used
