Stop Motion Animation Part 1: Puppet Creation

Chiodo Bros.

Free 7-Day Trial

In PART 1 of their 4-part Stop Motion Animation course series, the Chiodo Bros. (TEAM AMERICA, KILLER CLOWNS FROM OUTERSPACE, ELF) teach you to build a puppet perfect for frame-by-frame filmmaking. From design to final costumed creation, Stephen, Charlie & Ed share insights, techniques and tips that will help you create a posable character that is not only durable, but highly affordable.

This DVD is a 2-Disc Set

Curriculum

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson. 

 

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

 

McMaster Carr

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

Michaels

Monster Clay

 

PART 1: PUPPET FABRICATION SUPPLIES

* Most items can be purchased at a local art store, Michaels or hardware store. Some items on line at Kit Kraft & McMaster Carr (as noted)

MATERIALS FOR ARMATURE

Aluminum wire - .047 -1/8” - 3/32” 

Annealed steel wire - 19, 22, 24 gauge (NOT galvanized steel wire)

Thread 

Wire mesh – aluminum 

K&S Square brass tubing - 3/16” - 7/32” - 1/4" 

Epoxy putty – Pro Poxy, 5 min cure / Magic Sculpt, 12 hr cure 

“T” nuts – 8-32 x 1/4” - McMaster-Carr - http://www.mcmaster.com

Bolts - # 8-32 x 2’’

Wing nut - # 8-32

MATERIALS FOR BODY MASS

Upholstery Foam Rubber : ¼” sheet or thinner and 1” or larger for big forms

L200  (Polyethylene foam)  - 1", 1/2" - Atlas Foam http://www.atlasfoam.com

Athletic Foam Tape

Rubber latex - mold making type (thick) /* balloon rubber (thin) preferable

Super Sculpey

¼” plexiglass or wood spheres or beads for eyes

ADHESIVES

Super Glue / Hot Stuff (cyanoacrylate)

Zip Kicker –accelerator (quick cure)

Contact cement - Barge / Devcon

Baking soda

Two part epoxy adhesive – 5 min

TOOLS

Wire cutters

Needle Nose pliers

Scissors

Fine metal saw

Small metal files

Latex or nitrile gloves

Hair dryer

Clay sculpting tools - wood and metal 

Tooth picks

Popsicle sticks

FINISHING

Rubber cement

Naphtha

Universal tint

Acrylic paint

Crystal Clear gloss spray

PART 2: PRE-PRODUCTION/ SET BUILDING MATERIALS & SUPPLIES

DRAWING

Paper for storyboarding (preferably 4x6 notepad or note cards)

Pencils

Markers

SET

¾” plywood for set floor

2" x 4" stud for bracing set floor

1/8” plywood or Masonite

Styrofoam - white or green floral

Plaster of Paris

White or tan “Fun Fur”

Natural tree or bush branches or roots

Dry or plastic foliage

Fine steel wool

5 min two part epoxy glue

5 min epoxy putty

Elmer’s glue

Hot melt glue & gun

Crazy Glue

3 /4” -   1/2” - 1”  throw away brushes

Acrylic paints (recommended colors: Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, Black, Thalo Blue, White, Thalo Green)

Cups/ Jars/ Buckets for paints

Plasticine clay

Spackle paste

Utility wire fine gauge (Home Depot, Lowes, Etc)

Sheet Styreen 16th inch – 32nd inch (found and craft store or Walmart)

TOOLS

Screwdriver (preferably electric)

Screws at least 2 inches long

Exacto knife and blades

Utility knife and blades

Sand paper

Files (can reuse from previous lesson)

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyChiodo Bros.

Legendary Stop-Motion Animation and Creature Effects Wizards. Creators of Killer Klowns from Outer Space.
See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

Get FREE Popular Course Content!

Free lessons from 16 of our most popular courses, taught by Hollywood's leading FX artists. Plus our newsletter with new courses, artist stories and special offers.