Stop Motion Animation Part 2: Set Design & Construction

Chiodo Bros.

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In PART TWO of their 4-Part Stop Motion Animation course series, the Chiodo Bros., Stephen, Charlie & Edward (TEAM AMERICA, ELF, KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTERSPACE) teach you how to build a working stop motion set for your frame-by-frame filmmaking projects. You'll learn everything from planning to execution, including a variety of valuable techniques for making props & set pieces using accessible & affordable materials.

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.

 

Mouldlife USA

Mouldlife Europe

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.

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