In this lesson, Animator & Visual Effects Artist, award-winning special visual effects cameraman, author, and all-around genius, Mark Sawicki, shows you how to work with Stop Motion Pro software and a Terminator™ collectible figure to create a character performance using the stop motion animation technique.

Using tools that are readily available to even the amateur filmmaker, Mark demonstrates you how you can improve your character animation through rudimentary motion-capture & in-camera rear-projection compositing.

Beginner Level

1h 23m of duration

English, Spanish (Latin America)

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Curriculum

1. Introduction - 53s

2. Stop Motion Animation Prep: Working with Limitations - 1min

3. Stop Motion Animation Prep: Supporting the Terminator Puppet - 2min

4. Stop Motion Animation Prep: Shooting Motion Reference - 2min

5. Stop Motion Animation Prep: Troubleshooting Terminator's Eyes - 5min

6. Shooting a Performance Reference -- aka the "Poor Man's Motion Capture" - 3min

7. "Poor Man's Motion Capture" pt. 2: Setting Up the Camera - 5min

8. Motion Reference - 3min

9. Shooting the Background Plate - 6min

10. Capturing Footage for Animation - 2min

11. Shooting the Puppet - 8min

12. Animating the Terminator: Stop-Motion Pro Software - 6min

13. Animation Post Production: Removing Flawed Frames - 1min

14. Animation Post Production: Adding Motion Blur - 9min

15. Animation #2: A Modern Approach to Rear-Projection - 2min

16. Choosing the Correct Lens & Camera Positioning - 3min

17. Animating the Terminator Figure - 8min

18. Animating the Terminator Figure - 15min

19. Final Composite - 55s

20. Wrap Up - 2min

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.

Naimie's Beauty Center

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

2 C-Stands

2 Sandbags

Armature w/clamp

Canon 7D HD Camera or Nikon DSLR

Computer

Large HD TV Monitor

Neutral Backdrop

Real Toys Terminator Figure

Still Camera w/Practical Lens (independent focus and F-stop)

Tripod Stand for Puppet

Video Camera

TOOLS

Crimping, Pliers and Gripping Tools

Gator Grip Clamps

Cutting Tools

Swiss Army Knife

Measuring Tools

Inclinometer

Yardstick or Measuring Tape

Other Tools

Small Flashlight/Penlight

SOFTWARE

Photoshop

Stop Motion Pro

Windows Movie Maker

SUPPLIES

Black Cloth

Catalog of LEE Gel Filters

Reflective Safety Tape

Small Aluminum Tube

Small Sheet of Glass

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 BiographyMark Sawicki

Animator & Visual Effects Artist, award winning special visual effects cameraman, author, and all around genius.

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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