Connection

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Connection is a 40-60 second handmade stop-motion animation using paper to create cut-outs of hand-drawn stick figures and origami models. Other materials such as coloured paper, cotton balls and cotton pads will be needed to create scenery. Using tools like scissors, pencils, pens, rulers, glue, and a flat workstation are recommended to create seamless cut-out figures and objects for the animation.

The animation utilises both locked-off front view and top view shots and therefore, the camera should be mounted on a tripod, adjusting the camera for different scenes. The different types of shots will allow the animation to progress the story in addition to assisting the style and movement of the characters and objects. To set up the front view shot so that it is straight, the camera should be parallel with the table, only having a short distance between them. This ensures that there is no high or low angle between the audience and the character. For the top view shot, use a rostrum stand so that there is enough space around the outside of the shot to animate objects coming into the frame easier. This equipment is unavailable to you, move the tripod/camera as close to the table as you can and angle the camera down as far as you can to simulate a bird’s eye view angle (this of course will still have a high angle effect, but it will be unnoticeable). Once angled down, adjust the height of the tripod/camera so that only the table and nothing around it is in the frame.

When capturing the scene, be sure to constantly use the playback function of the camera and scroll through the photos taken. This is to make sure the animation is smooth and effective. You can use a ruler to measure the distance between each object so that when moving it to animate, the distance between each object will be the same. Alternatively, lightly mark where the objects will or should be placed with a pencil. This is effective for both locked-off front and top view shots since any unintentional or sleight movements from the desired place can distract the audience from the persistence of vision. If you are using stop-motion apps or software such as Dragon Frame, use the onion skin feature.

As this animation features a paper cut out that will not have moveable limbs, you would need to draw each motion that you intend to do separately and replace them accordingly to create the illusion of animation. Little paper foots made from small pieces of paper should be glued onto each object/character so they would be self-standing. This also allows the option to create a sense of 3D environment if you station scenery in the distance as it will be out of focus, thus creating a dynamic depth of field. This will also enhance the persistence of vision. To simulate the character flying, use the top view angle so that the character will be able to move around without the assistance of stands freely. To amplify this notion, bring objects of scenery from the top and bottom of the frame, suggesting the character is moving up and down.

The stop-motion animation is to be accompanied by the song Celebration by Zac Nelson. This piece is chosen to create an upbeat mood for the audience while also explaining the theme of adventure and moving on as it has a steady and pushing pace. The animation should reflect this by having all the characters and objects constantly in motion or have intentions with forward like motives.