Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Pre-Production Booklet for Animation

Name: Tara Pringle-Stacey
Order of contents (italics show areas you must add in yourself)
Assessment criteria
LO2

Mind maps of ideas

Risk assessment

Format of your animation

Subject and storyline

Character notes and profiles

Movement of characters

Moodboard

Sets/backgrounds

Audio and soundtrack

Sound table

Props list

Audience

Storyboard and script (add script to booklet)

Frame rates

Lighting design

Production schedule

Crew details

LO3

Frame Numbers

Dope Sheets

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

How to use this booklet

You will need to complete every page of this booklet, and all sections / questions
required.
Assessment criteria for Distinction grade;
LO2
Plans will show a full consideration of movement and continuity, perspective, point of view,
transitions and special effects.
Precise and workable planning of timing and synchronisation to a soundtrack will be
produced. It will be clear at this stage, from the documentation, what the finished piece will
look and sound like.
Learners will follow industry conventions and terminology used in storyboard production
correctly.
Plans for the construction of models, sets and props will be realistic and clear.
Drawings, script and storyboard will all show a creative interpretation of the idea.
LO3:
The documentation linked to the production will be full and detailed and there will be
evidence that the production management and scheduling of the project has been effective
and carried out in a professional manner. The techniques used in the production of the work
are likely to be related to an understanding of current trends in the industry.

Both LO2 and LO3

In all practical activity learners will be capable of working autonomously and effectively. They
will work on their own initiative, will not need constant support or supervision, will give the
work their full commitment, work positively and cooperatively with others, and meet
deadlines. In other words, they will have the kind of self-management skills that would be
expected of them in a professional context. Note also that this criterion should not be taken
to mean that learners do not seek advice or that they work without discussing things with
their tutor, but rather that they are not dependent upon the support of others and that when
they take advice they weigh it carefully for themselves.

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Planning

Attach a 400-word treatment of your idea

The moral of my story is that giving a gift can make you happier than receiving a gift.
Zack is the only child to parents Peter and Caroline. Peter has lost his job and money is tight
running up to Christmas. Caroline is a nurse and very often works long hours so Peter takes
Zack to school and picks him up everyday. The story starts with a typical walk home from
school where Zack and Peter often stop and buy and tin of dog food and drop it in the
donations box outside the dogs shelter near their house. There is always a dog of the month
poster outside the front and Zack points it out to his dad. His dad shakes his head.
As Zack gets home he sees his mum almost asleep on the sofa, still in her work uniform. He
goes and cuddles her and wishes she doesnt have to work so long and hard. He starts to
feel sad and upset for his mum then he gets an idea that he hopes will cheer his mum up.
The next day Zack makes his way down to Santas grotto and Santa gives him a present
from his sack. Instead of opening the present himself he decides to keep it and give it to his
mum for Christmas. He is really excited to give the present to his mum as a thank you and
also to make her happy. When his mum gets home from work he makes her sit on the sofa
and gives her the present. Caroline is delighted and so proud of her little boy, its Christmas
eve and and peter says that Zack can open the present from mum and dad before bed. He
brings in a big box and sets it on the floor in front of Caroline and Zack, Zack is very excited.
The box moves by itself and Zack and Caroline jump with shock. They open the box together
to find the beautiful brown dog from the dog of the month poster. Zack realises that it feels
just as better to give a present to someone than getting one yourself.
This story is to show children not to be selfish, especially around Christmas time, and that
how good it makes you feel when you think about someone else and get them a present.
The story also shows how much children have to appreciate what their family do for them.

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

How will you meet the requirements of your brief?
I will meet the requirements of my brief because it suites my target audience of 3 to 8 year
olds. My story will be 1 minute long, there is more than one character that is important to the
storyline but there is an inspiring lead to the audience.
The location will appeal to the audience because it shows places that they are familiar to,
school and home.

Risk assessment: Are there any health and safety issues you may encounter?
You could accidently swallow the playdough
You could get the playdough in your eyes
You could get the playdough up your nose
It could hurt someone if it is thrown

Discuss any legal issues you may face. E.g.; sound, plagiarism, age restrictions
I could face some legal issues with the music that I use for my production because I would
be using music created by someone else.
My production will be aimed at 3-8 year olds and the content of the story will be suited to that
age range with no unsuitable language or actions.

Use of possible formats

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Circle which of the following formats your animation will take;
stop-frame techniques
time lapse photography
plasticine animation
Claymation
using found objects
modelling
puppetry
combined formats

Why are you using that particular format?

Plasticine is very easy to create and sculpt
Doesnt dry out
Child friendly, many children have played with playdough
Comes in many colours
Is very cheap

What are the different possibilities you could explore using this format?

What are the limitations of using this format? (i.e what problems/ obstacles might you
have?)
Its challenging to achieve a life like shape
It breaks very easily
Time consuming to ensure that the character Ive made looks the same throughout the film.
It can be tricky to make sure the plasticine colours do not bleed into each other.

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

What imaginative or inventive animations have you seen which use this format?
Aardman Animations - Wallace and Gromit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0qagA4_eVQ

PES film Fresh Guacamole

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJdJIwCF_Y
PES film sometimes use plasticine as well as inanimate objects in their productions.

Timothy Reckart Head over heels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96D-bRx5KuU

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Subject
What will the subject of your animation be?
Giving is a good as receiving
Aimed at children

Storyline
Describe the storyline of your animation. What events will happen to your characters?
The school bell rings and Zack runs down the steps to meet his dad, Peter, for their walk
home. Peter has lost his job so he now spends all of his time with his son Jack. As they wal
home they always stop by the dog rescue home. Zack loves dog and has always wished to
have one but his mum and dad always say no. He notices the dog of the month sign outside
and longs of the brown puppy with the eye spot. When they get home Zack notices his mum
is back from working long hours, she is sitting on the sofa still in her nurses uniform. He goes
to hug her and feels bad by seeing how tired and sad she is. The next day Zack has a good
idea and makes his way over to Santas Grotto. Instead of keeping the present for himself he
keeps it and gives it to his mum when he gets home as and early Christmas present. His
mum Caroline is over he moon and so happy with her lovely present from her lovely son!
Both Peter and Caroline as so proud of Zack that they think he should get and early present
as well. Peter brings out a box that seems to be moving, Zack opens the top and is the dog
from the dog of the month poster! Zack is so pleased and so excited with his present!

Characters
What characters will be in your animation?
Child Zack
Mum Caroline
Dad Peter

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Dog (no name)

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Complete the character profiles for each character in your animation

Name:
M/F:
Age
Costume:

Zack
Male
7 years old
School uniform black trousers, white shirt, red jumper

Occupation:
School student
Hobbies:
Loves animals
Character
Background:

Only child who loves all animals, dogs in particular, hes very close
to his mum and dad and hes a kind and thoughtful little boy

Name:
M/F:
Age
Costume:

Caroline
Female
34 years old
Nurses uniform

Occupation:
Nurse
Hobbies:
Works very hard and long hours therefore in her spare time she
loves to spend her time with her husband Peter and son Zack.
Character
Background:

She comes from a large family and her Peter and Zack always
spend Christmas with her family.

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Name:
M/F:
Age
Costume:

Peter
Male
39 years old
Casual clothes, jeans and t-shirt

Occupation:

Stay at home dad

Hobbies:
Football
Character
Background:

Peter has just been made redundant as a Postman

Name:
M/F:
Age
Costume:

Dog
Male
3
Collar

Occupation:

-----------

Hobbies:

-----------

Character
Background:

-----------

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Add in images and drawings/ sketches of what they will look like.

Movement of characters

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

What will they be made of?
All of my characters will be made of plasticine which I will mold together to create each
individual character. I will mold the plasticine around strong wire so it will be easier for me to
move the limbs of my characters while creating each scene.

How are you going to make your characters move?

I will be moving my characters by hand.

What is the purpose of an armature?

The armature gives a movable structure to the characters.

Will you use them for your characters?

I will be using an armature for each of my characters.

If so, how will you make it?

I will use an armature made out of strong wire which will help sturdy my characters but also
make it easier for me to move them around without them loosing their shape.

Mood board

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Create a mood board showing what look your animation will have. Add images showing
ideas of mise-en-scene, characters, costumes and colours that will be present in the
different shots.

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Sets / backgrounds
Will your set be;

A three wall set

A blue/green screen

An existing location

A Combination of two or more of the above

Draw sketches of how your sets/backgrounds will look. Add in labels to your diagrams and
details of locations / lighting etc.

School

Dog
rescue
home

House

Rug
Door

Add in photographs of your sets/backgrounds.

bookcase

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Audio and Soundtrack

What audio will you have for your animation?

Complete the sound list, detailing what sounds you will use, where you will source
them, what equipment you will need to record them and when you will use them in
your animation.
You will need to design your own soundtrack. You cannot use copyrighted music, and
it must be more than simply adding a track.

What actions will need sound effects?

Think of the scenes in your animation. Each scene should have different
sounds/music to give information about the mood / emotions of the characters.

Sad music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RHMz6GKdJQ

Happy childlike music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKlU0Rpsyto

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Sound Table:
Production Name: Childrens stop motion animation
Producer: Tara Pringle-Stacey

Shot

Action

Description
of Sound

Door
opening

creak

Door
closing

Bang

Dog barking

bark

Christmas
tune

melody

School bell
ringing

ring

Props List

Diegetic/non/diegetic

Atmosphere
created

Music type
and
atmosphere

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

What props / models / furniture etc will you need to make your animation?
PROPS LIST
Production Name: Giving a gift a Christmas Childrens animation
Producer: Tara Pringle-Stacey

Item

Script page

Description

Character/location

Sofa

2 seater sofa

Living room/ mum

sitting on

Lamp

Stand up lamp

Living room

Table

Coffee table

Living room

Television

Small television

Living room

Chair

Arm chair

Living room/ Dads

seat

Audience
Define the following characteristics of your audience;
Gender
Male and Female

Age
Ages 3-8

Notes

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Interests
Christmas adverts that tell a poignant storyline
Childrens cartoons and animations

What forms of animation might they already watch?

Morph stop motion
Wallace and gromit/ Shawn the sheep
Animated cartoons

What images do you think they enjoy watching?

Cartoons
Primary colours
Images that they can relate to in their own lives

What might they consider distasteful or offensive?

Bad language
Aggressive or inappropriate behavior

How will you ensure that your animation will suit your chosen audience?
My main character will be a child of a similar age to my audience.

How will they physically watch your animation? (i.e in an exhibition format, on screen,
projection, online?)

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

On screen

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Storyboard
Complete a storyboard for your animation.

And
then.?
What happens?
Describe the
action.

Camera?

Time?

What is the
camera angle?

Duration of the
shot / number
of frames
action is held
for.

Is there any
movement from
the camera?

Who?
Which
characters/
objects are in
the scene?

Say What?
Is there any
dialogue/text?

Where?

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Think carefully about the shots you will be using. Consider the
range of shots/angles to give interest and perspective
You will need to convey all movements and actions. Copy and
paste the storyboard to make it as long as you need to show all
the detail of your animation.

Shots
Extreme long shot
Long Shot
Medium Shot

What is the
location for the
shot?

Lighting

Natural
Camera Angles
Ambient

Birds-eye view

Torchlight

Spotlight
High angle
Direction of

Eye-levellight?

Two Shot

Low angle

Movement
Over
the Shoulder

Editing

Pan
Medium
Close up

Montage

Tilt up
Close

Cross cutting

Tracking
Shotup
Extreme
close

Match cut
Shot, reverse shot
Eye-line match
Jump cut
Tracking shot

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Frame Rates
What is the duration of your animation in minutes? (minimum 30 seconds)
1 minute
In seconds?
60 seconds

How many frames per second for video?

16 frames per second
(15 minimum)

There are 60 seconds in a minute. How many frames (ie. Individual photos) will you
need to take?
960 frames in 1 minute

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Lighting Design
Where will you be photographing your animation?
At my home.

Does it have natural daylight?

yes

If so, you will need to block this out. Explain why.

I will need to block some of the natural daylight out.

Do you have a constant light source(s) such as a lamp?

yes

Where will you place your light source(s) to create interesting effects?
Above my set, not too close to the camera.

(LO3)

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Frame numbers
You will need to label your images as frames
The first 24 frames will be written as;
0_1
0_2 etc etc

the following 24 will be

1_1
1_2
1_3
Ensure your clips are labeled as such. Screen shot the folder your clips are in, and copy the
image underneath.

Dope sheets

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

A dope sheet is an animation tool which helps a animator organise the animation shot-byshot.
This gives the camera operator instructions on each shot type and how many frames this will
be used for.
A dope sheet is usually split into 5 different sections.

To indicate what action occurs on which frame number

To see what action is happening in this shot.
To see what dialogue used in this scene.
To show what level of animation is happening.
To give camera instructions (angle).

For example;

Because you will be working with video, you will be using 30fps. You will need to complete a
dope sheet for EVERY SECOND of your animation.
i.e, if you make a 30 second animation, you will need to complete 30 dope sheets.
This will be a time-consuming task, but it will help you understand what will need to
happen in each of the shots you take. The higher marks will come from a detailed and
careful collection of dope sheets. For example, if your characters speaks, you will need to
show the mouth forming every shape in order to look effective.

Frame

Path of action

Dialogue /
Soundtrack cue

Animation

Camera
instructions

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

0_1
0_2
0_3
0_4
0_5
0_6
0_7
0_8
0_9
0_10
0_11
0_12
0_13
0_14
0_15
0_16
0_17
0_18
0_19
0_20
0_21
0_22
0_23
0_24
0_25
0_26
0_27
0_28
0_29
0_30
Frame

Path of action

Dialogue /
Soundtrack cue

Animation

Camera
instructions

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

1_1
1_2
1_3
1_4
1_5
1_6
1_7
1_8
1_9
1_10
1_11
1_12
1_13
1_14
1_15
1_16
1_17
1_18
1_19
1_20
1_21
1_22
1_23
1_24
1_25
1_26
1_27
1_28
1_29
1_30

Frame

Path of action

Dialogue /
Soundtrack

Animation

Camera

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

cue
instructions
2_1
2_2
2_3
2_4
2_5
2_6
2_7
2_8
2_9
2_10
2_11
2_12
2_13
2_14
2_15
2_16
2_17
2_18
2_19
2_20
2_21
2_22
2_23
2_24
2_25
2_26
2_27
2_28
2_29
2_30

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Copy and paste as many dope sheets as you need. Remember to change the frame
numbering so that the first number refers to the second of animation ie, 1_24 is the 24th
frame of the first second, 3_17 is the 17th frame of the 3rd second.

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Liaising with client (write notes on discussions between you and your client)