Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Pre-Production Booklet for Animation

Name:

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
Brainstorm / mind map (add
extra pages if necessary)

Attach a 400 word treatment of your idea

My idea consists of three penguins almost like a love triangle. The main male
penguin is trying to win over a female penguin from his rival. He does so by
surprising her with various gifts such as flowers, fish and presents. To show this I will
do a sequence of the male penguin standing at her door as she repeatedly opens it,
as he is holding a different gift in his hand. In the end he presents her with a pebble
as penguins as a ritual perform this act in order to show they are committing to their
partner penguin for the rest of their lives. Regarding my setting I am going to include
igloos made out of paper mashie as well as a sea and snow. I will also include other
animals such as polar bears and seals in order to add to the life of the production. I
will make these animals once again out of clay in order to fit the atmosphere of my
music video. My production will include both and introduction and a credit scene
however this will all be at the beginning in order to ensure everyone involved has
received credit for their work. I will be creating a set to fit the snowy climate of the
area my video is taking place. My set will involve the sea which will be made from
clay but will be set out so the characters are always in front of them I will include
white and blue clay to make the sea sculpture have a more realistic set out and look
to it which would complement the productions setting. In order to make the penguins
more detailed I will include materials in order to separate them from one another for
example the female penguin will wear a pink bow so the audience understand that
this is the love interest in the story. In order to tell the difference between the two
male penguins one will be plain while the other wears a black hat I think this material
also makes this penguin seem as a more hierarchy character. Lastly, the song I will
be using is Baby Love by the Supremes. The reason I chose this song is to create a
happy atmosphere I also think it describes the story well. Another feature this song
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

has that will help my production is the catchy and memorable tune that will stick in
peoples heads.

How will you meet the requirements of your brief?

I will meet the requirements by creating a music video for my brief and keeping to the time
period of 1 minute 20 seconds.

Risk assessment: Are there any health and safety issues you may encounter?

I need to make sure not to consume the clay used in my production. I also need to ensure
my lighting is safe from falling and injuring someone. These risks will be thoroughly
explained to anyone else involved in the production so they become aware of the dangers.

Discuss any legal issues you may face. Eg; sound, plagiarism, age restrictions

Regarding my production, I think the main issue is copyright of the music I am using. In
order to avoid the risk of my music video being taken down from online sites I will ask
permission from the record company in order to use their song. This way theyll be aware
of their song being used for a media production.

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?

I have decided to use this particular form because it fits my idea best I am able to adapt my
personal skills with this format as I will have to use and adapt my creative skills. Claymation
allows me to create any sort of character I wish to and because of this I picked this material
as it gives me more creative freedom.

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

There are many different possibilities I can explore in order to understand my production.

What are the limitations of using this format? (i.e what problems/ obstacles might you
have?)

The limitations when using this particular format is that I can only create characters and
some settings also they are more difficult to move around.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

What imaginative or inventive animations have you seen which use this format?

Add in links and screen shots of three examples of animations using this format.

This animation uses plastercine in order to create their production. This works well as it
allows the producers to be creative with their props as they are capable of any movement. It
also helps the story link together with the narrative. However when showing facial
expressions it has a flaw as sometimes viewers can find them unclear.

This is another example of a creator using Claymation in order to create an animation that
has a clear narrative. The Claymation adds a comedic effect to the animation however, it can
become confusing to the audience as no dialogue is used.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

This long animation shows many different characters that are already famous around the
world. This works well as it will be interesting to their fanbase and gives off a happy
atmosphere that will reflect on their audience. However, due to the fact these characters are
already known it lacks creativity as well as not having a strong narrative means the storyline
will become confusing to its audience.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Subject
What will the subject of your animation be?

The subject of my animation will be a love story between two penguins who wish for nothing
more but commitment to one another.

Storyline

Describe the storyline of your animation. What events will happen to your characters?

The storyline of my animation consists of a penguin who falls in love with another penguin
and tries to show his affection by surprising her with various gifts. However, he soon
discovers all this penguin wants is a stable lover after figuring this out he gifts her with a
pebble which penguins consider a sign of commitment and life-long love to one another.

Characters
What characters will be in your animation?

Adam Main male penguin (without top hat)

Rosie The female penguin (love interest)

Newt The male penguin with the top hat (love interests current lover)
Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Complete the character profiles for each character in your animation

Name: Adam
M/F: M
Age 21
Costume: None

Occupation:
Teacher

Hobbies: Fishing, reading and spending time with his family.

Character Hes the only male penguin in his family and has always been a
Background: father figure to his family and has always gone to get the food and
keep his family warm.

Name: Rosie
M/F: F
Age 19
Costume: Pink bow

Occupation: Pub Manager

Hobbies: Make-up, shopping, reading, writing stories

Character She was born in 1997, has two brothers and a very close
Background: relationship with her mum.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Name: Newt
M/F: M
Age 21
Costume: Top Hat

Occupation: Accountant.

Hobbies: He enjoys his job as well as performing in the theater as an actor.

Character He was always a popular penguin with a very active social life. He
Background: loves other penguins around him and has a fear of being alone.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Add in images and drawings/ sketches of what they will look like.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

What will they be made of?

Plastercine
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Movement of characters

How are you going to make your characters move?

Im going to using the stop frame technique in order to create the illusion my characters are
moving. This way from my audiences perspective it seems as if my characters are moving
by themselves

What is the purpose of an armature?

The purpose of this material is to hold the model together as well as make it move with
things such as its arms and legs more smoothly also it makes the model more secure so if I
am moving parts of the body they do not break off for example.

Will you use them for your characters?

I will try to use this material in order to make my characters more stable.

If so, how will you make it?

I could purchase one from an arts and craft store or a wire.

 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Mood board
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.
Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Add in photographs of your sets/backgrounds.

Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Audio and Soundtrack

What audio will you have for your animation?

Baby Love- By The Supremes

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?

The actions that will need sound effects are things such as footsteps, the sea which is part of
my set. I will also need a doorbell sound for a specific scene in my animation. I may also use
background noises that consist of sounds that would be found in a cold environment.

Think of the scenes in your animation. Each scene should have different
sounds/music to give information about the mood / emotions of the characters.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Sound Table

Production Name:

Producer:

Shot Action Description Diegetic/non/diegetic Atmosphere Musice

of Sound created type and
atmosphere

Ringing a Doorbell Non-diegetic An

Doorbell understanding
of the
situation.

Music in the Baby Love Non-diegetic To fit the

background. narrative of
By The the story.
Supremes.

Movement. Footsteps Non-diegetic An

understanding
of the
situation.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Props List
What props / models / furniture etc will you need to make your animation?

PROPS LIST

Production Name:

Producer:

Item Script page Description Character/location Notes

Cigar 4 Large Cuban Craig Jennings Is not lit is

cigar, expensive held in actors
looking, 7 long mouth

Plastercine fish Adam

Fish

Coins Plastercine Adam

Gifts Plastercine Adam

Igloo Plastercine Adam

Pebble Plastercine Adam

 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Audience
Define the following characteristics of your audience;

Gender

Both

Age

17-21

Interests

Im aiming my production at people who are interested in animation and music videos. As
well as the artist that is performing the song. I think people with these interests will show
interest in my production as they would fully acknowledge the work and effort put into my
production.

What forms of animation might they already watch?

Other music videos made with various different formats of animation.

What images do you think they enjoy watching?

My target audience will be those who prefer a happier storyline to their entertainment. Due to
the fact my music video consists of happy music and a joyful storyline.

What might they consider distasteful or offensive?

Due to the fact my animation is a love story between two penguins then I dont believe there
is any reason for anyone to be offended during the course of my production.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

How will you ensure that your animation will suit your chosen audience?

I will ensure this by keeping it modern with the style this is because my target audience if
fairly young.

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

They will watch my production online on websites such as YouTube.

 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Storyboard
Who? Complete a storyboard for your animation.
Which
Where?
characters/ What is the
objects are in location for the
the scene? shot?

Say What? Lighting

Is there any Natural
dialogue/text? Ambient
Torchlight
Spotlight
Direction of
light?

And Camera? Time?

then.? What is the Duration of the
What happens? camera angle? shot / number
Describe the of frames
Is there any
action. action is held
movement from
for.
the camera?
 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

Shots Camera Angles

Extreme long shot Birds-eye view
Long Shot High angle
Medium Shot Eye-level
Two Shot Low angle
Over the Shoulder Oblique / canted angle
Medium Close up Worms-eye view
Close up Ground Shot
Extreme close up

Movement Editing
Pan Montage
Tilt Cross cutting
Tracking Shot Match cut
Zoom Shot, reverse shot
Eye-line match
Jump cut
Tracking shot
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

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.
You will need to add pages to this section for your full storyboard
Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet
Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

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

180 seconds.

In seconds?

How many frames per second for video?

12

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

2,160
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Lighting Design

Where will you be photographing your animation?

The College Studio

Does it have natural daylight?

No

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

------

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

Yes, theres artificial lighting in the studio.

Where will you place your light source(s) to create interesting effects?

At each side of the set so the audience have good lighting in order to see the whole
environmental setting. Also by keeping my lights at the side there will always be good
lighting to matter what angle I am recording my production.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

(LO3)

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.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Dope sheets
A dope sheet is an animation tool which helps a animator organise the animation shot-by-
shot.
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.
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

Dialogue / Camera
Frame Path of action Animation
Soundtrack cue instructions

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
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

0_30

Frame Path of action Dialogue / Animation Camera

Soundtrack cue instructions

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
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

1_30

Dialogue /
Camera
Frame Path of action Soundtrack Animation
instructions
cue

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
 Stop Motion Animation Pre-production Booklet

2_29

2_30

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)