Clay Animation

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Clay Animation

• UNM Technology Academy
• September 16, 2005
• presentation compiled by Susan Bowdoin

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Welcome Back!

• Take a minute or two to share
• How have you been using your new technology
  skills in your classroom?

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Agenda for Today

• AM Clay Animation (Claymation)
• PM Library of Congress American Memory Collection

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What is Clay Animation?
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What is clay animation?

• Animation that is done using clay characters
  (although it can be done with other materials as
  well!)
• Also called claymation and stop motion
  animation.

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Some well-known examples
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How is clay animation created?

• Individual pictures of the clay characters are
  knit together with special software in order to
  create a seamless movie.

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Why use Clay Animation in the classroom?
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Why use clay animation?

• Engages students
• Is hands-on and interactive
• Requires a variety of skills
• Can be applied across grade levels and curriculum
  areas

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Why use clay animation continued

• Can encourage high levels of thinking
• Engages multiple learning modalities
• Encourages creative thinking and decision making
• Encourages problem solving and teamwork

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Lets look at some examples
H
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Website for today

• http//www.unm.edu/jbrink/techacad/September.html
  

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The Process
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What is the process?

• Create an idea (storyboard)
• Develop the script (if appropriate)
• Create characters from clay
• Build the set (including a background)
• Take pictures
• Use software to make your movie

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Step 1 The Idea

• Brainstorm!!!
• What / who will your character(s) be?
• What will the progression of your movie be?
• What is the setting?
• Do you need a script?

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Step 2 The Character(s)

• Sketch your character before starting with clay
• Keep your characters smaller than 6 inches tall
  or 6 inches long
• Work on work mats (included in kit)
• Use clay that doesnt harden
• Create armatures from wire or aluminum foil
• Use styrofoam or other materials to add bulk
• Put the most weight at the bottom of the character

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Step 3 The Background

• Keep it simple
• Use construction paper, wrapping paper, etc.
• Make it contrast with your character (CARP)
• Use found objects plants, rocks, boxes, etc.

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Step 4 Take pictures

• Any camera will work (digital is easiest)
• Position camera at least 3 feet away from the
  scene
• Use a tripod!!!
• Use clamp lights for additional lighting.

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Step 5 The Movie!

• Use the Video Blender software to build your
  animation!
• Remember to save it as a QuickTime movie so you
  can share it with others.

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The Claymation Kit
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So, whats in the kit?

• Video Blender 2 software and book
• Teaching with Clay Animation book
• Modeling Clay
• Sculpting Tools
• Accessories (sequins, wiggle eyes, etc.)
• Work Mat

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Your Task
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Your task today

• Work in groups of 3-4
• Create a short claymation movie on a topic of
  your choice!
• Refer to todays web site for support materials
  http//www.unm.edu/jbrink/techacad