Make a toy tiger dance using stop motion photography.
The 1933 movie, King Kong, featured a leading character generated entirely from stop motion photographs. Stop motion technology allows animators to create the illusion of motion by filming objects one frame at a time. Each frame displays a slightly different view of an object. For example, to make a toy space ship fly, take multiple photos of the toy at different positions along a path. Creating stop motion movies takes time. Stop motion software can shorten the task. Experiment with stop motion photography by downloading trial versions of the software.
Instructions
1. Visit the Stop Motion Pro website, and review their stop motion applications. Click on the "Enthusiast," "Creative," "Professional," "Educator" and "Studio" buttons to view tips and techniques relative to your current skill level. The company markets multiple stop motion programs. To view them, click on the "Solutions" button at the top of the web page. Their "Action!" program, for example, is suitable for beginners and educators. It allows you to create stop motion movies and add audio paint directly on movie frames. You can even use blue screen effects to add virtual backgrounds to your creations. Stop Motion Pro's software works with current versions of Windows. Download a free trial by clicking on the "Free Trial" button located at the top-right corner of their web page.
2. Navigate to the Dragon Stop Motion website, and click on the "Free Trial" button to download Dragon Stop Motion 2.3. This program allows you to create professional stop motion videos that contain exciting special effects. The intuitive user interface is simple enough for beginning animators to understand quickly. Experienced filmmakers can access a wide range of complex animation tools. Advanced lighting features allow you to generate realistic planning effects that add atmosphere to your movies. An automatic "Save" feature ensures that do not lose camera settings between scenes. When you need to add audio to your stop motion movies, use the integrated audio window to edit and enhance your digital audio and music.
3. Visit the AnimatorHD website, and click on the "Download" button to try "AnimatorHD." This software gives you the flexibility to create stop motion movies in 2D, or enter the world of 3D stereoscopic cinematography. Animator HD supports multiple camera types and USB capture devices. A useful "Lipsync" module simplifies the task of synchronizing character lip movement with audio. Multiple users can share the same program and work in their own unique workspaces. Create text and graphic overlays quickly using the program's overlay markers. AnimatorHD owners receive free software updates as the company releases them.
