Stop-motion animation has long been perceived as a technical practice rather than a creative, demanding art. Though stop-motion requires considerable technical knowledge, it also involves aesthetics and artistry that go beyond the technician's realm. Just as important as puppet mechanics are lighting, filters, lenses, camera angle and placement, and dramatic pose and movement. This manual is a complete guide to the aesthetics of stop-motion animation. Information is organized in an intuitive, easy-to-use structure, following the order an animator uses in setting up and then executing a scene. The first half concentrates on the aesthetics of lighting and cameras, a primary concern in any shot, with details of camera placement, various lenses and myriad lighting techniques. The second half deals with the process of performance art, an oft-overlooked aspect of stop-motion animation. Included is commentary on body language, facial expression, gesture, movement and emotion - key concepts that are frequently better exemplified by puppetry than by live acting. The work also offers an introduction to narrative form and a glossary of related terms.

About the Author
Tom Brierton is an educator, independent filmmaker and stop-motion animator. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Reviews
"interesting...worthy of your attention...a complete guide"-John Kenneth Muir, Reflections on Film/TV.



Book Information
ISBN 9780786424177
Author Tom Brierton
Format Paperback
Page Count 112
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc