Animating with Dragonframe weekend

About this course

The workshop introduces stop-motion animation through the transformation and juxtaposition of found objects. Participants plan a sequence, work with frames and timing, animate in Dragonframe and export the finished sequence as a movie. The course also places this approach in the context of Jan Švankmajer and Paul Bush’s use of found objects. Teaching combines demonstrations, practical exercises, hand-outs, group assistance and individual guidance.

What you'll learn

• Identify creative uses of found objects in the work of Jan Švankmajer and Paul Bush
• Plan an animated sequence using found objects
• Set up an HD camera for capturing stop-motion footage
• Animate objects using Dragonframe
• Export a short animated sequence as a movie

Is this course right for you?

This is presented as a beginners’ course for learners starting to explore stop-motion animation. Participation combines demonstrations and practical exercises, with assistance available both to the group and to individuals.

• No specific previous skills are stated in the course information.
• The teaching includes both group exercises and individual assistance.

Before you go

• HD cameras, professional equipment and animation software are available for use during the course.
• A memory stick or portable hard drive would be useful for saving work.
• The animation department uses Apple Mac computers. PC-formatted hard drives can be read but not written to by these computers.