Life in the Tech Lab

Introduction

In this project we'll continue our exploration of Stop Motion Animation by transforming one object into another in a very short story. You might start with one shape and have it transform into another after something magical or mystifying happens to it, or you might have an animal or creature change shape or turn into another shape or creature.

You'll be provided with the following materials to complete your project. If you want/need other things, be sure to bring them in from home.

• Cardboard box with 2 sides removed to be used as a stage.
• As much construction paper as you need.
• Clay
• Toothpicks, cotton, and wire

Work your way carefully through each of the tabs above. Every step of the process is important and will help you complete a very cool stop motion film.

Storyboards

Storyboarding is a part of the pre-production planning you should go through when preparing for a stop motion, animation or film.

Tutorial>> Storyboarding (4:13)
Example: The Rescue (0:51)

Expectations:

• Your storyboards should include pictures draw to scale/frame based on the focal length/angle
• Use labels
• Use directional arrows
• Indicate shot length (approximate)
• Notes should include: focal length and angle, dialog, sound fx, music, natural sounds, lighting

Learning Tools

• Stop Motion Storyboard Template (pdf)
• Storyboard Template (pdf)
• Money Tree Storyboard (pdf)
• Money Tree Example Video (mp4)

The Money Tree commercial files are provided courtesy of Andy Mirovich Production, Paul Gordon, Vice President, Media: paul@mirkprod.com.
All rights reserved.

Online Storyboarding Tools

http://www.xtranormal.com/   http://kidsvid.altec.org/scripting.html http://movies.atomiclearning.com/k12/storyboardpro http://www.celtx.com/ (free download and install) http://stripgenerator.com/create/ http://www.patentplace.com/strip/home.asp  http://www.adrianbruce.com/homework/language/comic_strip/funny_jokes.htm How to: http://digitalworlds.wordpress.com/2008/11/02/friday-fun-19-lets-make-a-movie/

Example Videos by Teachers

Enjoy these samples!!

Freedom

The Early Worm

Sunflower

anatophysiometamorpholoss

Premiere Elements Tutorials

Editing Basics

• Stop Motion Capture (4:55)
• Working with the project bin (2:43)
• Rough Cut: Assembly and trimming clips (3:39)
• Slow Motion, Reverse and Looping (4:08)

Audio

• Working with Audio (7:19)
• Ripping Audio Using Windows Media Player (3:20)
• Working with Audio Adding Narration (2:28)
• Building a Score with Soundbooth (5:46)

** Getting Help – Remember that you can always go to the help menu when you forget how to do something.

Expectations

• Take 5-10 minutes to discuss your idea for transforming a chunk of clay from one thing to another.
• Create a storyboard that illustrates your 3-5 scenes
• Your project should include at least three different types of shots/angles. Vary your shots and angles. Be creative and demonstrate your mastery of the composition rules.
• Your entire project should be at least 10 seconds long

Your project must include:

• Add at least two sound FX that you recorded
• Add a music track, adjust the volume to accommodate the sound FX
• Add narration for each of your names (take turns)
• Add your name animations to the end of the video