Cut-Paper Stop Motion Animation Project

Cut-Paper Stop Motion Animation Project

Project name and course info

Project Overview

Single 20-second animation at 12 fps (240 photos total)
Demonstrate easing and one type of change (position, replacement, deformation)
Materials: cut paper, magazines, flat objects, natural materials
Storyboard: brief 5-8 panels suggested
Deliverables: Final .mp4, mother project file, reflection document

Learning Objectives

Translate digital timing and easing concepts into physical frame spacing
Demonstrate straight-ahead and basic pose-to-pose planning
Apply position, replacement, and deformation techniques
Explain persistence of vision and phi phenomenon
Capture, compile, and refine a stop-motion sequence

Key Terms

Hold: Same position for multiple frames to emphasize action
Accent Action: Strongest motion moment in a scene
'Hold the Accent Action' means pausing the key pose for several frames
Easing (Slow In/Slow Out): Spacing adjustment of movements to create smoothness

Three Types of Change

Position: Moving objects through space
Replacement: Swapping physical parts between frames
Deformation: Physically changing shape/form (e.g. squash/stretch)

Technical Setup

Camera mounted overhead with stable lighting
Materials prepped and organized
Software: Stop Motion Studio, After Effects or Premiere
Consistent environment to avoid flicker

Animation Principles

Timing: Wider spacing = faster, closer spacing = slower
Anticipation: 3-6 frames before main action
Easing: Gradual change in spacing (Slow In/Out)
Straight-Ahead: Advance frame by frame without reusing previous positions
Replacement or Deformation: Swap parts or reshape physically

Project Requirements

Duration: 20 seconds total at 12 fps (240 frames)
Technique Focus: Eased straight-ahead motion and one type of change
Materials: cut paper, flat objects, magazines, natural items
Storyboard: Rough thumbnails encouraged
Camera setup: Stable phone or DSLR above workspace
Software: Stop Motion Studio, After Effects/Post-production

Workflow Guide

Pre-production: Storyboard and material prep
Production: Stable camera, test shots, capture frames
Post-production: Import images, color correct, add effects, export video

Assessment Criteria

Timing & Easing: Smooth Slow In/Out; no jitter
Animation Principles: Clear anticipation and straight-ahead flow
Technical Execution: Stable camera, lighting
Creativity & Design: Cohesive and engaging visuals
Post-production: Clean edits and correct length
Reflection: Insightful comparison of digital vs. physical

Timeline

Week 1: Storyboard approval & material collection
Week 2: Complete first shooting session
Week 3: Complete second shooting session
Week 4: Post-production and final submission

Tips for Success

Plan thoughtfully, but allow room for discovery
Keep physical workspace organized
Test lighting and camera setup early
Commit to frame spacing for easing effects

Deliverables

One 20-second stop motion animation video (.mp4, 1920x1080)
Mother project file (e.g. PSD, AEP) for post-production
Reflection document (about 200 words on animation principles)

Questions

Contact instructor for help
Remember animation is iterative and creative