Pixilation Animation
Pixilation is a style of stop motion animation that relies on the frame by frame capture of real live actors.  Using the DSLR cameras and a tripod you will stage and shoot each frame of the animation.  One of the secrets to making a good pixilation animation is to choose a subject idea that allows you to do the impossible.  Think about experimenting with moving your actors in different ways.  Watch the example videos below for an idea of possible techniques 

One of the biggest tricks to making a great pixilation is to ensure you are shooting enough frames to create a convincing speed of your motion.  If you shoot too few frames your animation will play too fast, shoot to many and it'll play too slow.  It is better to shoot more frames per second because you can always leave them out.

Project

In your group of two, three, or four you are to create a short animation that is 10 seconds multiplied by each member in your group (e.g. a group of three would make a 30 second animation).  Your animation doesn't need to have a story, it just has to explore the possibilities of movement.  Your animation must be storyboarded with each member animating one full page of storyboards.

Requirements:

  • Each member must storyboard one full page for their 10 seconds behind the camera.
  • Each member must frame and shoot 10 seconds worth of the animation.
  • Your animation must explore the "impossible" and make full use of the technique.
  • Camera must be on a tripod and stay in the same position for each frame of that scene.
  • Shoot the appropriate amount of frames for your timing.
  • Music must be added to the finished animation.
  • Add a title and credits using full names.
  • Must be exported in Quicktime format

How to set up Premiere Pro for your Short

Follow the above video to set up your Timeline for your Animation. Pause the Video when they get to the import image part (1 min in). Before you Import your Images into Premiere you will need to do one more step:


Go to Edit/Preferences/General and make sure that "default scale to frame size" is checked and then click OK. 


Then, import your photos.

Criteria & Process

Camera Settings:
  • Storyboard your idea.  Save your planning to hand in with your finished animation.
  • Set your camera to Auto No Flash, Auto ISO, and Auto White Balance.
  • Use JPEG format, not RAW.  If you use RAW you'll have to convert them to JPEG.
  • Use a tripod, frame your shot, do not move your camera until you are finished your scene. Always shoot landscape, never use portrait format.
  • Use auto focus to speed up your production.  Use manual focus for more control.
  • Try shooting a minimum 5 "frames per second" of animation.  For the smoothest movement shoot between 12-15 FPS
  • Move your subject at equal distances for each shot to keep your speed/timing consistent. 

Examples

See More Stop Motion Short's Here

Further Learning: