Tell The Story
Ipad or Phone
Stop motion studio app on phone or PC
Blank paper (big paper for background)
ACTIVITY MATERIAL
Animate a “day in the city” to bring the cardboard model to life and create a multimedia experience.
You will start taking photos to make your stop-motion animation. After taking your photos, put them in order and edit them so your final animation is no longer than 1 minute.
ACTIVITY PROMPT
1st
Plan Your Story
- Decide what will happen in your animation:
- Citizens walking through streets
- Markets opening and merchants setting up stalls
- Festival or event in the cathedral square
Optionally, make a simple storyboard with 3–5 key scenes.
ACTIVITY STEPS
Watch the Stop Motion App tutorial in the following post
~10 mins
https://www.cateater.com/
ACTIVITY STEPS
2nd
3rd
Read over the Stop Motion Foundations in the next slides
ACTIVITY STEPS
Backdrop
- Make a consistent and neutral background for your scene
- Be sure that there is no clutter in the frame
example where the background is unified as one color
Lighting
- Make your animation in an area that has indirect light (not next to a window or under a bright bulb)
- Try to choose a location where the light will be the same/ similar each day
Camera
- Your camera should have a fixed position in relation to the backdrop. Do not let your camera move around!
- A tripod or iPad stand can help hold your camera's position. You can also make a tape outline on the desk/ table/ floor to mark where the camera should stay.
- When you touch the screen to take the photo, do it gently so you don't jostle the camera.
Camera
Set up your camera in one of two ways: either position it so it’s facing directly down toward your workspace (great for top-down shots), or stand it upright so it’s facing a wall or background scene (ideal for side-view animation). Make sure it’s stable and won’t move between shots!
option 1
option 2
Objects
- The objects in your animation should be moved only a tiny bit in between frames. Do not make any big jumps with the objects or the animation won't look continuous.
- Make sure objects don't appear and disappear; things should come into frame and out of frame from the edges of the animation
4th
Choose two objects and try out a quick animation. This is not to create a finished product, just to familiarize yourself with the app and filming process.
5th
Set up your backdrop, iPad/ camera, and food models for your opening shot
Open the Stop Motion app on your phone or Ipad and start a new project. Title that project with your name.
6th
Start taking your photos! Use your storyboard to guide you through each shot.
Move the model food props, and capture the picture. Take a long sequence of pictures (frames) to create your animation!
7th
Save your project and try playing the animation!
Extra Editing Tips
30 mins
If you see any extra or messy frames, tap them and press the trash icon to delete them.
Tap on a frame, then tap the clock icon to change the speed. You can make scenes faster or slower to add drama, humor, or clarity to your animation.
Tap the microphone to record or add sound. You can add: Sound effects (e.g., chopping, sizzling, sliding) or Voiceover (if needed)
30 mins
Add Titles or Text
- Tap the T icon to add a title screen or text on top of frames
- You can: Add a title at the beginning, Include your name, or Add a message or fun text at the end
Add Transitions or Effects (Optional)
- Use built-in filters or fade transitions between scenes for a smoother look.
Extra Editing Tips
ACTIVITY OUTCOME
30 mins
By the end of this activity, you should have:
- A fully edited stop-motion video
- Sound effects added
- Your video saved and ready to share!
Animate a “day in the city” to bring the cardboard model to life and create a multimedia experience.