SABRECAT - Art with kids: Claymation movie

Art with kids: Claymation movie

By Meredith on February 12th, 2009
Posted In: blog,News

My son was watching Sesame Street the other day and remarked that a claymation segment “looked like play-doh.” “It IS play-doh,” I replied, followed by a quizzical look. “Would you like to make a play-doh movie?” “YES!” was the eager reply.

Yeah, so the wow factor isn’t there, but hey for 10 minutes what do you expect? Besides, the point was just to show him how it works. It’s a super-simple project and sure beats making a macaroni painting, don’t it?

Materials needed:

“Actors” (clay figures, toys, etc.)
“Stage” (tabletop)
Still camera (cameraphone, etc.)
Tripod or other way to take photos from the same angle each time
Computer with photo software (alternatively you can print out photos and make a flipbook)

Time needed: About 10 minutes, depending on complexity. The idea is simple: Take a picture, move the actors. Take a picture, move the actors, repeat. Then simply import the photos into your computer and create a slideshow. More frames and a shorter slide duration will make for a smoother movement effect.

If you have iPhoto, here is the procedure and settings:

Import the photos and give them the same event title.
Select all of the photos you want to use and select View: Show in Toolbar: Slideshow
Settings: Play each slide for 1 second, Transition:None, Deselect Automatic Ken Burns Effect.
File: Export to create a Quicktime movie.

My son is only 3, so I let him take the pictures while I moved the actors around on the stage. Alternatively, you could let him move the actors. Other materials you can use: Sand or glitter paintings, scraps of paper, drawings, pipe cleaners, the list is truly endless. A budding animator could really get into this! We had fun so I may try this again for myself!

MDR