The Art of Stop-Motion Animation (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Through the magic of stop-motion animation, inanimate objects seem to spring to life. With true artistic passion and finesse, a stop-motion film evokes the nostalgia of childhood when imagination could bring toys to life. Stop-motion retains the art and performance that are the heart and soul of captivating animation. Beginning with a history of stop-motion animation, The Art of Stop-Motion Animation takes you on a unique journey - uncovering the origins of this art form and examining what continues to draw viewers to these films. Through several hands-on exercises, you'll learn how to create puppets and how to bring them to life as you create your own stop-motion film. Interviews with industry professionals offer a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look into the undying art form of stop-motion animation.

About the Author

Ken earned a BFA from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design, where he majored in film & animation and directed several student animation shorts. He has worked as a 2D animator for several children's games and freelance projects for Hasbro Interactive and other companies. While continuing his animation studies at Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts), he developed a successful part-time course in stop-motion animation, and currently works at VanArts as a manager and instructor. He is also an independent filmmaker, writer and puppeteer, and writes movie reviews for the website HollywoodJesus.com. Ken lives near Vancouver, BC with his graphic artist wife Janet.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (July 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598632442
• ISBN-13: 978-1598632446
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #335,222 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Newbie's guide, January 16, 2008

By	enremx (Morelos, Mexico) - See all my reviews

First, I must say that the book's cover was designed good enough, and previous reviews in this page, were so appealing that made me expect a little more of stop-motion movie related examples than what I found.

However,basic and rough exercises through the book (and the CD-ROM)are useful enough for any stop- motion beginner to keep him/her motivated without expecting outrageous results.

The book offers also some interesting data through the appendix section. I believe it's a good starting reference, but not outstanding alone.

If you are interested for more in depth stop-motion references, check this other titles available from amazon. I believe you wont be decieved:

Books

*Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) by Susannah Shaw.
(Full of average difficulty stop-motion tips and exercises)

* Stop Motion: Passion, Process and Performance by Barry J C Purves
(A really passionate book about stop-motion, its origins and particular procedures through case studies and interviews. Fully recommended-)

DVD

There are a great number of commercial stop-motion DVDs through amazon U.S., but I really would like to recommend this less commercial title from amazon UK. I really hope it's still available by the time you read this (you could still find it in other european websites with international shipping services, but I believe this kind of information is banned in amazon):

*Peter & The Wolf - Sergei Prokofiev
DVD ~ Suzie Templeton
(A must have!)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I was shocked,, January 8, 2008

By	Pram Maven (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

to see some of my friends mentioned in this book, as well as a couple of sites I frequent regularly. Everything, right down to the stopmotion software I use is presented in this book, and the author is a nice guy, very quick to write back, and supportive of raw talents in stopmotion. Great teacher, great book!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stop motion animation, December 14, 2008

By	Mr. John A. W. Steers (Sheffield, England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a very interesting book. The vendor posted this as aked and it was received within eight days form the USA.Excellent service!