Behind the scenes at
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Creating an Initial Test Animation
Going into the project I was unsure of what my ability to create a stop motion film would be. I had made some rudimentary stop motion films in the past, though I didn't know if those skills remained. Therefore, before jumping into the main animation, I decided to make a quick animation test. The following is that test:
Creating Sound Effects
I made the decision that I would do some Foley to make the sound effects for the film instead of using pre-made sounds. This led to a lot of experimentation with different items to produce certain sounds and if I was unable to find an object to make the sound I would try to make it with my voice. The following is a short video showing a small portion of the sounds made for the film matched with where they were used.
Creating the Characters
After sketching out a design for the main character I started to construct a prototype. Once the prototype was complete I began the creation of the proper animating puppet. The process started with a large amount of clay which was shaped into the head and ears. Facial details were then added with other colours. I next created a metal armature to create a more sturdy body whilst also reducing the amount of clay used. Clay was then spread around this armature to form the torso. Finally, the arms were molded and they and head were attached to the body. This process was similar for other characters also.
Creating the Settings
The settings (sets) were created from cardboard and various acrylic paint. Certain set pieces were further made with carboard, paper, hot melt glue, and Blu Tack. For the creation of the city set I started with cardboard boxes that I then painted with either regular or diluted (with water) black, grey, white, and red paints. Some cardboard pieces remained rigid boxes and others bits were flattened into sheets. Multiple coats of paint were needed for particular areas. Details such as the windows (Painted paper Blu-Tacked to the buildings) were also added and the final design was placed on a board in the animation (spare) room. This construction process was similar for the other sets also.
