2.5D Stop Motion

This course will explore the art of limited downshooting animation through a series of workshops focused on character design, fabrication, and post-production techniques. Combining digital processes with hand-made techniques, this class helps students hone their downshooting animation skills to create stop-motion works that communicate through cut-out and multiplane layer animation.

The class will begin with the design and creation of a simple cut-out puppet, focusing on how to create moving images using cut-out puppets, various materials, light, and the camera, while working between 2D and 3D spaces.

In the latter part of the course, the focus shifts to producing a short film. Throughout the semester, students will experiment with the expressive range of cut-out techniques, exploring all stages of directing a short stop-motion work--from the initial idea to the completion of a short animated piece.