Animation - Pixilation
Pixilation is an animation technique which uses yourselves and everyday objects. The simplest form of animation and a good place to start pixilation involves moving yourself or everyday objects to make a film.
The nine films show the key stages of a pixilation animation workshop with KS 2 pupils. This workshop is led by the class themselves and they will lead you through the entire process using equipment you already have in school. The equipment used in this film includes school laptops, digital stills cameras and tripods. The camera needs to be kept still when animating so if you don't have a tripod you need to make sure the camera doesn’t move.
Key Stage:
KS 2 Art, KS 2 EnglishOverview:
This lesson plan can be used:⁃ to explore a curriculum topic of your choice using animation
⁃ to develop an understanding of the animation process
⁃ to develop literacy and creative writing skills
⁃ to improve team working and problem solving
⁃ to work creatively with ICT
Watching
The group watch a classic short film by Norman McLaren.
Group
Making a whole-class pixilation.
Props
Using props. Our group use cheap plastic hats to demonstrate the technique but you could use props you already have in school.
Locations
Selecting locations for your film.
Storyboarding
Devising and notating a story.
Software
Using the free software 'Monkey Jam'. Software changes constantly and it is possible the advice given in this section is out of date by the time you view this video but other free softwares become available all the time. Hopefully some of the principles will be the same.
Editing
Filming, then editing using Windows Movie Maker.. Software changes constantly and it is possible the advice given in this section is out of date by the time you view this video but other editing software becomes available all the time. Hopefully some of the principles will be the same.
Titles
Adding hand-drawn titles.
Sharing
The finished film.
Development Activity:
A great way to introduce animation, and to start learning about the process, is to have a go at making a flip book. In this link you will be guided through the steps to make a two picture flip book: How to flipbook
Once you’ve had a go at making a flip book with two pictures, try making a longer sequence using as many drawings as possible. Try using a booklet of post-it notes. Start at the back of the booklet so that you are able to see where your previous drawing is when you’re tracing the next one. Don’t separate the pages. With a two picture flip book you are limited to a looped movement. With a longer flip book you can create a longer sequence of action like someone running or a vehicle moving across the page.
For a basic introduction to the different types of animation and a brief history of its development there is another lesson plan on CultureStreet which may help. Animation lesson plan
Learning Objectives:
Through using this lesson plan students should:
- develop a better understanding of the different animation techniques.
- develop their knowledge of the animation process.
- improve problem-solving and team-working skills.
- understand the various roles and responsibilities involved in filmmaking (director, script writer or storyboard creator, camera person, actors, costume and props, animator, editor, artists, sound).
Research, Notes and Links:
Download this lesson plan
For copyright free music you could visit websites such as SoundBible.com or bensound.com who offer free and copyright free music and sound effects. You could also try freemusicarchive.com or jamendo.com for licence free and Creative Commons licensed music. No matter what you use, always credit the artist, creator or owner. To avoid a copyright headache altogether, you could create your own music and sound effects. CultureStreet is not responsible for external links but we are careful not to link to sites we do not trust.