Christmas Tree Contest (Stop Motion Video)

This animated video short (about 5 minutes) was created by moving inanimate objects about 7000 times.

Supplies

Digital Camera that can take time lapse videos ( I used a Canon EOS 250D)

Video editing software ( I used Movavi Video Editor Plus)

Very Powerful Magnets https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R1Z2WJT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Camera tripod

LIghts

1/4 " plywood (2' x 4')

Step 1: Creating the World

The body structure of the frogs was made using aluminum wire--not a good idea (it breaks after a few bends). Steel wire is better, but tougher to work with.

Size relationship of the objects can be tested using cardboard structures and simple painted backdrops.

Step 2:

Objects were constructed using polymer clay and 3d printing. The exterior of the frogs is felt.

Step 3: Stage

The floor for the stage and the backdrop are made using 1/4" plywood. The floor is supported using 1" x 4" boards. Magnets on the frogs' skates are attracted to the very powerful magnets below the stage floor.

Caution: The powerful 1.25" magnets below the stage floor CAN pinch fingers and draw blood. Use gloves or extreme care when moving these magnets. Do not approach steel, credit cards, phones or electronic devices within six inches of these magnets.

Step 4: Photography

Set the camera on a tripod. Turn auto focus "off." We don't want the camera to be adjusting itself during the session. Set the camera for "time lapse movie." I used 15 seconds delay (camera takes a shot every 15 seconds) with a 150 shot sequence. This will produce 6 seconds of video (25 frames per second); but you will spend nearly 40 minutes making tiny moves to accomplish this. The camera "beeps" each time a frame is taken, so you have 15 seconds to get onto the stage and move things.

Moving lips--the challenge. I mainly used felt lips (an oval) that can be quickly (you have 15 seconds) rearranged. Before shooting a "moving lips" segment, I stand in front of a mirror and see what my mouth does and for how long. Most syllables take around .4 second (about 10 frames). My camera counts down from shot #150 to shot #0, so I create a chart showing which mouth movement needs to be in place during the shot sequence.

For music and special sounds, I purchased "royalty free" sound clips (like clip art).