Stop Motion Filmmaking

Based on a world-class curriculum and cutting-edge industry practices, Stop Motion Filmmaking offers step-by-step instruction in everything from puppet making and studio set-up to animation and filmmaking. Reflecting exciting advancements in the medium, animator and educator Christopher Walsh focuses closely on digital filmmaking techniques, and offers specific instruction for creating 3D designed and printed puppet components as well as hand-crafted elements. The book is enriched by exclusive online content in the form of detailed tutorials and examples, and by dynamic sidebars and inserts.

Further accented by interviews with leading professionals from both the independent and major studio worlds, Stop Motion Filmmaking is designed for dedicated students of the art form, and provides invaluable training for any serious artist who is driven to bring frame-by-frame worlds to life through puppet animation.

“One of the most comprehensive overviews of stop-motion animation techniques and practices I've found to date. Walsh gives clear and detailed instructions for planning and executing a stop-motion short film from start to finish. A great foundation for anyone starting out in this medium.”

Chris Walsh has just written the definitive book on stop motion for students. It’s fantastic because it covers everything, from creating a basic puppet character, to setting up a fitting studio, through to experiencing the entire process of making a film, from start to finish. Everything that a student would need and want to know is here, and then they can explore even more online. The language is highly accessible, and Chris’s obvious sense of humour shines through in every paragraph, making it a "fun" read. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone wishing to study stop motion, or indeed anyone who has a general fascination of it, since it will have such universal appeal. It makes me want to get on and make my next film and inspires me to embrace the endless possibilities of this everlasting medium. I have no doubt that it will inspire you, and stop-motion students everywhere, too. Richard Haynes, Senior Lecturer, Arts University Bournemouth, UK
Christopher Walsh’s Stop Motion Filmmaking offers a comprehensive account of model-based animation. Guiding readers, step-by-step, through the intricacies of armature construction, the fabrication of sets and props, costume design and much more, Walsh inspires confidence and creativity with every page turn. Readers will also find plenty of advice about how best to light, stage, frame, and animate. Finally, Walsh presents the reader with an honest and contemporary account of film distribution and exhibition. With this book on your bookshelf you really will feel prepared to share your animated stories with the world. Chris Pallant, Senior Lecturer in Film Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
One of the most comprehensive overviews of stop motion animation techniques and practices I've found to date. Walsh gives clear and detailed instructions for planning and executing a stop motion short film from start to finish. A great foundation for anyone starting out in this medium. Blake Douglas Young, Independent Filmmaker and Animator, USA
A must-have text for anyone embarking on a career in animation and stop motion production. Eminently readable and supported by a comprehensive range of interviews and advice from contemporary animation directors, designers and model makers. I wish this had been around when I was starting out. Andrew Sugden, Senior Lecturer in Animation, Edge Hill University, UK

Christopher Walsh has an MFA in Film Studies, and is a Professor in the Bachelor of Animation Program at Sheridan College, Canada. He has worked extensively in the stop motion television industry, and his own short films continue to screen at animation festivals internationally.

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