Stop Motion - Brain Storming/Storyboard

 We were told we needed to create a stop motion animation based around the horror genre.

The first thing we did was write down things that we all associate with the type of animation and the genre, and figure ways we could interpret these things into our animation. By outlining the fundementals of animation types, and this specific genre, we had hoped to create a kind of frame work to begin creating our ideas. We each suggested different ideas and different areas we should think about, then discussed the pros and cons of each. For example, if we were to use clay, would we use a wireframe to give us more precise control of movement etc.

Stop Motion Map

Horror Map

After discussing the genre and animation style, I suggested using "The Raven", a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, as inspiration.

"The Raven" Map

The overall theme of the poem is quite innocent, while remaining dark by using specific imagery and suggestive vocabulary. I figured that this would be a good way to communicate certain aspects of the poem to our audience, and took key extracts from the poem to use as parts of a script. We didn't want to use the entire poem, as the piece is quite long and would be too much work for us to undertake, so using small extracts to suggest the poem seemed a logical route.

Highlights of script ideas

Next I considered the setting, and began designing a set. The set itself was to match that described in the poem. Colours such as black and purple would dominate the scene, creating a darker atmosphere. I opted for using an empty cardboard box and decorating it appropriately.

Set Idea

Set Idea 2

With the introduction of the script, and the inspiration for setting and story, it became possible to begin storyboarding our animation and planning keyframes.

For now, the story board is very rough and quick, just to communicate basic motions and ideas.

Story Board Part 1

Story Board Part 2

Next I started designing the character for our animation piece. As we'd opted to use clay/Plasticine we needed to keep the design quite simple as none of our group has any real experience with this medium. I realised this is a risky approach, using a new piece of media, but I feel the practice will be valuable.

I wanted the character to still look slightly creepy in a sense due to the genre of the animation.

Character 1

Character 2