Editing Stop Motion Workshop 2025

== Overview ==

Stop motion workshop held at Geeky Teas in Burbank, led by Brett Long. Some shows he's worked on: Mickey and Friends, and Trick or Treat.

== Equipment ==

=== Misc ===

* C-Stand from Amazon ($75)
* Stop Motion Pro - app for phone or desktop(free)
* fiber fill - A cotton type material used for smoke effects

=== DragonFrame app ===

The industry standard stop motion app (not free). 

DF allows for controlled camera moves.

=== DSLR ===

When using a DSLR, use prime lenses to insure the image position remains consistent. 

Make all F-stop adjustments, etc on the lens, not the camera. Use a cable, not a battery for power because changing the battery will shift the position of the camera.

=== Lighting ===

A LED stip light can be hooked up to a desktop computer. 

The Dragon Frame software can control each channel of light (RGBW), e.g. make an amber light via controls in software.

A shower curtain can be used over lights to create diffusion. Industry standard material is expensive. 

== Track read ==

Track reading is mapping dialog to frames of animation. Offset the image 4 frames after audio for a more realistic effect. 

== Staging ==

Present characters facing the camera even when two characters are in conversation.

== Ease in/out ==

=== Anticipation ===

Move opposite of the direction of the main action.

=== Follow through ===

How something attached to a main body moves relative to the main body, e.g. loose clothing or long hair. 

=== Exaggeration ===

A little extra added to actions for more life.

=== Secondardy action ===

Pounding on a desk -- objects on the desk shake in reaction.

=== Squash and stretch ===

Move possible with clay ball flattening as it hits the ground.

== Reference ==

Original notes are in Pocket Sketchbook 2014, pp. 63-69.