Stop-motion animation
can be defined as capturing one frame at a time with objects being removed or
added to the scene and is perhaps the earliest example of animation being used
by film magician Georges Melies in his many renowned works in 1896. There are
numerous different processes within stop-motion including claymation, papercut,
puppetry and pixilation. Subsequently, all of these can be seen in modern
animations that we consume today, even if we may not notice it. My profound
interest for stop-motion and desire to have a career in this part of the
creative industry has inspired me to write this essay addressing the reasons
behind why someone would choose to use stop motion in the digital age. An
important concept to investigate in the essay will be the influences of the
digital age on stop-motion animation. Richard Watson in Future Minds, discusses
the notion that ‘If we fully embrace a process that makes things happen too
quickly, we are prevented from properly analysing or discussing things’
(Watson, 2010: Chapter 7). So, when thinking about the digital methods of
animation dominating the industry as they are seen as more time efficient, are
certain qualities lost within this? It seems that stop-motion has an apparent attraction
to certain individuals and to investigate their intentions behind this will be
another one of the intentions of this essay. This essay will attempt to explore
how relevant stop-motion is in the digital age, and the reasons behind choosing
it as an animation medium over things such as 3D. Primary research will be key
within this essay as this investigation concentrates on personal motives and
notions, and therefore interviews with practicing stop motion animators will be
a key source. Studying the influences of Ray Harryhausen, a prominent
stop-motion pioneer, famous stop motion studios such as Laika and Aardman along
with early and contemporary examples of animation will also help to bring
around a conclusion as to why someone would choose stop-motion in a world that
is controlled by the digital.
