Model Based Animation

Model Based Animation uses 3-Dimensional models. These models are occasionally made out of plasticine, because it is easy to reshape, move and doesn't dry out easily meaning it can be used over long periods of time.



The models are animated by taking multiple pictures with the models moving slightly each time to create the illusion that they are moving, a persistence of vision. This is a form of stop motion animation.



Claymation is the term used for animation using plasticine, usually used in the children's entertainment industry, but can be used to create adult animation too- these are mainly horror but other genes have been done.



The models used can be difficult to create, this being my attempt.

These plasticine models took approximately 30 minutes and were based off other Claymation characters from an existing animation. However they could be improved greatly if I spent more time on them and was patient when sculpting the plasticine.



Examples of Model Based Animation-

'Trapdoor' by Charlie Mills and Terry Brain, 1984-1986

'Trapdoor' was a British Claymation series following the mis-adventures of a group of monsters in a castle involving a trapdoor in the floor.

'Don't Hug Me I'm Scared 2 - Time' by Becky Sloan and Joseph Pelling, 2011- 2016

'Don't Hug Me I'm Scared' is a web series which uses multiple types of model based animation and explores different concepts and other ideas. It is an example of animation meant for older people and not children due to it's disturbing nature.



'Kubo and the Two Strings' by Travis Knight, 2016

'Kubo and the Two Strings' is an upcoming movie which was created by model based animation and has a general audience. The film will be released in late 2016 and uses models with wire skeletons.

My Attempt at Model Based Animation- 

I used iStopMotion 3 to create this simple animation using a Hue HD WebCam to take the images. I think I could greatly improve this animation in a multitude of ways, ranging from more patience to better model construction as it was difficult to move the plasticine without ripping it.