Frame-By-Frame Stop Motion
The Guide to Non-Traditional Animation Techniques

In a world that is dominated by computer images, alternative stop motion techniques like pixilation, time-lapse photography and down-shooting techniques combined with new technologies offer a new, tangible and exciting approach to animation. With over 25 years professional experience, industry veteran, Tom Gasek presents a comprehensive guide to stop motion animation without the focus on puppetry or model animation. With tips, tricks and hands-on exercises, Frame by Frame will help both experienced and novice filmmakers get the most effective results from this underutilized branch of animation. Practical insight and inspiration from leading filmmakers like PES (Western Spaghetti Creator, Time Magazine's #2 Viral Video of 2008), Dave Borthwick, of the Bolex Brothers and more! The accompanying website will include further content driven examples, indexes of stop motion software, a recommended film list and tools and resources for the beginner and intermediate stop motion artist, animators and filmmakers.

Chapter 1 What Are the Possibilities?1Opening image is of Norman McLaren directing Neighbours.© 1952 National Film Board of Canada. All rights reserved. Photo credit: Evelyn Lambert.; Chapter 2 Shooting Frame by Frame1Opening image is from the 1988 film Candyjam, directed and produced by Joanna Priestly and Joan Gratz, © 1988.; Chapter 3 Pixilation1Opening image is a light painting with Christmas lights. © Tom Gasek2011.; Chapter 4 Time-Lapse Photography1Opening image is a close-up of a time-lapse rig, created by Ken Murphy, History of the Sky project. © Ken Murphy 2009.; Chapter 5 Cinematography, Lighting, and Composition1Opening image is a sguashand stretch image superimposed on a camera lens. © Tom Gasek 2011.; Chapter 6 Objects, People, and Places1Opening image is of an animator moving Frank Passingham and Tom Thumb model. By Bolex Brothers, used with permission from Dave Borthwick © 1986.; Chapter 7 The Multiplane Downshooter1Opening images are the pre-digital studio set-up and the current digital studio set-up of artist Joan Gratz. Photograph by Joan Gratz, © 2010.; Chapter 8 A Sense of Drama1Opening image is a still from Jidlo (Food), directed by Jan Svankmajer. Photo © 1992 Athanor Ltd. Film Production Company, Jaromir Kallista and Jan Svankmajer. Courtesy of Jan Svankmajer.; Chapter 9 Rhythm and Flow1Opening image is Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Walter Cronkite. JibJab Media Inc., © 2010, courtesy of Evan Spiridellis.; Chapter 10 Collage (The Digital Advantage)1Opening images are a series of the composite Hat Fish, © Tom Gasek2011.; Chapter 11 Massaging Frames in the Edit1Opening image is one of a new digital editing laptop computer attacking an old film Moviola on the run. © Tom Gasek 2011.; Chapter 12 Exposure to the Market1Opening image is a portrait of Jan Svankmajer, © Athanor Ltd. Film Production Company, Jaromir Kallista, and Jan Svankmajer 2010. Courtesy of Jan Svankmajer.;

Professional Practice & Development