1 - Think of a simple idea and story that will be easy to film in the classroom, watch examples in our Screening Room. Download our Teachers Animation Toolkit for ideas and tips to achieving great results in the classroom.
2 - Create your models, using simple bold designs, with large features that will be easy to animate and bring to life. Watch this animation with your class.
3 - Plan your story, once more keeping ideas simple and visual. For your first attempt aim for a film that is advert length. Use our free Story Planner downloadable PDF to help get you started. Keep the number of models in a story to a minimum.
4 - To animate the story you will need:
A computer or laptop.
Animation software (for details on good education animation software and prices, click here.)
A video camera or good quality webcam. (Webcams are the most affordable solution, for a good quality webcam click here)
5 - When filming, work at 12 frames per second, keep the moves of the models small, animate one thing at a time, aim for a film that is advert length.
6 - Encourage students to preview their animation and evaluate their work as they go. Good animation software can do this.
7 - After you have created your animation you will want to add sounds and titles. Use Movie Maker on the PC or iMovie on the Mac, both great for video projects. Sound will really bring your animations to life. Here are some examples.
Free sound effects for you to download here.