Stop Motion Filmmaking

Christopher Walsh has an MFA in Film Studies, and is a Professor in the Bachelor of Animation Program at Sheridan College, Canada. He has worked extensively in the stop motion television industry, and his own short films continue to screen at animation festivals internationally.

• AcknowledgementsIntroductionPart 1 - Puppet FabricationChapter 1: An Introduction to Stop-Motion PuppetsChapter 2: Character DesignChapter 3: Fabricating the InsideChapter 4: Fabricating the Outside: Part 1Chapter 5: Fabricating the Outside: Part 2Chapter 6: The CostumePart 2 - The StudioChapter 7: Physical SpaceChapter 8: LightingChapter 9: CameraPart 3- AnimationChapter 10: Before AnimatingChapter 11: Introductory ExercisesChapter 12: Advanced ExercisesChapter 13: Animating DialogueChapter 14: Putting it All Together: The Showcase ShotPart 4- Making a FilmChapter 15: Pre-ProductionChapter 16: ProductionChapter 17: Post-ProductionChapter 18: Distribution and ExhibitionConclusionFurther ReadingIndex

Chris Walsh has just written the definitive book on stop motion for students. It’s fantastic because it covers everything, from creating a basic puppet character, to setting up a fitting studio, through to experiencing the entire process of making a film, from start to finish. Everything that a student would need and want to know is here, and then they can explore even more online. The language is highly accessible, and Chris’s obvious sense of humour shines through in every paragraph, making it a "fun" read. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone wishing to study stop motion, or indeed anyone who has a general fascination of it, since it will have such universal appeal. It makes me want to get on and make my next film and inspires me to embrace the endless possibilities of this everlasting medium. I have no doubt that it will inspire you, and stop-motion students everywhere, too.