Concept
We begin by presenting the concept as we designed it at the start of our project. We propose a method (long version) that entails 4 workshops (each 2,5h long, see description below). This method is suitable for groups that meet regularly and in stable settings (such as schools, kinder gardens, social clubs for youth or elderly people). It is also suitable for families or groups of friends who meet several times at their home or in a context that allows for more time and extended periods of work.
Download the initial method plan
The method is adaptable to various environments and audiences. Activities and time frames can be modified to suit the needs of the participants. In the frame of our project and while working with families, we revised our method and designed a short version of one 3 - 3,5h workshop to meet the needs of families, their busy schedules and limited availability. More detailed information on the short version will be shared in the section Experience of this guide.
For a summary of the method including more practical information on materials, equipment ect. please consult the template, available as a PDF in the top right corner of the page. Please read below about the 4-step-method and what each of the steps entails. In addition, a launch event at the beginning and a collecitf viewing event at the end are suggested that can be adapted according to the context and particular needs of the audience.
The phases of the project:
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Workshop #1
Sharing objects & stories, demonstrating the app
The first workshop starts with a ‘Show and Tell’ activity. We all sit in a circle. Every person brings two objects: (1) one object is personal and should tell something about the participant, (2) one is related to the specific topic the workshop is targeted at, in our case experiences of discrimination.
Participants are invited to show their objects, share the story behind it and say why they have chosen it. This activity aims to listen to others and to learn about them. Here, we approach a topic by starting from the experiences and views that exist in the group.
We then do a demonstration of the app ‘Stop motion Studio’ that we are using and show the basic functions of the app and of animation making. You can download the app either from the apple store or play store. There is a free version that has all the basic features necessary to make a video, and a paid version (for 7.99€) with some extra features, sounds and music.
You can find tutorials online about how to use the app:
(English): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DzV3-1lnTQ (step 1, next steps play automatically after watching part 1)
(Deutsch) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS8PMnAKJL4&t=43s)
(Français) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdCKhsYXIcA)
Workshop #2
Think of a story you would
like to create and have a go at playing with the application
For the second workshop participants are asked to think about a story they want to create. At the end of the first workshop participants have received an empty storyboard template (see here for examples: https://www.storyboardthat.com/de/articles/e/was-ist-ein-storyboard) that they are invited to fill with their ideas. There are boxes to draw pictures and lines to write text, each representing a scene in film. Usually there are six of them.
The second workshop starts with a discussion of the ideas and draft stories participants have prepared. Those who did not do a story board can share their ideas orally. Then participants can get together in small groups to create a story jointly. It is also possible to work alone, but the approach is well suited to work collaboratively.
Groups then start to try out the app and make their first steps in stop motion film making. If not done yet, participants can draw a list with materials they want to use for their film and remember to bring for the next workshop.
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Workshop #3
Creating the movie
The third workshop is dedicated to the filming, and participants will create the main part of their video. They can build scenes using a variety of materials that are provided by the organising team, or brought from home by the participants.
Before starting to film, participants need to decide whether they want to work two or three-dimensionally; find a stable camera position; choose an angle that gives you a nice working space in front of the camera.
Now, you can get started animating the objects. Try to move the objects slowly and in small incremental steps … if not, they jump. Take a first shot by pressing the red button (actually it is good to take up to 5 shots for the opening scene). Then move the object a tiny little bit, take the next shot … and so on … repeat these moves many times until a long sequence is created that can be played back as a film.
Usually, it takes about 24 frames to create one second of film. We suggest to work with 6 – 10 pictures per second. That still sounds like a lot of work. Yes, you are right, it can feel long, but don’t worry. In our experience it is also a lot of fun, and you can really get immersed into it, to the point that you do not feel the time passing 😉.
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Workshop #4
Finalising and editing
the video
The last workshop is dedicated to finalising the video. You can add sounds or music that are available on the app, or you can record your own voice or sounds from the environment. (See tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPpDWumtBs0&t=11s)
You can also add music from other sources. Please be aware of copy right and make sure to use royalty free tunes. (You can use for instance: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos which offers a large selection of melodies covering a range of different moods.)
You then can add a title and final page with credits to your film. (See tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bv5wlvCrT8)
Think of a name for your film and your film crew. Don’t forget to mention and thank all the people who have participated and supported your project. Make sure you give credit to all the sources you use, such as for royalty free music. (For instance: « Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos » )
Final Event
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Collective viewing
As a fifth step we suggest to organise an event to watch all the films with a larger audience. You can invite your friends, parents, or extended family. Make sure that all the creators have agreed that their films are being shown to other people.
Try to find a nice room and create a cinematic feeling. Participants love to see their creations on a big screen.
Maybe you can even book a real cinema. There are places that let you use their space for free or a small fee. (See for instance: https://www.kulturfabrik.lu/space/kinosch)