FAQs
We understand that not everyone has created stop-motion before, so our team have put together a list of helpful FAQs. Think there’s something missing? Feel free to reach out!
FAQs
Stop-motion
What is stop-motion?
What is Stop-motion Animation? Stop-motion animation (also called stop frame animation) is animation that is captured one frame at time, with physical objects that are moved between frames. When you play back the sequence of images rapidly, it creates the illusion of movement.
How long does stop-motion take to make?
The time it takes to create a stop-motion, including pre-production, production and post will depend entirely on the project, but when talking about the process of stop-motion one second of animation needs 25 frames to be captured. A 30 second commercial then requires 750 individual frames to be taken. Depending on the complexities of the shoot, an animator can capture between 2 seconds and 10 seconds a day. Want to find out more about making stop motion? Head over to our blog to read more.
How much does it cost to make stop-motion?
There is a common myth and misconception that stop-motion is the most expensive form of animation, with many assuming that computer-generated (CG) animation is cheaper. But in reality, for advertising, stop-motion is no more costly than CG and other forms of animation. When budgeting for stop-motion, depending on the duration, it can be very roughly priced per second or minute. Of course, this can only be done with a brief which should include the number of puppets or characters, props, sets and levels of complexity. Tabletop animation that includes a camera in a rostrum position facing vertically down onto a desk will be considerably cheaper than a whole cast of puppets due to the work and time needed to create them.
What is the difference between Claymation and stop-motion?
Claymation is a form of stop-motion animation, where the characters are made out of clay (plasticine) – take a look at our favourite Claymation projects here.
Working with A+C
At what point can you come to A+C with an idea?
Any time! If you’ve got all your pre-production pretty much sorted or just storyboards drawn up or maybe you have just an idea in your head, we’d love to have a chat and help bring your idea to life.
Does A+C do post production?
Yes! We do, A+C is a full service production company, it houses numerous creative, production and post-production artists.
Can you make changes after the stop-motion shoot?
The short answer is yes, you can. In the edit, you have opportunities to changes the framing, length and order of shots as easily as you would in a live action edit. We have abilities to colour correct and coloury grade shots, so the image if looks perfect, with both in-house and external teams. We also have a superb post-production department at A+C Studios who can clean-up images, add layers of VFX and composite in additional material.Naturally, there are milestones in pre-production where we state that additional changes beyond the sign off of these elements (such as a storyboard) would result in delays and/or potential additional costs. We’ll clearly signpost at the very outset of the production and throughout.And, if the worst happens – that a scene get added/rewritten well into the post-production process – the cost of getting pick-ups in stop-motion is far less labour intensive than in Live-action, much quicker than in CGI films and is much cheaper than both of those options.
How does ownership of IP work?
IP in stop-motion is usually considered on a case by case basis however, most of the time we allow our clients to have full IP ownership of any characters we create and animate with. We do ask, for any future stop-motion animation campaigns using characters created by A+C that we get first refusal of the production.
Can you hire the A+C Studio space?
Yes! Whether you want to hire one studio or the entire building, we have space for Live-action, Stop-motion, Photography, Production Shoots. If you’re looking for space purely for post-production, we have that too, we have everything you may need all under one roof. If you want to know more, drop us a line.
Is there parking at the Old Laundry?
Yes we have a number of parking spaces and a charger for electric vehicles.
Want to know more?
For more information on A+C Studios’ entertainment division or for questions regarding series development and animated series production feel free to contact us.