In class one, we discussed several films that were created using stop motion techniques. One film I really enjoyed was “The Bigger Picture” by Daisy Jacobs. The artists mainly animated the characters by painting them on the walls of the set and taking many pictures of the paintings. In the first scene, Richard drives up to the house in his car. Considering that this was animated using paint on a flat surface, the finished product is quite dimensional. They used the elements of scale and value to create the look of the car growing as it drives down the hill.
The artists also used three-dimensional props made from paper mache. Whenever the bodies of the two-dimensional characters extended away from the wall, there was a paper mache prop to create that illusion. An example of this is also in the first scene when Nick picks up the teapot. Another interesting aspect is how the artists animated water. When the boiling water is poured, they animated the paint to imitate water. In a later scene, Nick again pours a cup of tea, but this time three-dimensional transparent plastic is used.
There are many more interesting elements in this animated film; all of which help add to the overall mood. I’m looking forward to watching more of Daisy Jacobs’ work.
Sydney McPherson
ANIM223 - HISTORY OF ANIMATION - FALL 2019 