Workshop: Stop-Motion Animation

Place des Artistes de Farrellton (PAF), 42 Chemin Plunkett, Farrellton, QC, J0X 1T0

Learn stop-motion filmmaking with Thea Pratt!

Multi-week workshop: 5 Wednesdays, November 5 – December 3, 2025 from 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Students will first learn about some of the basic techniques and concepts employed in the creation of an animated film. We will look at different examples of a variety of types of animation in order to understand how an animated film is made. There will be a few short exercises to put the theories into practice and then we will start to work on the creation of a short film using stop motion animation. Starting with a story idea, the students will then commit that idea to a “storyboard” in order to iron out all of the technical challenges before beginning production. Once the storyboard is complete, students will begin creating the elements that they need for their films. They will design and create characters, backgrounds, props, titles etc. When the various elements for the films are ready to shoot, the students will animate their films under the camera. The course is designed to allow students to experiment with storytelling and creating artwork, but also to learn to be organized and plan out the best ways to achieve their goals. Students will be exposed to different types of technology used in the creation of an animated film, from metal working for stop-motion armatures to creating a soundtrack for their very own animated films.

Part 1: Introduction and Claymation

Students will learn about some of the basic techniques and concepts employed in the creation of a stop-motion, animated film. We will look at examples of a variety of techniques of animation
in order to understand how animated films are made and do a short Claymation exercise.

Part 2: From Story to Storyboard

How does a story synopsis become a storyboard? Students will learn the language of symbols to convey information critical to the creation of a storyboard or “map” to the animated film.
Students will make storyboards and learn about the importance of this tool in film-making.

Part 3: Puppet armatures, Molds, Rigs and Post-Production Considerations 

Students will learn about how armatures and puppets are created as well as some tricks and tools of the trade. We will also discuss the use of “clean plates”, rigs and compositing in post production for animated films.

Part 4: Camera set-ups, camera moves and Technical Considerations for Stop-Motion

Students will learn the basics in setting up the animation studio. We will discuss capture software, camera options, lighting and critical rules to follow when shooting a stop-motion film.

Part 5: Timing and Character Animation

In this last class, students will learn and practice timing and animation techniques that convey
what, and who they are bringing to life on the screen.

About Thea Pratt

Thea Pratt has been working as a technical consultant and stop-motion animator for over 20 years.  Thea has worked extensively in pre and post-production on titles, trailers and special effects, combining live action with stop-motion animation both at the National Film Board of Canada and in the blockbuster film industry. She has directed stop-motion animation commercials for television and has worked as an animator on set for several television series in Europe and Canada. Thea’s first professional independent film, Out of the Weeping Web, completed in 2007, combines her talents as a stop-motion animator, sound designer, musician and special effects artist.