Wallace and Gromit Inspire Clay Animation Hopefuls
by Kelly Richardson
Animation School Review Columnist
Having been around since 1908, clay animation is not exactly a new artistic technique on the scene. But it took the phenomenon of Wallace and Gromit to bring this alternative animation style to the forefront. Check out how the creators of this wildly popular cartoon revised an ancient art.
Featuring a quirky British attitude and unforgettable adventures, Wallace and Gromit have assembled quite a cult following among animation fans across the globe. Created by Nick Park of Aardman Animations, the series of ten short animated sequences and a feature-length film have spawned a cultural trend that has influenced clothing lines, video games, music videos, and even a comic book collection.
Wallace and Gromit: Claymation Magic
But the clay animation techniques used to create the lovable duo is the real attraction. Here are some fast facts on the mania that is Wallace and Gromit.
- The Characters. Wallace is a cheese-loving inventor with a quick wit and loveable persona. Gromit is a dog who communicates exclusively with expressions and actions.
- On Location. The pair lives at 62 West Wallaby Street, Wigan, Lancs. Although no real locale exists, the scenes are recreated from familiar British towns and settings.
- Averted Disaster. A studio fire in 2005 destroyed most of the props and sets from the features. However, the original figures were traveling with Park at the time of the fire.
Clay Animation Techniques
If you’ve seen Wallace and Gromit on the big screen, you already know how powerful the clay animation sequences appear. Want to try your hand at the process? Here are some simple tips for creating your own claymation creation.
- Create the Character. Start with rough clay shapes of your ideal character. Coordinate colors that highlight the features of your character.
- Props and Background. Create very detailed settings. If you want your character to stand out from the surroundings, use lighter tones.
- Shoot the Action. Using a stop-motion 8mm or 16mm camera, shoot your character in different poses, load the images onto a computer, and fuse together with movie-making software.
The best part about clay animation is that you have virtually limitless options to bring life to your character. Maybe you can push back the claymation boundaries even further.
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About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
Posted on May 9, 2007 at 5:03 PM
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