Fluid Frames Experimental Animation with Sand, Clay, Paint, and Pixels

Once the realm of a few stalwart artists, animating with sand, clay, and wet paint is now accessible for all filmmakers with an experimental frame of mind. Created directly under the camera with frame-by-frame stopmotion, this "fluid frame animation" provides a completely unique visual world for animators. While pioneering animators such as Caroline Leaf, Alexander Petrov, and Ishu Patel paved the way, the availability of frame capture programs, compositing software and digital workflow is opening up new avenues of exploration for artists of all experience levels. This book will walk you through setting up your studio, choosing and working with your materials, and combining the physical under-the-camera production with digital compositing and effects to enhance your animation.· Firsthand advice from experimental animation veterans and rising stars in the field· Covers the digital aspects of experimental animation, including the latest techniques in After Effects CC· Tutorials and source files for under-the-camera approaches and After Effects enhancements on the book’s companion website In addition to the practical advice, you’ll find historical and contemporary examples of successful films, step-by-step tutorials for working under the camera and working with the footage digitally, and interviews and tips from artists who are currently pushing the boundaries in these experimental mediums. Stacked with information and images from over 30 artists, this book is an indispensable resource for both the student and professional wishing to get their hands dirty in an increasingly digital world.

Introduction Section I: Constructing the Context 1. Definition of Terms 2. A Brief Historical Overview - Three waves of experimental collaboration Section II: Animation In Practice 3. Finding your voice: Concept and Pre-Visualization 4. Setting Up the Studio 5. Animation techniques Section III: Individual Lessons: (incl. interviews and/or tutorials with practicing artists) 6. Sand Animation 7. Paint-on-Glass Animation 8. Clay-on-Glass Animation 9. Post-Production Section IV 10. Conclusion Appendix: List of Works and Artists

Corrie Francis Parks animates sand, paint and other unusual materials. With one hand under the camera and the other on the computer keyboard, her films maintain an organic connection to natural materials and traditional production methods while fully integrating digital technology. She teaches and researches animation at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and her work has been recognized with fellowships from the MacDowell Colony, Fulbright Foundation, Montana Film Office, and the Mustard Seed Foundation. Her award-winning animated shorts have screened at major festivals on every continent except Antarctica. She looks forward to the day when she can count penguins among her biggest fans.