How to Make Paper Animation

This is a lesson about making simple animations using cut-paper animation. You may be familiar with paper animation from South Park or Monty Python. Paper animation is a great medium for both young and old, amatures and professional artists. That is because it is simple to learn but can be expanded to create more complicated animations. In this lesson we will learn about setting up a basic scene, using hinges, re-usable elements, replacement animation, and simple lip sync.

For this exercise you will need a digital still camera, a tripod, and a computer with software such as iMovie. In this lesson we will use iMovie, but the principles we discuss can be used with other programs too.

You may also want to watch my lesson on Claymation: www.mindbites.com/lesson/231

The author works as a professional animator and teacher. She received her BA in Studio Art, and her MFA in Film.

http://JeanneStern.com

Jeanne Stern is an Austin based animator, artist, and filmmaker. Her work has shown many places including the Smithsonian, PBS, South by Southwest, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Athens Video Art Festival, and Heather Henson's Handmade Puppet Dreams. She received her MFA in film production from the University of Texas, and her BA in Studio Art from Connecticut College. Jeanne currently creates animation for various clients, including the Jewish educational website, G-dcast.com (such as this short about Passover: http://g-dcast.com/passover ). She also teaches classes in Austin at the Austin School of Film. Her recent film work has incorporated the third dimension,...

Clear and specific

09/07/2011

~ pinpuppets

I just want to say: If you want to learn this technique, this is the easiest and most completed tutorial I've seen online! You can start right after the lesson (TOOL)!

For me and my kids

06/05/2011

~ Paul46

I ordered this tutorial for myself and my sons who are very keen to make some cartoons. As a photojournalist and filmmaker, I've used stop motion animation in my work but this tutorial has gotten me very excited about what my sons might come up with.

It is a most excellent tutorial that my boys will easily understand and it was a good reminder for me.

Thank you. Highly recommended.

Paul Treacy
http://paultreacy.com

EXCELLENT!

04/14/2010

~ LINDA11

This video is just what I need!
I want to make short films for teaching language. The presentation of the paper animation is so clear I'm sure I can do it.

Great ideas and so simple. I'm off to my studio to try these techniques. Thank you, Jeanne. Please tell me more.

Great tutorial!

01/02/2010

~ Yvonne3

Got a lot out of this lesson, thanks!

Great information about animating!

10/12/2009

~ Tracey2

A good basic introduction to animating with cut paper. Thanks very much.

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