Stop Motion Animation Book Reviews
If
you
are
a
first-time
animator,
or
are
just
starting
out,
this
book
is a
good
place
to
start.
It
provides
a
good
overview
of
the
animation
process,
with
plenty
of
pictures
and
examples.
It
covers
equipment,
lighting,
techniques,
models,
sets,
and
performance.
It
also
covers
the
history
of
animation.
In
depth.
In
great
depth.
In
fact,
about
one-third
of
the
book
is
dedicated
to
the
history
of
animation.
That's
all
well
and
good,
but
I
was
really
wanting
(and
expecting)
quite
a
bit
more
in
some
of
the
other
areas.
For
example,
the
section
on
models
and
model
making
gives
several
examples
of
Aardman
models,
and
briefly
describes
the
processes
involved
in
making
them.
Although
there
are
many
helpful
hints
in
these
pages,
I
would
have
liked
an
in-depth
description
for
at
least
one
of
the
models.
I
want
to
know
what
tools
I
need,
what
supplies
I
need,
and
step-by-step
instructions
for
building
a
simple
model
with
a
wireframe
skeleton.
Unfortunately,
the
pages
that
described
that
were
replaced
by
50
pages
of
history.
If
you
are
interested
in
animation,
and
need
a
place
to
start,
'Creating
3d
Animation'
is
great
for
beginners.
On
the
other
hand,
if
you
are
looking
for
answers
to
the
many
problems
that
face
3d
animators,
you
may
be
disappointed.
Review
by
I've
got
pretty
much
all
the
stop motion
books
in
print,
and
this
one
is
really
something
else
entirely.
It's
not
a
text,
not
a
beginner's
lesson
book
and
not
just
an
appreciation
for
the
art
form
(and,
as
Mr.
Purves
proves,
it
really
IS
an
artform).
Rather
it's
a
very
passionate
reflection
on
the
creative
process
of
making
stop motion,
and
on
the
larger
aspects
of
creativity
in
general.
Barry
is
one
of
the
best
among
animators....
and
has
frequently
been
writer
and
director
of
his
own
films,
resulting
in
some
of
the
most
startling
and
original
animation
to
date
(such
as
his
brilliant
Achilles
or
my
favorite
Rigoletto).
He
expounds
with
great
articulateness
and
intelligence
on
the
strengths
and
weaknesses
of
the
various
forms
of
animation,
revealing
his
obvious
love
for
stop motion
above
all
the
rest.
And
as
he
does,
he
reveals
truths
about
animation
that
you
had
always
felt
but
couldn't
quite
put
into
words.
He
also
shares
a
wealth
of
his
own
hard-earned
tips
and
techniques,
some
about
animating,
but
more
on
the
art
of
storytelling
and
on
how
best
to
utilize
the
special
properties
that
stop motion
alone
has.
It's
not
a
book
about
"how
to
animate"
but
rather
Why....
and
he
stresses
the
importance
of
playing
to
the
particular
strengths
of
our
quirky
art.
If
it
can
be
done
in
live
action
or
CGI
or
drawn
animation,
then
why
use
stopmo?
As
many,
he
feels
the
sheer
potential
of
stop motion
has
only
begun
to
be
tapped,
and
he
expounds
at
great
length
on
how
that
might
be
done.
And
reading
his
words,
it's
difficult
not
to
feel
the
same
inspiration
he
obviously
does.
Review
by
I
ordered
this
book
and
am
very
impressed.
While
on
the
way
to
the
book
store
Christmas
Eve,
with
a
nasty
ear
ache,
on
the
phone,
and
very
content,
I
called
the
bookstore
in
advance
to
pull
anything
off
of
the
shelf
for
my
purpose.
When
asked
to
check
for
books
about
stop-motion
animation,
I
was
told
that
there
is a
book
on
'the
art
of
stop-motion
animation'.
I
said
order
it.
There
I
was
driving
to
the
book
store
to
do
the
usual
checking
the
shelf,
to
look
in
the
arts
section
(for
my
intended
mission)
on
clay
animation,
or
puppets....
anything
about
stop-motion
animation?,
I
asked.
Yes.
Order
it I
said.
I
have
the
book
now.
And
I
have
not
put
the
book
down
since.
My
goal
is
to
learn
how
to
make
puppets
like
the
one
in
Rudolph,
and
all
the
Rankin
&
Bass
specials.
I
got
a
lot
more
from
this
book.
It
is
right
in
line
with
everyting
you
will
want
to
know
about
stop-motion
animation.
The
author
has
the
passion
for
the
art.
Extensive
background
on
the
history
of
rare
antiquated
movies
in
the
art
and
also
contact
with
very
recent
directors
and
producers
from
movies
like
'Corpse
Bride'
and
'The
Night
Before
Christmas.'
Also
within
this
book
is
golden
information
from
those
who
have
private
studios
and
offer
courses
with
valuable
knowledge
in
the
field
of
puppetry
for
stop-motion
animation.
The
book
is
easy
to
read,
very
informative
from
what
is
needed
to
film,
how
to
animate,
and
even
interviews
with
teachers,
and
Professionals
within
this
field.
It
is
an
art
that
will
survive
and
will
continue
to,
even
along
side
CG
(Computer
Graphics).
It
is
almost
like
a
class
college
book,(regarding
the
lay-out
and
the
interviews
with
associates-a
special
bonus
added!),
yet
is
so
simple
to
ready.
The
author
speaks
like
he
is
talking.
It
is
and
continues
to
be a
very
special
treasure!
The
author
even
includes
classes
one
can
take
a
professional
colleges.
I
find
it
fascinating
and
one
that
I
will
keep.
Hats
off
to
this
author!!!
Now
--
in
persuit
those
who
are
serious
in
entrepreneurial
venture,
or
hobby.
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