Through the magic of stop-motion animation, inanimate objects seem to spring to life. With true artistic passion and finesse, a stop-motion film evokes the nostalgia of childhood when imagination could bring toys to life. Stop-motion retains the art and performance that are the heart and soul of captivating animation. Beginning with a history of stop-motion animation, The Art of Stop-Motion Animation takes you on a unique journey?uncovering the origins of this art form and examining what continues to draw viewers to these films. Through several hands-on exercises, you?ll learn how to create puppets and how to bring them to life as you create your own stop-motion film. Interviews with industry professionals offer a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look into the undying art form of stop-motion animation.

The Newbie’s guide

I specially appreciated the appendix section, with many interesting references.

The cover, and previous reviews, were designed good enough to made me think there would be more stop-motion movie related examples.

However,basic and rough exercises through the book (and in the CD-ROM included)are useful enough for any stop- motion beginner to keep him motivated without expecting outrageous results.

A good starting reference, but not outstanding alone.

If you are interested for more in depth stop-motion references check this other titles available from amazon. I believe you wont be decieved:

Books

*Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) by Susannah Shaw.
(Full of average difficulty stop-motion tips and exercises)

* Stop Motion: Passion, Process and Performance by Barry J C Purves
(A really passionate book about stop-motion! Fully recommended)

DVD

There are a great number of commercial stop-motion DVDs through amazon U.S., but I really would like to recommend this less commercial title from amazon UK. I really hope its still available by the time you read this (you could still find it in other european websites with international shipping services, but I believe this kind of information is banned in amazon):

*Peter & The Wolf - Sergei Prokofiev
DVD ~ Suzie Templeton
(A must have!)

The Newbie’s guide

First, I must say that the book’s cover was designed good enough, and previous reviews in this page, were so appealing that made me expect a little more of stop-motion movie related examples than what I found.

However,basic and rough exercises through the book (and the CD-ROM)are useful enough for any stop- motion beginner to keep him/her motivated without expecting outrageous results.

The book offers also some interesting data through the appendix section. I believe it’s a good starting reference, but not outstanding alone.

If you are interested for more in depth stop-motion references, check this other titles available from amazon. I believe you wont be decieved:

Books

*Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) by Susannah Shaw.
(Full of average difficulty stop-motion tips and exercises)

* Stop Motion: Passion, Process and Performance by Barry J C Purves
(A really passionate book about stop-motion, its origins and particular procedures through case studies and interviews. Fully recommended-)

DVD

There are a great number of commercial stop-motion DVDs through amazon U.S., but I really would like to recommend this less commercial title from amazon UK. I really hope its still available by the time you read this (you could still find it in other european websites with international shipping services, but I believe this kind of information is banned in amazon):

*Peter & The Wolf - Sergei Prokofiev
DVD ~ Suzie Templeton
(A must have!)

I was shocked,

to see some of my friends mentioned in this book, as well as a couple of sites I frequent regularly. Everything, right down to the stopmotion software I use is presented in this book, and the author is a nice guy, very quick to write back, and supportive of raw talents in stopmotion. Great teacher, great book!

Terrific Surprise! Well informed author who gets the points across on all aspects of stop-motion animation

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.

Great content

I was curious about stop-motion animation and decided to invest in this book. I have to say that is very useful and well explained. The examples are great and the book guides you step by step on how to get started. It is worth the money.