This document provides instructions for how to record a stop-motion film. It outlines 10 steps: 1) select a topic, 2) choose characters, 3) write a title, 4) choose a camera, 5) choose a tripod, 6) play with lights, 7) choose backgrounds, 8) find a recording location, 9) take many pictures moving characters slightly between each shot, and 10) use movie software to convert the pictures into a video. Attention to details like lighting and small, incremental movements are emphasized to create a high quality stop-motion film.

1. MagicDuo’s
HOW TO RECORD A STOP-MOTION FILM

2. 1. Select a topic
 We recommend funny topics like
persecutions, adventure stories,
gorgeous backgrounds, emblematic
places, famous scenes, popular films,
funny conversations, etc.

3. 2. Choose some
characters
 Then you have to choose the main
character and his friends, family,
neighbors, enemies, pets, working
partners, fishing friends…

4. 3. Write a title
 The title for your first film can be “The life
of _____” (and the name of your main
character).

5. 4. Choose a camera
 You should use a photo camera like this:
 -It must have more than 5 megapixels
 -It must have a zoom-macro option
 -It should have a fast shoot option
 -It should have a tripod hole

6. 5. Choose a tripod
 The best tripods are made in Japan. You
should have a middle heavy tripod and
make sure it’s not going to move and
take bad photos.
 It’s important to use a tripod with the
correct tool. If you don’t have a
standard tripod, your camera won’t be
able to take photos without moving.

7. 6. Playing with the lights
 This is the most difficult step. Professional
directors use expensive focus with
colorful filters and hundreds of led light
bulbs.
 Before having a professional tool, make
sure you have some lamps and lighting
objects. It can also be good for
increasing the clarity of the film.

8. 7. Backgrounds
 Be aware every detail and mean to be
as perfectionist as possible. Remember
that small details make the quality
better.
 You can use some Playmobil objects, like
stages or decorations.

9. 8. Recording
 You can record outside or inside your
house. We prefer recording with light
bulbs and in a enclosed space, but the
best option is to record outside, with a
soft climate and without sunshine.

10. 9. Pressing the button
 Take a lot of pictures. Make sure your
tripod is not going to move and lock the
camera. Take as many photos as you
can. Make small movements and hide
your hands! Be careful and do not move
any character if it shouldn’t be moved.
Change the light to create the effect
day-night.

11. 10. Complete the film
 You can use three kind of computer
programs to convert stop motion into a
video.
 -iMovie: (for mac) very easy and
gorgeous (****)
 -Windows movie maker: (Microsoft) easy
but a little bit simple (**)
 -Final Cut Pro: (for mac) fantastic
multitask and really gorgeous (*****)