A tribute to Willis.

This "lesson plan" is actually a semester course plan. It is divided into a series of lessons which culminate in the production of two digitally animated films by two different groups of students.

Lesson 1 - We begin with the history of stop motion animation by looking at the work of Willis O'Brien, George Pal, Ray Harryhausen, Arthur Rankin, Jules Bass and Nick Park. We study the history of the technology used to produce their work.

Lesson 2 - We allow students to create an original clay fired character (full body or head). We introduce them to a variety of building techniques, skills and tools. They may choose any theme - i.e. sci-fi, mythical creature etc.

Lesson 3 - We divide into groups. We dicuss/brainstorm story concepts and character development.

Lesson 4 - We develop illustrated designs for characters, illustrated designs for "sets". We draw-up storyboards which detail the viusal plot of their animated tales. We discuss lighting, camera angles, camera "shots".

Lesson 5 - We construct plasicine characters, props and a "scaled" set (diorama).

Lesson 6 - We discuss and demonstrated all technical necessities. WE FILM!

Lesson 7 - We follow with any post-production activities - i.e. titles, music, world premier etc.