Learn how to create an animated film using a variety of 2D and 3D stop motion techniques. Experimenting with iStopmotion software, you will discover how to make toys, clay, found objects, and paper come to life on the screen. Develop skills in narration and story development as you brainstorm and storyboard ideas for each short. For those who enjoying stepping in front of the camera, you will have a chance to do so as you animate yourself.

Spend a week creating magical short films that involve a variety of giants, princes, princesses, trolls, wizards and castles. You will examine and celebrate these themes using various techniques in puppet-making and stop motion animation. Collaborate with other campers to storyboard, develop characters and design the sets for your magical stories.

Take a piece of paper and bring it to life! In this class, you will learn how to use iStopmotion software to create your own animation shorts. Delve into the concept of design, building skills in illustration, light and color play, and set design. You will also develop narrative skills through storytelling, character development and collaborative art production. By exploring animation innovations like multi-plane camerawork, you may never look at a simple piece of paper the same way again.

If you could have any pet in the universe, what would you choose? This class will give you the opportunity to create the fantastical critter of your dreams! Experimenting with techniques in illustration, narration, and sculpture, you will construct puppets complete with wire armature, fur, scales, horns, whiskers and more. Feature your new pet in stop motion animation films using iStopmotion and set up a radio podcast in our Sound Booth to document its behavior.

Food lovers unite – your favorite treats come to life on our animating table! Using iStopmotion software, you will learn how to create imaginative short films that pay homage to the culinary arts. Hone your skills in script writing, interviewing, set design and character development as you watch your dream cuisine comes to life.

It’s time to CLAY! Explore the fascinating process of claymation as you learn about the tools necessary to make your own films. Experimenting with materials like wire armature, paper, fabric and clay, you will flex your creative muscles on a series of films, using iStopmotion software to capture stories ranging in the genres of abstract to short narrative.

Collaborate with a real NYC-based band on their next music video! Develop your editing skills as you design and arrange original footage to match the rhythm of the song. Music lovers and filmmakers alike will collaborate across a series of brainstorming, drawing, and storyboarding sessions, before delving into the exciting process of production. Experiment with stop motion animation equipment, work with live action video, and choreograph your dance moves for the whole performance. After the video is edited, you will have the opportunity to share the final product with the world through CMA’s Blog. Past CMA music videos have been featured on popular music blogs such as Stereogum.