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STARTING OUT TUTORIAL

So you'd like to start making films?
Here are my suggestions for what you might like do next:
  • You're most likely here because you've already seen one or two of my films, I suggest you watch the others available here (*grin*) and then head on over to my Links Page for the links and watch as many films as you can over at Brickfilms.com, and check out the brickfilms by Bluntman and bhbrenn (egoless productions).

  • If you don't already have one, invest in a web cam. They are getting quite cheap these days, just make sure you try to buy one with a CCD capture chip (not a CMOS chip) as the CCD captures considerably clearer pictures. To help make up your mind read this excellent Webcam Article by Stefan, hosted at brickfilms.com.

  • You'll need to grab some software to be able to use your cam effectively and start animating, if you have a PC head on over to my Equipment Page and download some of the free software, to start off you'll only need Anasazi SMA. (For Mac users, look into BTV or Frame Thief, I understand they are good programs).

  • Another great resource is Thomas Foote's page BricksinMotion.com. He reviews lots of the free software available and a must read is the stop motion primer section.

  • Now you've got everything you need to start filming! I'd suggest filming in the 12-15 fps range: any lower than 12 and you're film will look jerky, and you'll find that it is not really necessary to go any higher than 15, at this stage.

  • Experiment! Play! But don't aim too high at first. You'll find that if you submit your film for discussion at the BrickFilms.com Forums there are many people there that will help you out with suggestions and encouragement (we've all got to start somewhere), just make sure you are polite (it always helps) and take and feedback (warm or cold) for what it is, feedback, not criticism! GOOD LUCK!

Want to contact me?

Nick Maniatis at h26fsok001@sneakemail.com
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