Fluid Frames : Experimental Animation with Sand, Clay, Paint, and Pixels

While experimental animation has been doable in the past, the advent and prevalence of technology has expanded the possibilities of working with these non-traditional materials. Fluid Frames walks readers through studio set-up, choosing and working with materials, and transitioning from physical production to digital workflow to enhance their animations. It provides tutorials on how to work with the latest version of After Effects and how to best apply those techniques to difficult materials like sand and clay. With case studies and exclusive interviews covering the latest successful experimental animations and animators, this book is your getting-started guide to this exciting art form.

Once the realm of a few stalwart artists, animating with sand, clay, and wet paint is now accessible for all filmmakers with an experimental frame of mind. Created directly under the camera with frame-by-frame stopmotion, this "fluid frame animation" provides a completely unique visual world for animators. While pioneering animators such as Caroline Leaf, Alexander Petrov, and Ishu Patel paved the way, the availability of frame capture programs, compositing software and digital workflow is opening up new avenues of exploration for artists of all experience levels. This book will walk you through setting up your studio, choosing and working with your materials, and combining the physical under-the-camera production with digital compositing and effects to enhance your animation.

· Firsthand advice from experimental animation veterans and rising stars in the field

· Covers the digital aspects of experimental animation, including the latest techniques in After Effects CC

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Tutorials and source files for under-the-camera approaches and After Effects enhancements on the book’s companion website

In addition to the practical advice, you’ll find historical and contemporary examples of successful films, step-by-step tutorials for working under the camera and working with the footage digitally, and interviews and tips from artists who are currently pushing the boundaries in these experimental mediums. Stacked with information and images from over 30 artists, this book is an indispensable resource for both the student and professional wishing to get their hands dirty in an increasingly digital world.