CONTENTS Introduction 6 How to get the most out of this book10 What is stop-motion? 12 The beginnings 14 The illusion of movement 18 Physicality 26 A continuous performance 32 Special effects 36 Wholly animated films 44 Focusing the idea 48 Stories and themes 50 Approaching the story 56 A change of perspective 60 Out of the mouths of.. talking umbrellas? 64 Atmosphere and substance 68 Economics 72 The puppets 78 Telling the story with puppets 80 The physical puppet 82 Telling characteristics 88 Stylised movement 92 Replacements 98 Eyes 100 Hands 104 Puppet size 106 Clay 108 Other techniques 112 Preparations 116 Working with others 118 Sets 122 Costume 128 Colour 132 Tools and techniques 134 Practicalities 136 The camera 140 Lighting 144 Sound 146 Dialogue 150 Special effects 154 Editing 156 Movement and performance 160 Animating on the set 162 Lively movement 168 Helping the movement 174 Performance 180 Conclusion 186 A brief history of stop-motion 188 Picture credits 190 Acknowledgements 192 Working with ethics 193