PonderPictures.com

Stop-Motion Animation BEHIND THE SCENES

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:39:00 +0000

Here are a few pictures showing the animation set up I used to film the entire "LEGO - Snowball Fight" animation.

In the above picture you can see my Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer set up and running Dragon Stop Motion.

Dragon is an image capture program that is one of my most valuable stop-motion animation tools! The program allows me to take pictures directly to my computer, creating live previews and immediate play back so that I can check my animation sequence.
Using Dragon I have total control over all my camera's manual settings right on my computer. Which allows me to keep the lighting and exposer consistent from frame to frame. Which is actually extremely important as even this short "LEGO - Snowball Fight" animation had over 800 individual frames (or pictures) that make up the animation in the film.

In this photo, you can see how the set design in this film is very basic and straight forward. It's just a simple table-top set up with a piece of white poster board curved to create an infinite background.

The entire film was animated on this one piece of poster board.

A matter of fact, on the table I'm animating on in the studio (which is actually just a piece of plywood) you can see next to the poster board is the set for another LEGO film I've been working on.

You can also see some of my lego bins on the side. It helps having them handy incase I need an extra piece or plate while I'm animating. Many times I'll use a small piece or collection of pieces to help prop up and hold a lego guy in just the right position until I can snap the picture.

Hopefully these pictures give you a little bit of a better idea of how simple and easy the concept of stop-motion animation can be!

You don't need a lot of fancy equipment or studio space. My studio set-up consist of:

1.) A table
2.) A piece of poster board / a simple background
3.) My subjects (In this case Lego guys)
4.) Some inexpensive lighting / lamps
5.) And a room in the basement where I can block out any uncontrolled lighting (i.e. I put cardboard over the window)

Pretty simple.

I do use a Digital Canon Rebel XSi camera and an attached Macro EF lens which together cost me around 840.00 dollars.
But you can certainly do the same animation and use any camera really.

And if you look online you can find several free stop-motion animation capture programs. These programs allow you to use a Video Camera, Web Cam, and some still digital cameras, to capture frames of your animation directly to your computer.

While using the Canon camera and lens that I use does improve the quality of my films it doesn't really make my animation any better.

With just a simple set-up you can animate excellent stop-motion animation films.

You can see this if you watch one of my older films, Clay Soup. (My first award-winning clay animation stop-motion film)
The animation is good, but the camera I used didn't have the best quality.

Now, years later, I'm able to produce a higher quality film as I'm using a little higher quality equipment.

I've always wanted to make movies and one thing about stop-motion animation that I love so much is that everything is on a smaller scale! I can't afford a "real" studio building and lights for producing a live-action film... but smaller scale stop-motion animation projects means smaller budgets! Smaller studios, smaller lights, smaller actors... it just opens up a lot of options to filmmakers!
And it's a lot of fun!

If you have any specific questions pertaining to stop-motion animation, filmmaking, or the "LEGO - Snowball Fight" animation I just completed... give me an e-mail!

You can e-mail me directly at: director@ponderpictures.com

Thanks for reading! Have a great day!

Your Director,

Spencer Weaver

Stay Sharp

RELEASED: LEGO animation SNOWBALL FIGHT!

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:11:00 +0000

Last Friday, on the 12th of February, 49 states were under snow in the USA!
Here in Wisconsin we've been under snow for months! And recently, I've been "under snow" here in the studio as I've worked on completing a short animation of a LEGO snowball fight!

I completed the sound FX and music just yesterday and now I'm excited to release and bring to you this 1 minute and 18 second LEGO stop-motion animation film.

I hope you enjoy watching and sharing this energetic and playful LEGO animation!
This screenplay was originally designed to test out animating a snowball fight. I had a lot of fun animating the shots and I'm very pleased with how well it all came together!

In the week ahead I plan to post some "behind the scenes" pictures of the making of the film!

See you later! ;)

Director,

Spencer Weaver

LEGO Snowball Animation Sequence

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:36:00 +0000

Recently, a friend encouraged me with a challenge, saying that he thought it would be cool to see a snowball fight between lego guys. He asked if something like this was even possible, and if so, how could you do it.

Well, having once thought about animating a snowball fight myself I set out to give those ideas some tests.

And now... I'm almost done animating the sequence! So I'll be finishing it and posting it soon.

During animation I was also able to test out some of the camera angles and screenplay ideas I'd originally thought of and planned on incorporating in our new LEGO ninja movie.

I'm excited about how cool this animation looks so far and can't wait to post it!

Pictures of the Finished Inn

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:49:00 +0000

For our new LEGO film I was assigned the task of constructing the "Inn" where all the action takes place in the second scene of the film.

Today, I've been working in the studio to ready everything in the scene for animation. The lighting is what I've spent the majority of my time on as I'm trying to get every shadow to fall right where I've envisioned it in order to create the scene I'm striving to capture.

There is much more experimenting with the lights that I need to do right now... but I hope to begin animating soon!

Animation Kicks Off in 2010

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Welcome to 2010! Here in the studio I'm putting the finishing touches on "The Inn" for the next scene in our new LEGO movie!
Lately, I haven't had much time to work on the LEGO movie, and right now I can't do anymore animation until "The Inn" is complete and ready for action.

I'm itching to get it done and begin the Animation for scene 2 of the film! This second scene is very action packed and will be a blast to animate! I'm really looking forward to it! So, I've been very anxious to finish building the set for the Inn.

Actually, I'm on the second version of the Inn, the first building didn't look right at all. But I feel very happy with how it's looking this time!

Be sure to check back here in the next couple weeks as I'll be posting some of the new animation as I do it!

Director, Spencer Weaver

FIRST SCENE OF NEW LEGO FILM

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:12:00 +0000

Previously I mentioned that I was preparing to animate the shot of the horse running down the LEGO mountain... I promised I'd post the animation after I finished it, so...

Here today is an exclusive behind the scenes
sneak peek revealing the completed animation of the horse shot from our new LEGO stop-motion animation movie!

This clip is from the first scene of the film...

Let me know what you think!

Also, with the completion of this shot, SCENE 1 of the film is now complete!

Stop-Motion Animation

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:22:00 +0000

Today, I've been working in the studio on animating some of the new LEGO stop-motion animation movie my brothers and I are producing.

Things are looking really good.

I'm gearing up to begin animation on a very complex shot that includes some tricky camera movements. The animating will have to be executed just right for everything to work and the camera movements to come out looking smooth. I'm going to have to really take my time and do it right.

Currently, I'm getting ready to do a bunch of tests to make sure everything is going to work.
Even still I may have to re-animate the shot once or twice. We'll see how it turns out.

While the camera is moving, I'll also be animating our Ninja riding his horse down the mountain. Animating the LEGO horse running also poses some difficulty seeing as how LEGO horses legs don't move :)

The shot I'm working on right now is the most difficult shot of the film so far. However, we have many other shots coming soon that will be much more complicated and involve more action and characters.

So, I'm really looking ahead to these coming weeks, and I'm excited about the animation we'll be doing!
I think it's going to come out looking really good.

Check back here on our website and I'll keep you posted ;)

P.S. and as soon as I'm done animating this new shot, I'll post it online here!

Animation is firing up!

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Together, my brothers and I are producing a short film utilizing stop-motion animation and LEGOs.

I conducted some initial animation tests, including the 42 second LEGO Jib Animation.
Now, starting just this past Tuesday, principle animation for the film has begun!!!

This is a still picture from the very first shot you'll see in the beginning of the film.
Last night I completed the animation for this shot - which is about 14 seconds long!

We've put a lot of work so far into designing the sets and backdrops for the film - sparing no detail! For the film I've assigned each one of my younger brothers and I different scenes from the story of which we are to construct the scenery and buildings using all LEGO bricks and pieces. It's been a lot of fun!

It's a good lesson in working together, for not one of us alone has all the right LEGO bricks and pieces... but when we work together - each one bringing all that he has - we can complete the task!

Playing off of each others strengths to achieve the goal!

Let me explain just what I mean. In the film we need a dock built on the water. Well, I don't have very many good LEGO pieces for that, however two of my younger brothers do. So, guess, who I assigned the task of building the dock?

Now, in another case, I had some very specific ideas for how something needed to be built in order to accommodate the stop-motion animation screenplay and some very precise animation movements. In this case, I built the LEGO scenery and movie set myself so that I could experiment with the animation and ensure that it would all work out how I was envisioning.

After finishing the first shot of our new film last night... today I'm on to animating shot number 2 of scene 1!!!

Stay tuned for more updates! There is still a lot of stuff under wraps but we will reveal more of the story and plot in the coming weeks as animation continues!

Director, Spencer Weaver

Legos busy at work in the studio

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:17:00 +0000

My brothers and I have been busy getting ready to animate our new lego movie here at Ponder Pictures.

Earlier this week we were testing out some of our new "Lego Film Equipment"

In particular the Lego Jib we built.

Watch the video for the behind-the-scenes look at what happened late this past Friday night in the Studio...

A jib is basically like a small crane, allowing filmmakers to achieve some really cool shots moving the camera from high angles down to a lower angle - or the other way around.
If you watch movies carefully, you will almost always see at least some camera shot like this.
And a Jib is one way to film that shot!

Much larger cranes are also used frequently in filmmaking, however they are very expensive... plus, besides that, we don't need such a big crane for filming tiny little lego guys!

A jib is very interesting in that it uses counter weights at the opposite end of the were the camera sits to balance out the extended arm on which the camera is attached.

When properly balanced, moving the jib feels weightless, like a teeter-totter.
Jibs use a short arm (where the operator stands) and a long arm (where the camera is). Now, the the further the camera is extended from the pivot point or the longer the jib arm is, all the more counterweight is needed to balance out the jib.

They are a lot of fun to use! And working with the LEGO jib has been a blast!!

Stay tuned for more updates coming soon on our newest film production!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Spencer

Live from City Prayz!

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:10:00 +0000

As part of the video production team for City Prayz, this post comes to you
live from La Crosse, WI

Click here to learn more about City Prayz!

A personal "Hello" from Spencer

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:42:00 +0000

This is a special post for all of you whom I've personally told about the website, ponderpictures.com, during the last few weeks!
I've really enjoyed the many opportunities I've had to have conversations with all of you!
And today, as I was thinking, I thought it would be fun to put an intentional welcome on my website to you personally.

Many of you asked about what I've been up to lately and I explained how I make movies and how I want to get more into filmmaking and so on. And I often mentioned my website, ponderpictures.com.

So, if you are one those whom I have talked to, let me just say, "Hello, and thank you for stopping by!"

Here on the website you can click on the FILMS button to your left and watch several or our movies, especially the Clay Animation films.

After you have a had look around, feel free to click the CONTACT button, also on your left, and let me know if you have any questions or comments. You can also e-mail me at Director@ponderpictures.com

Thanks a lot everybody! I look forward to seeing you and talking with you more down the road! And thanks again for checking out our website, ponderpictures.com!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Spencer

Watch 10 minutes of "Out-Takes" from our Silent Film

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Now, you can watch the Out-Takes from our silent film, "Better Luck Next Time"

Click here to watch the Out-Takes on YouTube

(Veteran actor and a Ponder Pictures favorite, Chris Anderson, runs after Spencer Weaver at the Train Station.)

Go "behind the scenes" with us in the "Out-Takes" and once again laugh with us, as you watch some of what was originally left on the cutting room floor... the humorous mishaps, funny business, and much, much more, from the making of "Better Luck Next Time!"

To read more about the film "Better Luck Next Time" or to purchase the DVD Click here.

Better Luck Next Time - DVD release!

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:19:00 +0000

In 2005 we produced a 34 minute silent film entitled, "Better Luck Next Time"

Reminiscent of the works of Harold Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin, "Better Luck Next Time" is a black and white silent film about a boy who goes to any and every length to try and return a case to its rightful owner. Constantly encountering opposition on every side - he is determined to stop at nothing.

This is a fun family movie with a lot of slapstick physical comedy - think Keystone Cops.

The concept of the film was largely inspired by silent film actor and star, Harold Lloyd.
This film was actually shot over a seven month period and in all four seasons of the year!!!
And with nearly 40 people acting in close to 200 differnet rolls, "Better Luck Next Time" marked our largest production to date!
Accompanying the slapstick comedy you'll enjoy a full musical score by famed ragtime muscian, Scott Joplin.

One of the highlights of the film was showcasing the Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive!

Built in 1944, we filmed the restored locomotive in 2004 during the "Grad Excursion" as it passed through our town.
It was a historical event and also inspired the making of "Better Luck Next Time."

(Famous shot from the Police Force chase scene.)

(Prodution still of the chase scene with the Model-T Ford and an ancient Scwhinn Bicycle. We almost weren't able to shoot these scenes at all. For it rained all morning on the only day we could film with the Model-T Ford. But then, by the afternoon, the sun came out and it was a beautiful day!)

During the production of the film, we had a lot of fun, and laughed a lot!

Now, you can purchase and enjoy "Better Luck Next Time" in crisp full DVD quality! Along with Special features including all the extras!

Go "behind the scenes" with us in the "Out-Takes" and once again laugh with us, as you watch some of what was originally left on the cutting room floor... the humorous mishaps, funny business, and much, much more, from the making of "Better Luck Next Time!"

Total the DVD is aprrox. 50 minutes long!

Are the Rumors True???

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Traveling around have been many rumors that Ponder Pictures was working on a new movie production. The rumors are indeed true!
A rough script has already been drafted and pre-production is well underway!

Ponder Pictures has made the decision to invest time and money into a short film featuring stop-motion animation. As of the now the theme and subject of the film is still "under wraps" and will be released in the upcoming weeks.

This morning I had the opportunity of interviewing myself so I asked a few questions about this new project.

ME
So, what does the schedule look like for this new film and when will we find out more?

MY RESPONSE
Currently, the project is in pre-production and animation is scheduled to begin within the first two weeks of September. Throughout the whole process we'll have tons of pictures posted on our website at www.ponderpictures.com
Also, you'll want to check there for all the latest information on the film.

ME
Okay, you say "short film" how long are you thinking?

MY RESPONSE
Right now, its shaping up to be about 3 minutes long. And with our schedule the film should be ready for release by the end of this September.

ME
When the film is "released" what is your plan for distribution?

MY RESPONSE
We are planing an initial web only release. You'll be able to watch the movie online on YouTube or on our website, ponderpictures.com
And there will be more information on the release as well as sneak peeks available on our website all this month.

ME
Your website mentions that this new short film is going to be made using stop-motion animation. Can you tell us what medium you'll be using... i.e. clay animation?

MY RESPONSE
Although many of our films have been made by animating clay puppets this production is going to utilize Lego bricks to tell the story.

ME
Have you made lego brick films before?

MY RESPONSE
Yes. In fact, years ago, some of my earliest animation tests were done using Legos. Also, I recently animated a Lego test sequence for fun and practice which you can watch on our website.

ME
When will we hear more about the story and subject matter of the film?

MY RESPONSE
The themes and basic story plot - as well as other information - will all be released after animation begins.

ME
Alright, well thank you very much for allowing me to interview you today. We all look forward to seeing the new film later this month and well check back at PonderPictures.com for all the behind the scenes info!

MY RESPONSE
Yes, and thank you very much for having me. Have a great day.

During my interview with Spencer Weaver, he mentioned that there are also several other projects that are in the beginning phases of pre-production. I think we'll be able to expect a possible few other films even before Christmas of this year!

Our Newest DVD

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Watch this preview for our newest DVD! "Ponder Pictures Presents - Episode 1"
In this episode we address our individual Pride in contrast to the Humility of the Lord Jesus Christ.
O, that we would "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and "clothe [ourselves] with Humility" (Romans 14:13; 1 Peter 5:5; Colossians 3:12)
And learn to love others with the same love that Christ has showed to us. (John 15:12)
That our attitude might "be the same as that of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5

You can purchase this entire DVD Here.

or you can watch portions of it on our website...
Think Twice
Clay Soup

and you can download "Why Did the Duck Cross the Road" from Behemoth.com

So take a minute and read more about this DVD Here.

Scripts, ideas, and screenplays

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:36:00 +0000

This week I'm sorting through piles of scripts, notes, ideas, and screenplay thoughts I've jotted down and collected over the past years. Things I've written down on cinematographic concepts and stop-motion animation camera movements. As well as, old story boards, screenplay ideas, and miscellaneous experiments and tests I've had on my mind and been wanting to try out - particularly with stop-motion animation.

Yes - I'm getting ready to make another movie.

This is exciting to me and something I've be praying very much about. Asking that the Lord Jesus Christ would continue to direct my steps and that I would continue to learn to seek him and, in meekness, follow his voice. His leading.

Filmmaking is something that My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has really given me a passion for. And He has always been faithful to help me at every step of the way. So, I am thankful to once again have the opportunity to work on another film as I follow Christ and work "with all his energy" (Colossians 1:29)

You see, my passion for filmmaking is to encourage the children of God and inspire us to follow Him with all our hearts and lives. That the characters and stories in the films would set strong examples of following God and doing what's right - no matter what. With my hope being that as someone, anybody, watches these films they would be caused to stop and think about their life and where they're at and ponder what the Lord is speaking to their hearts through His Word by the power of His Holy Spirit. And finally, I pray that these films would serve as a testimony and that the Lord God almighty would receive all the glory and honor and be magnified. Psalm 34:3

Not only so, but it's also my conviction that movies should be fun!!! It's fun to make films and I hope you enjoy watching the films we make :)

I look forward to working on the next project here at the studios of Ponder Pictures! Be watching this blog for all the newest updates and behind the scenes pictures and videos of our up and coming projects.

This is Spencer - signing out.

Back in the STUDIO!!!

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Hello all,

After several months away I'm back in the Studio today!! This morning and into the afternoon I was working on some test animations of a Lego Ninja.
Then I edited the footage this evening and added a little soundtrack featuring music and effects.
Total the animation is 12 seconds long and contains 156 individual frames.

Not bad for one day!!!

I shot this test with my new Canon Rebel XSi using Dragon Stop Motion image capture software.

I hope you enjoy this movie clip!!!

The Widow's Might in Theaters!

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:28:00 +0000

The Widow's Might, a film by John Moore, is playing in Theaters the week of April 13th - 18th

60 Second Trailer Spot, Widow's Might from John Moore on Vimeo.

Click here to find a theater near you!

POSTED on YouTube

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Tonight marks our first ever upload to YouTube. Now you can watch "Think Twice" around the globe here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKioRgHFRs4

Produced in 2007, Think Twice is a clay animation stop-motion film about one hard-headed construction worker who decides he knows better then the rules and disobeys the clear safety instructions only to find out, much to his dismay, that his head is not as hard as he thought it was. In the end his pride proves very harmful.
Perhaps next time he will Think Twice!

Be sure to check it out and pass it along to your friends and family!

Have a goodnight!!

Director, Spencer Weaver

Hey Everybody!!!!

blog@ponderpictures.com (Spencer Weaver) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:12:00 +0000

I'd like to welcome everyone to the new PonderPictures.com website!!!

For sometime now I've been working on it and I'm happy that today it's finally up and running!

So look around... see what you think ... and then please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments :)

I look forward to serving all of you in the coming days through this new website. Have a wonderful day!

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24