Pixilation

Pixilation, also spelled pixellation in British English, is a form of stop-motion animation in which live-action performers are filmed frame by frame. Rather than moving static puppets, actors are posed and photographed for each frame, then minute adjustments are made before the next shot. When played back at normal speed, the result yields deliberate, jerky, or surreal movements that would be difficult to achieve by conventional live action alone. Color or monochrome images may be used, and the technique is compatible with other animation methods and digital effects.

The technique gained prominence in the mid-20th century as experimental filmmakers explored new ways to manipulate reality on screen. Canadian animator Norman McLaren helped popularize pixilation with works such as Neighbours (1952), which demonstrated how frame-by-frame manipulation of human bodies could create striking visual effects and allegorical storytelling.

Techniques and variations: Filming is typically done with a stationary camera; performers are positioned and then moved in very small increments between frames. Standard frame rates (perception: 12–24 frames per second) influence the smoothness. The approach can produce motion that would be impossible with live action, such as characters appearing to glide through walls, stretch, or transform into other shapes. Modern productions often incorporate digital compositing or 3D modeling to augment physical performances.

Applications and reception: Pixilation is used in experimental shorts, music videos, and animated features to yield whimsical or unsettling effects; it remains a niche but influential technique within animation history.