Stopmotionist

Stopmotionist is a practitioner who specializes in stop-motion animation, a technique that creates movement by photographing physical models or objects in incremental positions and playing the frames back in sequence. Stopmotionists may work with puppets, clay figures, cutout designs, or everyday objects. The role combines art and craft, requiring model making, set construction, lighting, and camera operation, as well as post-production tasks such as editing and sound design.

The process typically begins with concept and storyboard development, followed by building or dressing characters and sets, rigging for subtle movement, and planning frames to achieve desired motion. During shooting, small adjustments are made between frames; common animation rates are 12 to 24 frames per second, sometimes 30 or higher for smoother effects. After capture, frames are compiled into a sequence using software, with possible digital compositing, color correction, and effects.

In the industry, stop-motion is used for feature films, television, commercials, and independent projects. Notable studios include Aardman Animations and Laika. The field overlaps with traditional hand-drawn animation and digital effects, and practitioners may work as freelancers or as part of a production team. The term stopmotionist is descriptive and informal in many contexts; formal titles often include animator or stop-motion animator.