Stop-Motion Animation Studio

Create amazing movies with stop-motion animation using LEGO® bricks and more! Students learn introductory movie pre-production and production techniques to develop a storyline, build LEGO® landscapes and scenes, photograph their models according to their storyline, and add basic post-production sound effects and graphics. Movies are uploaded to a secure site to share with family and friends!

Students are welcome to develop their own LEGO® models for their movies; or, if they prefer, utilize many of our existing pre-built LEGO® sets. These include some of the most iconic sets in themes including Star Wars, Batman, LEGO Friends, Harry Potter, Ninjago, and more. All LEGO® materials, computers, webcams, lighting, booms, backdrops, and necessary software are all provided.

Please, no LEGO-sets, equipment, etc. should be brought from home. Beginner-level students ages 7 and up will be producing their videos at 10 frames/second. Students are encouraged to think ahead about their storyline and dialog so as to maximize time with the equipment. Because of time constraints, this course focuses on actual Stop-Motion Animation production techniques. Building LEGO models, framing and composition, using editing software like iMovie and Photoshop, etc. are covered in separate NextGen SmartyPants courses. Therefore, students are encouraged to consider these courses in preparation for this Stop-Motion Animation Studio course.

Parent-Child pairs are highly encouraged to participate together as this program has been shown to create lasting memories.