Exploring Pixilation: A Unique Stop Motion Animation Style

In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of pixilation, explore how it works, and break down the steps to create your own pixilation animation. We’ll also look at how this technique can be recreated in 3D animation for a handcrafted, stop-motion aesthetic. And we have some first-hand tips and inspirations to equip you with everything you need to bring pixilation into your creative toolbox.

Are you ready to dive in? Let’s explore the quirky world of pixilation!

What is the pixilation definition?

Pixilation is a technique used in animated film and refers to the photographing of people or objects frame by frame. These individual photos are then assembled to create an animation where the subjects move in ways that defy natural motion.

The pixilation meaning is derived from the word "pixilated," which means slightly crazy, bizarre, or eccentric. It is a fitting description of the fidgety and unconventional movements of this technique. The word also has roots in Celtic mythology, associated with the mischievous creature known as the Pixie.

The single images are sequenced to create the illusion of objects and people appearing, disappearing, or moving in extraordinary ways. For example, if a person takes a step forward between two frames but remains still within each frame, the resulting film will show them gliding across the floor without moving their feet. Similarly, if a person jumps with each shot, they will appear to be flying in the final animation.

Norman McLaren is credited with popularizing the term and technique, notably showcased in his Oscar-winning film "Neighbors" (1952).

Now you may be thinking, hey, I know this type of animation as Stop-motion, right? So let's take a look at the difference between them.

What is the difference between pixilation and stop-motion?

Stop-motion is the general name for the technique that uses single-frame circuits to create an animation. There are 6 different stop motion animation techniques, and pixilation is one of them.

The 6 types of stop motion animation techniques:

1. Pixilation
Uses human actors who change poses slightly for each frame, often combined with other stop-motion techniques.

2. Object Animation
Brings everyday objects to life, such as cubes or pencils, making it a budget-friendly option.

3. Clay Animation
Creates and animates figures or objects using clay or plasticine, with minimal changes for each frame.

4. Cutout Animation
Animates 2D objects, usually made from paper or cardboard, which is labor-intensive despite minimal material requirements.

5. Puppet Animation
Utilizes specially crafted puppets for animation, offering a unique aesthetic charm as they are modified for each scene.

6. Silhouette Animation
Combines shadow plays with cutout techniques, using backlit cutouts to create a mysterious shadow effect.

How many images are needed for a one-minute pixilation animation?

There is not one right or false answer to this question, as it is up to the artist. The amount of images per minute also determines the pace of the pixilation animation. But consider the following to figure out the amount of images per minute:

The standard frame rate for films and TV shows is 24 frames per second (fps) which adds up to 1,440 images for a full minute. That makes a smooth movement, as we are used to from film, but with our pixilation animation, we are not aiming for smooth but for a rather crazy, funny, eccentric movement.

Most animators work with a lower frame rate, typically between 10 and 15 frames per second. This significantly reduces the number of images required while still producing engaging animations. At 10 fps, you would need 600 images for a one-minute animation, and at 15 fps, you would need 900 images.

This approach balances the effort required with the quality of the final animation, making the process more manageable for creators and the outcome has the iconic stop-motion-animation character.

How to create a pixilation animation?

The great news is that you do not need expensive equipment. A simple pixilation stop motion animation is quite easy to create, even at your home, just with your smartphone. But let’s take a closer look at what you need, the steps you need to take and some tips to set you up for success!

What do you need for a pixilation stop motion?

Basically, you only need a camera or phone and your actor, but you can also go with a few more optional things. Here is a basic list of things you need to get started:

• A digital camera, phone or tablet
• A tripod (helpful to keep the same angle)
• A light source (to keep a consistent light in your photos)
• Backdrop and props (depending on what you want to show)
• Actor(s)
• An app to make the recording and editing easier (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

The equipment is set. Now, let’s check my step-by-step instructions that you can easily follow to create a captivating pixilation animation.

Step 1: Conceptualize Your Story

• Storyboard Creation: Sketch out your ideas frame by frame. This helps you visualize the sequence of actions and plan each shot.
• Define Key Scenes: Identify the crucial moments in your story to ensure they stand out.

Step 2: Gather Your Equipment

• Camera: Use a camera, smartphone or tablet. Ensure it has manual settings for better control.
• Tripod: A tripod is essential for keeping the camera steady and maintaining consistent framing. If you do not have a tripod, you want to make sure the camera is fixed in some other way during the entire shooting process.
• Requisites: Make sure you have all the requisites that will be used in the scenes.
• Remote or Self-Timer (optional): To avoid camera shake, use a remote shutter release or the camera's self-timer.

Step 3: Set Up Your Scene

• Position Actors: Place your actors in their starting positions.
• Lighting: Use natural light or artificial lighting to keep the scene well-lit and make sure it stays consistent.
• Frame the Shot: Use the camera's viewfinder to ensure everything is in frame and focused.

Step 4: Capture the Frames

• Start with Static Images: Begin with a few still frames to allow viewers to focus.
• Minimal Movements: Make slight adjustments between each frame. Large movements can make the animation look choppy. (Apps like Stop Motion Studio can help as they show the last position of the person)

Step 5: Maintain Consistency

• Lighting and Angles: Keep the lighting and camera angles consistent throughout the shoot.

Step 6: Review and Adjust

• Check Progress: Regularly review your footage to ensure everything is going as planned.
• Make Adjustments: If something doesn't look right, don't hesitate to reshoot the scene.

Step 7: Edit Your Footage

• Import Images: Transfer your images to a computer and import them into video editing software.
• Sequence Frames: Arrange the frames in the correct order to create a smooth animation.
• Add Effects: Enhance your animation with effects like time-lapse or slow motion if desired.

Step 8: Finalize Your Animation

• Add Audio: Incorporate sound effects or music to complement your visuals.
• Export: Save your final video in a high-quality format suitable for your intended use.

Which apps are good for creating your pixilation?

There are different free apps that you can use to make capturing photos and post-production easier. Some of them even have fancy editing tools that can be used. Here is my selection of five apps for your pixilation stop motion:

Stop Motion Studio

Pros: Stop Motion Studio offers a wide range of features, including zoom, manual focus, lighting control, filters, and onion skinning. It supports up to 30 frames per second and it includes a remote feature using earbuds. The pro version has additional features at a reasonable price.
Cons: Some advanced features require a pro version purchase.

Below you can watch a short Stop Motion Studio Tutorial. If you like it, there are more tutorials on their YouTube channel to dive deeper into the usage of their app.

Onion Cam 2

Pros: Onion Cam 2 provides all essential features like onion skinning, grid, lighting control, and it supports up to 30 frames per second. It is easy to use with a responsive interface.
Cons: It contains ads, which can be disruptive during use.

iMotion

Pros: The iMotion app includes onion skinning, a timer, grid, and supports up to 30 frames per second. It offers a remote feature using earbuds for taking photos.
Cons: It lacks zoom functionality, which can limit creativity. The sound feature is a pay option.

Stop Motion GIF

Pros: Stop Motion GIF supports onion skinning, photo preview, and deletion. It can reach up to 50 frames per second, which is higher than on the other apps, which usually only support 50 frames per second.
Cons: It requires a manual button press to capture photos, which can cause the camera to shake. It is primarily designed for creating GIFs rather than full stop-motion videos.

I recommend Stop Motion Studio, as I think it has the best features and is easy to handle. But each app has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences but I hope this list helps you to find what you need.

Tips to create your own pixilation animation

But before you head off and get started with a stop-motion animation app, here are some essential tips for you to succeed with your first pixilation animation!

Keep it simple
The shooting process is already lengthy, so keep tasks simple.

Start with static images of the scene
Begin with a few still frames to give viewers 3-4 seconds to focus their attention.

Focus on the story
Eliminate anything that doesn't contribute to the narrative.

Use neutral backgrounds
Busy backdrops can distract from the main action or make the animation hard to follow.

Avoid busy locations
Shooting in crowded areas can result in unwanted interruptions from pedestrians or vehicles.

Animate one key movement at a time
Too many simultaneous actions can confuse viewers. Pass the action between actors sequentially.

Avoid complex crowd scenes
Managing multiple actors at once is challenging and can lead to confusion. Keep group animations simple and clear.

Build anticipation
Start the film simply and gradually increase the tension to enhance the surprise.

Experiment with angles
Use unusual camera angles, such as a low-angle shot (place the camera on the ground) or a bird's-eye view (film from a high vantage point).

Use stereotypical plot twists
Lead the story towards an expected ending, then introduce a sudden, unexpected twist.

Save the best for the end
Place the most spectacular pixilation effect at the end of the film to leave a lasting impression.

Examples and Inspiration of Pixilation

I collected some examples of pixilation, so you can get some inspiration for your own pixilation project:

“A Chairy Tale”, directed by Norman McLaren and Claude Jutra in 1957. This pixilation is about a man who tries to sit down on a chair, but the chair seems to have its own will (with the help of pixilation). Watch the video to find out how the story ends.

The “End Love” music video by the band OK GO from 2010 is very unique as it was taken in one shot. The band performed over a continuous 18-hour shot that was then reduced to a short music video in pixilation style.

“Gisèle Kérozène”, directed by Jan Kounen is a funny and a bit crazy short film, that perfectly works with the concept of pixilation.

Coldplay’s music video for “Strawberry Swing” is a more modern and lately often-seen form of pixilation animation, where the camera films the actor from the top, while the artist is lying down and moving on the ground.

Pixilation in 3D Animation: Achieving the Stop-Motion Aesthetic Digitally

From everything we have explored so far, pixilation is a 2D thing, right? But can we also bring this unique technique into our 3D animation?

Yes, there are ways to bring this stylistic effect into your CG animation! Here’s how:

In 3D animation, pixilation can be simulated by deliberately reducing the frame rate. Instead of the smooth interpolation of standard 24 or 30 frames per second (FPS), animators often drop it to 12, 8, or even 6 FPS. This creates a stuttering, stop-motion-like movement that mimics the uneven timing of physical stop-motion.

Another key technique is removing or tweaking motion blur. Since stop-motion doesn’t naturally generate motion blur like live-action footage, disabling motion blur in 3D renders can enhance the authenticity of the effect.

Beyond frame rate adjustments, adding slight inconsistencies in movement can push the illusion further. Animators often introduce subtle variations in character poses, frame-to-frame jitter, or even render imperfections like flickering light to mimic the quirks of real-world stop-motion photography. Tools like stepped animation curves in 3D software, procedural noise to simulate micro-movements, and even AI-driven post-processing can help achieve this effect.

If you're bringing this look into your CG pipeline, rendering can be time-consuming. A render farm can help speed up the process, ensuring you achieve the stop-motion aesthetic without long render times slowing you down.

Closing

Pixilation remains a captivating and versatile technique within the realm of stop-motion animation. Its ability to blend live actors with animated elements creates a unique and surreal viewing experience that continues to inspire filmmakers, animators, and advertisers alike. As the animation industry evolves, pixilation stands out as a timeless and budget-friendly method that offers endless creative possibilities. Whether used in storytelling, music videos, or commercial projects, pixilation's distinctive visual style ensures it will remain a valuable and enduring form of animation for years to come.

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