Media Education

Introduction to Stop Motion Animation (In Person)

Have you ever wondered about the magic behind films like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Shaun the Sheep, and Coraline? They were all created using a special technique called stop motion animation. In this engaging workshop, students will learn through demonstrations, behind-the-scenes footage, and hands-on activities how the same methods that studios employ on large-scale films like these, can be used to create stop motion animations at home and in the classroom.

What to Expect in a Workshop

Each one-hour workshop is a combination of lectures and hands-on activities. It is recommended no more than one class per reservation to get the full benefits of a workshop, unless you have less than 15 students per class.

If you want your entire grade level to participate in a workshop or you have any questions about the workshops, dates, and times they are available, please contact the Education department at edu@utahfilmcenter.org. Schools booking the entire day can provide back to back times in the notes section of the request.

For school districts not listed, in-person workshop requests can be arranged. We recommend that your entire grade books or that multiple workshops are booked for the day.

Instructor(S)

Emily Low Nichols

Emily Low Nichols has been a fan of stop motion animation since she first watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as a child. Having originally received a BFA from BYU in graphic design, she has more recently completed stop motion industry training courses with the UK based Aardman Studios (Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep), from which her work has been featured in several film festivals. Emily’s biggest delight is to create short animations that make people look at things differently and laugh. She loves that stop motion animation can be done with a simple set up in the classroom and at home and is excited to introduce kids to this exciting and creative medium.

REQUEST A SESSION

For grades 3-6

Open to Alpine, Canyons, Granite, Jordan, Murray, and Salt Lake school districts. For school districts outside of this list, please book by special request via email.