One film that deserves special attention in the world of animated films, is one movie that deserves special attention, namely “Kubo and the Two Strings.” This film not only captivated the audience with its profound story but also with its extraordinary production technique, namely stop motion.
What Is Stop Motion in the World of Animation?
Before we delve into the marvels of stop motion technique in “Kubo and the Two Strings,” let’s understand what stop motion animation is. Stop motion animation is a technique that captures one frame at a time, with physical objects moving between frames. The illusion of motion is created when these images are rapidly played in sequence. The fundamental principle of stop motion movement is similar to the principles used in early 2D animation in Disney cartoons, but the difference is that stop motion involves physical objects instead of drawings or illustrations.
Because it operates on a frame-by-frame basis, each movement of an object is captured in individual frames. Taking individual frame photos results in many images representing the object’s movement. When this series of frames is played sequentially and rapidly, the object appears to be moving.
The Origin of the Stop Motion
The technique of stop motion animation has a long history that dates back to the late 19th century. Its first recorded appearance was in the performance “The Humpty Dumpty Circus” in 1898, by Albert E. Smith and J. Stuart Blackton. Stop motion was subsequently used in the animated film “Fun at a Bakery Shop,” also directed by J. Stuart Blackton. As time went on, the stop motion technique continued to evolve, especially after J. Stuart Blackton created his third stop motion film, “Humorous Phases of Funny Faces.”
Since then, stop-motion animation has become one of the most amazing and innovative animation techniques in the world of cinema. From classic works to modern films like “Kubo and the Two Strings,” this technique continues to captivate audiences with its uniqueness and beauty.
Kubo and the Two Strings: The Beauty of Stop Motion
The film “Kubo and the Two Strings” was created using the stop motion technique with an extraordinary level of detail and precision. It is one of the best examples of the application of this technique in the world of filmmaking.
- Character and Puppet Creation
The first process that makes “Kubo and the Two Strings” so special is the creation of characters and puppets. The production team had to create accurate and detailed puppets for each character in the film. Each puppet had to be designed with great care to be able to move and express themselves according to the story’s needs. - Precise Shot-Taking
One of the biggest challenges in stop motion technique is taking extremely precise shots. Animators had to move each puppet slowly and incrementally, take a shot, and then move it again to create the illusion of movement. This process was repeated for every scene in the film. - Detailed Set Design
In addition to character creation, meticulous set design is also crucial in “Kubo and the Two Strings.” Each scene had to be carefully designed and arranged to create a deep and captivating fantasy world. This included creating miniature buildings, trees, and everything needed to craft a mesmerizing setting. - Amazing End Result
The result of all this hard work is a stunning film. “Kubo and the Two Strings” presents a world full of detail and beauty. Its characters come to life and appear real, even though they are all puppets arranged and photographed using stop-motion techniques.
“Kubo and the Two Strings” is a perfect example of how the stop motion technique can create extraordinary art in the world of animation. The film is not only a captivating story but also a technical achievement that leaves audiences in awe. The stop motion technique takes us into the magic behind the scenes and allows us to appreciate the dedication and creativity required to create an unforgettable animated work of art.