The Teachers' Animation Toolkit

Setting up a 3D table top rostrum
A studio light

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The Teachers’ Animation Toolkit
For 3D work, such as plasticine animation, you will need to position 
the tripod to point across to the set. Place the laptop next to the 
animation set, leaving room for the animators to work either side of 
the set. Make sure all cables are taped down.
Setting up a 2D rostrum
For 2D work, such as cut-out animation, ensure the tripod is fully 
extended, with the camera pointing down on the art work. Tape down 
the legs of the tripod to help avoid accidental movement. The camera 
must be at least 1 metre from the art work to ensure sharp focus. 
(Check this by zooming right in on the art work.) Use a drawing 
board, and tilt it up slightly to prevent parallax problems. Sometimes it 
is easier to place the drawing board and tripod on the fl oor.

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Resources
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Technical and safety tips
Use of space:
Try to arrange the rostrums in the room to allow plenty of space for 
the students to work, without crowding each other. Place the set so 
two students can work either side, moving one or more characters 
each. Place the laptop so a third student can capture frames beside 
the animators. Make sure the laptop is positioned so the animators 
can see the composition on the screen, and reference it when 
adjusting model positions.
Lighting:
If you do not have access to studio lights, choose a place where 
the light will remain constant throughout the session. Intermittent 
sunlight falling on the art work will ruin a sequence. If you do have 
lights, use one per rostrum, set to one side, away from traffi c and 
above students’ heads. Warn the students that the lights can get 
very hot, and should never be touched or moved without teacher 
assistance. Energy-saving lights burn cooler, and are safer for 
classroom work. (See example above.)