Welcome to the Animation Challenge! The Animation Challenge is designed to encourage animators to improve their animation skills by participating in a fun weekly competition. There are no prizes except for the glory of winning. Each Wednesday, the winner from the previous challenge becomes the host and will post a new theme. The theme should be challenging (so no basic walk cycles) but also possible to make in stop-motion by a typical brickfilmer (no battle scenes with 50 figures). Topics from the previous thread can be reused. The deadline for submitting your entry is the Monday following the challenge. This gives you 5 days to make an entry. The host must choose a winner by Tuesday. If they do not, a moderator will choose the winner instead. Once the winner is chosen, the cycle begins anew on Wednesday. If the host does not pick a theme by Wednesday, a moderator will pick a theme. Remember, your focus should be on good animation. Sound design or music is not required, and stories are discouraged. There is no time limit, but try to keep your entry focused on the actual theme. Hosts should comment on why they chose the winner, and also give feedback to other entrants. Posts only consisting of "Cool theme!" or "I will enter!" will be deleted. Discussion is encouraged, but let's keep this thread uncluttered. This is a continuation of the [url=http://www.bricksinmotion.com/forums/topic/4249/the-animation-challenge/]previous thread[/url], which at 524 pages needed to be put out to pasture. Every 50 or so pages this thread will be locked and new thread will be created.

Before there were the Avengers. And before there was a Justice League, X Men or any other super hero group, there were super heroes Major & minor just discovering there powers or donning costumes for the first time ready to fight the evil in the world. There is a universe where the heroes from DC & Marvel all exist together, and that is the One Universe.

[b]Broken Hearted[/b] [url=https://youtu.be/ZEv0Oz4Wihg]YouTube[/url] ** CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE ** ** BEWARE!! VERY OFFENSIVE AND CRUDE!! ** ** RATED "D" FOR DISGUSTING ** Enjoy!

Here is a quick animation I made today. This is part of my upcoming animation the Knotweed Knights. Enjoy! Also, please give me feedback for future animating. :) [url]https://youtu.be/Ef9L70ffyIE[/url] Note: This is by no means finished. It is very much a WIP.

[b]Trevor the Clown Episode 11: Costume Envy Part 1[/b] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvIw0NPaOXo&feature=youtu.be]Link 1[/url] It's the night of the big Star Wars premier and some elitists think only those with a costume should enter.

[b]Barney Bunny Ep. 3 - Barney Takes a Walk[/b] [url=https://youtu.be/MN4q1ZK3veo]Link 1[/url] Emmie is ready for a day of fun when she buys a rabbit-sized leash for Barney, but it turns out that walking a rabbit can be harder than she expected.

[b]LEGO Easter Candy Factory[/b] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxhtK_kULxU]Link 1[/url] Easter is just around the corner and the Easter bunnies are forced to work by the Evil Easter bunny! Will they reach their deadline?

Okay, dumb question, but is it possible to post a video from a file on your desktop? I am new and i really need to know because I don't have a YouTube or Facebook account and I want to show off my films.

For those of you who have not heard about [url=https://ideas.lego.com/]Lego Ideas[/url], it is a process that LEGO started back in 2011, where LEGO fans could submit ideas for new sets, and have them voted on. If 10,000 people on the site "Support" your idea, LEGO considers making it. [url=https://ideas.lego.com/howitworks]You can read more here[/url]. This thread is for the discussion of Lego Ideas, and if you have a submission you want votes for, go ahead and post it here! [b]UPDATE:[/b] CUUSOO has just updated their Terms of Service, and members now have to register 18 years or older. [b]UPDATE #2:[/b] It looks like you now have to be 13+ to be on CUUSOO. [b][u]BIG UPDATE #3:[/u][/b] - LEGO Cuusoo is now [url=https://ideas.lego.com/]LEGO Ideas.[/url]

[b][THAC XII] Fried Circuit[/b] [url=http://youtu.be/cZhcCIw1wyE]Youtube[/url] Made in under 24 hours.

[img]http://www.onebrickstudios.com/THAC/THACXII_Logo.png[/img] The results for the twelfth Twenty-four Hour Animation Contest are in! The theme was "A Fresh Start" A huge thanks to our panel of judges: Smeagol, Funsucker, AquaMorph and Timothy R. for getting judging done so quickly. A without further delay, here are the results! [img]http://i.imgur.com/L4t0SNS.png[/img] [b][size=large][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZhcCIw1wyE]Fried Circuit[/url] - by ForlornCreature[/size][/b] [i]Typically, THAC brickfilms take the comedic route. Not Fried Circuit. Almost immediately, this film hits the view with a punch to the gut: the destruction of humanity. ForlornCreature manages to pull so much emotion from a short film, balancing emoting animation of a robot, with thoughtful pauses. This film will be remembered long past THAC.[/i] [img]http://i.imgur.com/RTbcVKD.png[/img] [b][size=large][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwSxLenfMrs]Warshaw[/url] - by sillypenta[/size][/b] [i]You can almost feel the grit in your teeth as you watch this film. The soundtrack, the visuals, the animation - everything lends itself to brickfilm of years past faithfully channeling Tarantino. This film deviates from Sillypenta's typical, well, silly films, and Warshaw is stronger because of it. It still manages to remain darkly humorous, and complements its simple story with memorable characters. A fantastic filmy.[/i] [img]http://i.imgur.com/J0s8PsD.png[/img] [b][size=large][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElWwCD0dNL8]Released[/url] - by AnW[/size][/b] [i]This haunting, quiet film really strikes a chord. Without a word of dialog, Released relies entirely on striking visuals to tell it's concise story. It's quite impressive the clean, sterile visuals were achieved so well in such a limited production time. One particularly well-animated shot will grab the attention of any animator. This film will be remembered.[/i] [b]Hooray![/b] All the above entrants win prizes. All the ones below win the bragging rights for having finished a THAC. [u][b]4th place[/b][/u] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyP36X7txMQ]Face[/url] - by Squash [i]Face. Film? Yes. Bizarre? Yes. Face. Entry? THAC. Who? Squash. Good? Yes! Face.[/i] [u][b]5th place[/b][/u] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vun2zlfNgb8]A Fresh Start'N[/url] - by Sonjira [i]Random, off-kilter and goofy, this film will delight some people and turn off others. But it doesn't matter because of ORGANIC MILK MONEYYYYY![/i] [u][b]6th place[/b][/u] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0VP7IY1qSk]Turning[/url] - by Sean [i]While the animation is limited and the lighting, while interesting, is static, this film is all about the haunting original song composed just for this film.[/i] [u][b]7th place[/b][/u] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYmPj0H1Kf8]New Recruits[/url] - by rioforce [i]The epitome of goof, this film certainly appeals to those with a taste for random.[/i] [u][b]8th place[/b][/u] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06mG3uTV2SQ]Director's Cut[/url] - by DewVinci [i]While the technical qualities of this film are a bit rocky, a solid premise and funny slapstick animation make this film an enjoyable watch.[/i] [u][b]9th place[/b][/u] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tYRDn3Kj2M]Umbrella Umbrage[/url] - Willow Tree [i]This delightful short film is reminiscent of a Pixar short, and the cute story is complimented by some clever animation.[/i] [u][b]10th place[/b][/u] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn7Xox24f3Q]N[/url] - by Max Butcher [i]A bizarre love letter to brickfilming, this film is chock full of references to brickfilms old and new.[/i] The complete playlist of THAC entries can be found [url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLszV6b4rsvEmu3_uDsq91vTkGhzgAMExk]here[/url]! To everyone who entered THAC: give yourself a pat on the back. It's not an easy feat to make a brickfilm in 24 hours. Here's to THAC XIII! See you next year!

Hello! This is a casting call to the new brick film I'm making called Ninja Cat Studios. This brick film is going to be the first in hopefully the new comedy series called Ninja Cat Studios. We will follow Brian and his friends on many interesting stories. For this audition just pick a character, or multiple that you want to audition for. If you audition for multiple I will probably put you down for only ONE part, if you make it. With the recording please make sure that their are no back ground noises. To send in the audio please send it to ninjacatstudios99@gmail.com. Another way you could send it to me is to use dropbox and aend me a link. If you have any questions please ask or email and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. This brick film will be clean! Good Luck! - Ninja Cat Studios Here's the opening to the episode: [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXkURlE3QPM[/url] ( I know its not the best, but enjoy!) Casting Call: Ninja Cat Studios Pilot [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2417.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F70-8&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2417.JPG&size=1567094&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] -- [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2726.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F71-4&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2726.JPG&size=1853716&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] [s]Sarah Smith: Voice: American English accent Number of Lines: About 19 lines Description: She is Brian's wife. She is a forth grade teacher and is the mother of two sons. She is a great cook and seems to solve all of Brian's problems in surprising ways. Audition Lines: Sarah: I'm sure its fine. Jake! Matt![/s] [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2732.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F69-6&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2732.JPG&size=1686496&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Jake Smith: Voice: American English accent Number of Lines: 6 Description: The oldest son of Brian. He loves electronics and is really smart. He is about 16 and comes up with crazy ideas for inventions. Audition Lines: Jake: We're just running a bit late. See ya, bye! [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2752.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F69-8&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2752.JPG&size=1562100&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] [s]Matt Smith: Voice: American English accent Number of Lines: 2 Description: Brian's youngest son. He is shy, but also smart. He loves to read and help Jake with any inventions he wants to try. Audition Lines: Matt: Come on Jake![/s] [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2724.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F70-10&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2724.JPG&size=1712902&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Jason: Voice: American English accent Number of Lines: 6 Description: A real technology person. He knows almost anything about software and electronics. He however can't fix hardware that well. Whenever he tries to fix something it usually catches on fire. Audition Lines: Jason: Well I was thinking about it and I found an old, clunky Windows 98 computer! [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2727.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F71-6&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2727.JPG&size=1703516&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Scott: Voice: American English accent Number of Lines: 6 Description: Brian's best friend. He is also a journalist and loves pets. He usually helps Brian with almost anything, but sometimes get hooked up on Rachel when she's around. Audition Lines: Scott: Brian! Ready to go? We better to head down to that conference. [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2195.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F70-4&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2195.JPG&size=1597778&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Thatch: Voice: Heavy English/American Accent. Lines: 6 Description: Thatch is a psychologist in the office. He is a little strange, but he helps his patients overcome their problems. He is in-charge of the office and usually he is hesitant to help his friends if it involves danger. Audition Lines: Thatch: *awkwardly*Heyy... whats wrong bud. Im sorry for your..you know..the... yeah.. [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2725.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F71-2&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2725.JPG&size=1768382&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Rachel: Voice: American English accent Number of Lines: 3 Description: The secretary of the office. She keeps everything together when the office gets busy. Scott keeps trying to impress her, but she likes keeping him as a friend. She is about college age and is actually going to college. Audition Lines: Rachel: Hey Brian! And yes, your boss called and said that he wants you to cover the press conference for the closing of several local shops today. [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2729.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F71-10&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2729.JPG&size=1680770&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Alex Boler: Voice: English accent Lines: 1 Description: He is an orthodontist. He is a little OCD with his work though. When he has a patient with perfect teeth like his. He loves sports and lives alone with his dog. He usually is all talk instead of action. Audition Lines: Alex: Got that right. I'm not going to let those business men tear down those buildings! [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2189.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F70-2&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2189.JPG&size=1637156&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Tim Voice: Heavy southern accent. Lines: 5 Description: The janitor of the building. He's not too bright, and is clumsy. When he comes up with an idea it usually doesn't work out. Even though he's not bright, he is a kind, thoughtful person. He usually hangs around the office to talk with others. His best friend is Jones. Audition Lines: Tim: Hey Brian! How's my favorite journalist! [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2730.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F69-2&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2730.JPG&size=1696706&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Jones Voice: Australian accent Lines: 1 Description: An archaeologist that has a dream of being like Indiana Jones. He always goes on wild adventures to get some treasures that are worthless. He can sweet talk his way through almost anything. Tom (The security officer.) hates Jones, because every time Jones is in his office he takes something. Audition Lines: Jones: No one hates you John. We just need to solve a crisis. [img]https://www.icloud.com/wm/messagepart/IMG_2731.JPG?guid=messagepart%3AINBOX%2F69-4&type=image%2Fjpeg&uniq=downmich03&name=IMG_2731.JPG&size=1745958&proxyDest=p31-mailws&dsid=8151732609[/img] Sid: Voice: English accent with a deep voice. Lines: 2 Description: He is a security guard for the office. He works as a ranger sometimes, but mostly stays in the office. He is a little crazy, but a good person. He usually thinks violence solves everything. Audition Lines: Sid: Hey, I heard your cat was rebelling. Need help? I got some training techniques. Im used to these situations [i]Mod Edit: Next time, just put all this in one post. You can also use the 'edit' button if you need to add info after you've already posted it. By the way, none of your pictures are showing up for me. They may not be set on a 'public' setting. [/i]

I'm looking for a cheap camera that has a firewire port. My current camera doesn't have one and it doesn't have live feed, and that just makes the whole process of stop-motion less precise :| What kind of DSLR camera should be recommended for a beginner stop-motion artist ?

[img]http://mindgamestudios.com/img/Bricks-in-Motion-Awards-Final-Logo.png[/img] And here they are, the winners to the 2014 Bricks in Motion Awards. Congratulations to all of the winners and the nominees. Zach and I are extremely happy that we have been able to bring back the Bricks in Motion Awards to everyone, and we'd especially like to thank our fellow judges: Littlebrick, Dewfilms, sillypenta, and Squash, with help from AquaMorph and Smeagol. [img]http://i.imgur.com/9Jl5oUu.png[/img] [b]BEST FILM[/b] [i]This is awarded to a brickfilm of exceptional quality in all aspects. It is thoroughly enjoyed by many and takes a creative approach to the filmmaking process and design. Simply put, it is the "Best Film" of the Year.[/i] [list=*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQjzWbGKp5w]Action Bill[/url][/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rUCC-wJf_M][b]Coffee & Carnage[/b][/url][/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwMDmlZWO2I]Plastic Love[/url][/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9gpgnTD1C4]That's the Way it Goes![/url][/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5hA34XYlvs]Time for Sale[/url][/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/D5R1fli.png[/img] [b]BEST ANIMATION[/b] [i]This award is presented to a film that utilizes animation very well. The film demonstrates smooth and fluid animation that is highly realistic, creative, and/or innovative, as part of one of the most important parts of stop motion films. Note that different film styles require different animation styles when you are nominating a film.[/i] [list=*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5EOTkrYvWU]Batman and Friends: The Clock Tower Caper[/url] - Sean Willets[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auqywXSVd70]LEGO The Hobbit: Episode 1 - Bilbo Baggins[/url] - Forrest Whaley and Sean Willets[/*] [*]Plastic Love - Maxime Marion[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYheZ8zW2t8][b]Pokeballin' 2[/b][/url] - Dylan Woodley[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBhsXI-g5bc]Teleporter Trouble[/url] - Gregory & Garry Moore[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/bkfuP2G.png[/img] [b]BEST SCREENPLAY[/b] [i]This award is given to a film that has an excellent script and storyline. The idea and outline is presented very well, has great plot, and exceptional dialogue and actions.[/i] [list=*] [*][b]Coffee & Carnage[/b] - Jonny Paquette[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmBlDk-hiic]FHAC[/url] - Keshen Matus[/*] [*]Plastic Love - Lilian Ginet & Maxime Marion[/*] [*]That's the Way it Goes! - Walter Benson[/*] [*]Time for Sale - Legostudio01 and A&M Studios[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/jov6Kpu.png[/img] [b]BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY[/b] [i]The composition of the frames in the films are done very well, and demonstrates the directors ability to place characters, lights, and the camera well in order to make the film more interesting and visually appealing.[/i] [list=*] [*][b]Coffee & Carnage[/b] - Jonny Paquette[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpku65l88ZM]Immortal[/url] - Dominik G. & Markus E.[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUnNXSD3_-s]The Legend of Leszek[/url] - AniMax[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5tGZmVLxoo]LEGO Star Wars: Hunted[/url] - Eric Beaton[/*] [*]Plastic Love - Lilian Ginet & Maxime Marion[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/DLtl8bv.png[/img] [b]BEST EDITING[/b] [i]This is awarded to a film that best exemplifies a harmonious arrangement of both visuals and sound, how they're assembled to advance the narrative, as well as create an effective sense of pacing and timing.[/i] [list=*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXi_i7JSydM]1741 The Battle of Mollwitz[/url] - Brick Dictator[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqh_2t0I__E]Infinite[/url] - Steffen Troeger[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmDMHZHXlYk][b]The Hobbit: The Lake-Town Chase[/b][/url] - Enrique Fuster[/*] [*]LEGO Star Wars: Hunted - Eric Beaton[/*] [*]Plastic Love - Maxime Marion[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/kcuCJgk.png[/img] [b]BEST ORIGINAL SCORE[/b] [i]This award is presented to the film with an excellent original score. The score fits with the films setting and enriches the viewing experience with great sound and presentation.[/i] [list=*] [*]Batman and Friends: The Clock Tower Caper - Andy Stein[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxe-qDRj5hk]Delivering Mail[/url] - Basile Segouin[/*] [*]Immortal - Dominik G. and Moritz Meier[/*] [*][b]Plastic Love[/b] - Quentin Billard[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2x3iuF9XVc]Steampunk[/url] - Tom Gudde[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/sNYY7zo.png[/img] [b]BEST VISUAL EFFECTS[/b] [i]This award is presented to a film with outstanding effects work, whether achieved in-camera or with software in post-production. The effects complement the film, rather than distract from the experience.[/i] [list=*] [*][url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1lloql_avicii-addicted-to-you-avicii-by-avicii-official-music-video_musi]Avicii - Addicted to You[/url] - Keshen Matus[/*] [*]Immortal - Dominik G. & Markus E.[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCSXMp0-E4w]The Journey[/url] - Jay Silver[/*] [*][b]Pokeballin' 2[/b] - Dylan Woodley[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_xFOmYxKYw]Zeus vs. Thor: Epic Rap Battles of History[/url] - Forrest Whaley[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/xUvXm2q.png[/img] [b]BEST SOUND DESIGN[/b] [i]This is awarded to a film that uses sound and music to enhance the presentation with great success. The sound compliments the film and is pleasing when heard, with excellent composition and placement.[/i] [list=*] [*]Coffee & Carnage - Jonny Paquette[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfhURSnWE3s]LEGO Star Wars: Battlefront[/url] - Spencer Olson[/*] [*][b]LEGO Star Wars: Hunted[/b] - Eric Beaton[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXpbUBotLwE]LEGO Titanfall - Attrition[/url] - Jordan Johnson[/*] [*]Plastic Love - Franck Rivolet[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/d1JUnTw.png[/img] [b]BEST SET DESIGN[/b] [i]This is awarded to a film that uses sets and characters to enhance the overall enjoyment and set the proper tone for the film.[/i] [list=*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoS_jyWEMQg]Escape from Sabre Island[/url] - Dastoli Digital[/*] [*][b]LEGO Star Wars: Hunted[/b] - Eric Beaton[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbvaSm1OSuM]Leprechauns in France[/url] - Harrison Allen[/*] [*]Plastic Love - Marc Schickelé[/*] [*]Pokeballin' 2 - Dylan Woodley[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/FITzlwH.png[/img] [b]BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE[/b] [i]This award is presented to an individual who voice acts a character with great success, originality, and realism. The performance is believable, and adds to the enjoyment of the film.[/i] [list=*] [*]Keshen Matus as Pervical - FHAC[/*] [*][b]Anna Moorey as Jessica - That's the Way it Goes![/b][/*] [*]Jonny Paquette as Bartender - Coffee & Carnage[/*] [*]Jean-Marie Pexoto as Edmond - Plastic Love[/*] [*]Kent Poole as William Shatner - Action Bill[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/c2xGLrY.png[/img] [b]BEST ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE[/b] [i]This is awarded to the whole voice acting cast of a film, and recognizes the performance of all the actors. The performances are all very well done, and support the film throughout.[/i] [list=*] [*]Action Bill[/*] [*][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGK6anB22o0]Adventures in (Classic) Space![/url][/*] [*][b]Coffee & Carnage[/b][/*] [*]Plastic Love[/*] [*]That's the Way it Goes![/*] [/list]

[b]Backstage at the Bricks in Motion Awards![/b] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_gcoT6mwjQ]YouTube[/url] A behind the scenes look at Zach as he prepares to announce the Best Film winner at the 2014 BiMAs!

Hey guys, Jed here again, I am currently trying to figure out a new idea for my next WW2 brick film and I was wondering if you guys could fill out this survey which I have created to help me out. By the way, if you haven't heard of me and/or my films, why don't you check out my channel and some videos to help with your answers. Thank you guys for the help. Jed ;) Link to my channel and videos: [url]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLkUHxvGOmuVF0vbZGC21Pg[/url] Link to the Survey: [url]https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/23P3WM2[/url]

I've been for the past few months slowly animating a film; the reason for the slowness being partly due to not having much time to animate but also because I'm really working to try and make every shot look amazing in this so called film. Because of this I've been describing it as "an adventure in cinematography". There is a story however: a minifigure goes the long way home from work and has a rather fun adventure. I'm hoping for the brickfilm to be about 10 minutes in length. At present I'm probably just under a third of the way though animating though it's hard to tell. Anyways, here are some frames: [img]http://i.imgur.com/fPWyUej.jpg[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/BgQlNTU.jpg[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/QTe9JOw.png[/img] I will try and update this thread regularly on the progress of the brickfilm and show frames and sets and other things that are related to this film here.

[img]http://i.imgur.com/9f432dG.png[/img] The theme of BricksInMotion.com’s 2015 contest is [i][b]Darkness and Light[/b][/i]. The contest will run from June 1st to September 1st, and we have an exciting collection of prizes thanks to our contest sponsors: Dragonframe, Brickstuff, and an anonymous donor. We hope you’ll join us for this competition. If you’d like to do so, the rest of the details are as follows. [img]http://i.imgur.com/Rctd7gD.png[/img] ‘Darkness and Light’ can be interpreted a variety of ways, and we hope that entrants will take advantage of that. Story is the most important building block of nearly any film, and it will be a vital consideration in this animation contest. Light and dark have various potential implications for story, from metaphors of good and evil, to philosophical ideas like Plato’s allegory of the cave, to any number of other possibilities we won’t try to spell out here. This theme also has implications for style in a film. Many brickfilms are shot with flat, even lighting and while this is fine for some kinds of stories, it limits the potential for visual drama that is possible with more artistically designed cinematography that makes use of shadow just as much as light. We want entrants to explore new avenues in stop motion cinematography and create films that are as compelling to look at as the stories they tell. In order not to shape how entrants approach their story ideas too heavily, we’ll refrain from providing story examples that fall along the lines of this theme. Visually, there are clear examples. Many of them come from [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_noir]film noir[/url], or other visual art that makes use of [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiaroscuro]chiaroscuro[/url] lighting techniques, but you need not limit yourself to the film noir genre. Any kind of story can make use of the motif of light and dark. There are great visual examples of using dark and light to dramatic effect from art throughout history. We’ve compiled a few examples, but please don’t feel like you must limit your inspiration to this small number of works! [b]Paintings:[/b] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Night_Watch][i]The Night Watch[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Calling_of_St_Matthew_%28Caravaggio%29][i]The Calling of St. Matthew[/i][/url] [b]Feature Films:[/b] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Indemnity_%28film%29][i]Double Indemnity[/i][/url] [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_Runner][i]Blade Runner[/i][/url] [b]Brickfilms:[/b] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsDfBw4DUd0][i]Grace[/i][/url] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT25fECSJyc][i]The River[/i][/url] [url=https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-z4JziKeyQTWDhvc1oxR0F2ZGs/edit][i]Robota[/i][/url] (requires download to view.) [img]http://i.imgur.com/l61pE22.png[/img] Prizes for this year’s competition are provided in part by this year’s sponsors: [url=http://www.dragonframe.com/][b]Dragonframe[/b][/url] and [url=https://www.brickstuff.com/][b]Brickstuff[/b][/url]! [url=http://www.dragonframe.com/][img]http://i.imgur.com/BjFqZb6.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www.brickstuff.com/][img]http://i.imgur.com/GudFRc6.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/XnSaN0p.png[/img] For this contest, we are offering a prize pool of four prize bundles. This means that 1st place gets to choose which of the four bundles they want, 2nd place chooses from the remaining three, 3rd selects from the remaining two, and 4th place receives whichever prize bundle remains. [url=http://www.dragonframe.com/][size=large][b]Dragonframe - Software License and Controller[/b][/size][/url] [url=http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Swamp-Police-Starter-Set-60066]Plus #60066 Swamp Police Starter Set[/url] Dragonframe is the premium stop motion animation software that captured Laika's [i]ParaNorman[/i], [i]The Boxtrolls[/i] and Disney's [i]Frankenweenie[/i]. This software is easy enough for a beginner to learn, but offers a wealth of advanced features sure to meet the needs of any stop motion animator. Software and controller included. For Mac OSX and Windows. [img]http://i.imgur.com/Meyu0Er.png[/img] [url=https://www.brickstuff.com/store/p4/Lighting_Effect_Starter_Kit_for_LEGO%C2%AE_Models.html][size=large][b]Brickstuff Lighting Effect Starter Kit[/b][/size][/url] [url=http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Space-Starter-Set-60077]Plus #60077 Space Starter Set[/url] This versatile kit includes 6 light boards and a controller that will allow you to create a wide variety of effects with the lights. Based in Minnesota, Brickstuff custom manufactures a full line of lighting and automation products for LEGO builders. Brickstuff lights are the smallest commercially available lights for LEGO bricks, so you can put them right inside your bricks, and the wires are thin enough that you can snap your bricks, plates, and tiles right on top of the wires-- no need to modify your bricks or builds! Best of all, you don’t need to know electronics to use this system—everything fits together (just like LEGO bricks!), and you can start small and add lights and effects as your collection of creations and MOCs grows. The lights are perfect for use in brickfilms to create just the mood or effect you need. [img]http://i.imgur.com/VQPuTqt.png[/img] [url=http://www.bluemic.com/snowball/][size=large][b]Blue Snowball Microphone[/b][/size][/url] [url=http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Deep-Sea-Starter-Set-60091]Plus #60091 Deep Sea Starter Set[/url] A quality and versatile USB-based condenser microphone, the Blue Snowball makes an excellent choice for animators looking to improve the quality of sound, music and voice recordings compared to more basic microphone options. Compatible with Mac and Windows. [img]http://i.imgur.com/x9gKb5y.png[/img] [size=large][b]Filmmaking Kit[/b][/size] [url=http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Demolition-Starter-Set-60072]Plus #60072 Demolition Starter Set[/url] This kit includes a bundle of useful tools for improving the lighting and rigging in your films. [url=http://www.leefilters.com/lighting/packs.html]Lee filters[/url]' Master Location Pack is included: these are high quality colored gels that can be attached to nearly any light (with the help of [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothespin#Filmmaking]c-47[/url]s) to create a wide variety of colorful light effects in your sets. This is complemented by a roll of cinefoil, sometimes called black wrap, a flexible, poseable aluminum wrap that blocks and absorbs light and is very helpful for directing light and shadow in your shots to create more artful, controlled results. Finally, this kit includes a set of helping hands, which are ideal for rigging black wrap, gels, or even LEGO minifigures and pieces to position them exactly how you want. [img]http://i.imgur.com/d9dac1Y.png[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/nPWQSa1.png[/img] Entries will be judged on criteria including originality, production values (animation, set design, cinematography, sound, etc.), story, and creative interpretation of the theme by the 5 judges. Rather than judging on categories individually, judges will examine how all these elements work together to create a complete film. Films will be discussed and ranked collectively by the judges until a consensus is reached. The top 4 films will eligible for the prize pool. Entries below 10th place will not be publicly ranked. We’ve assembled a panel of judges for this year’s competition with a wide range of filmmaking experience and achievements. Here’s a look at each of them (listed alphabetically): [img]http://i.imgur.com/KhOM9Cx.png[/img] [b]Philip Heinrich[/b] Philip is an American director and producer and has worked on films and videos at a professional level for eight years. He currently is directing the feature length documentary [i][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxaTuqjp42Y]Bricks in Motion[/url][/i], and has served as the owner and administrator of BricksInMotion.com for the past seven years. His brickfilm work includes [i][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djA4qJgifzc]Unrenewable[/url][/i] and [i][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cZ3ByRw9QM]The Oven[/url][/i]. [img]http://i.imgur.com/GgaPFkc.png[/img] [b]Maxime Marion[/b] Maxime is a French documentary filmmaker who has studied video and communication and worked in a production agency. He’s also a stop motion enthusiast who began making animated films for fun in 2007; in the brickfilming community, he is known for his [i][url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Henri-Edmond/146823244789]Henri and Edmond[/url][/i] series of films. He loves film scores, and is currently directing a documentary about Hans Zimmer, for which he interviewed the composer. [img]http://i.imgur.com/RDwOfMa.png[/img] [b]Maverick Moore[/b] Maverick Moore is an award-winning live action filmmaker from Texas. After directing and editing narrative films as a graduate student at Baylor University, Maverick headed to Dallas where he is based today. His most recent short film, [i]Shotgun[/i], has screened at nearly 30 national and international film festivals, including Palm Springs International Short Fest, the Short Film Corner at Festival de Cannes, and the Nashville Film Festival, where [i][url=https://www.facebook.com/ShotgunFilm]Shotgun[/url][/i] opened for master filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard’s newest film, [i]Goodbye to Language.[/i] Currently, Maverick remains a self-confessed cinephile who continues to nurture his passion for making films. [img]http://i.imgur.com/YiisjY2.png[/img] [b]Nathan Wells[/b] Nathan is an American graphic designer and stop-motion filmmaker. He is currently running the BiM Awards with Zach Macias, producing the [i]Bricks in Motion[/i] documentary, serves as a moderator on BricksInMotion.com, and ran the 12th Twenty-four Hour Animation Contest. He also founded the Brickfilm Archive and helped create the Brickfilms Wiki. His brickfilm work includes [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd3NYXkNwYQ][i]Alex and Derrick: Five Years Later[/i][/url] and [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZUtgzxDzGc][i]30 Years: The Story of the Minifigure[/i][/url]. [img]http://i.imgur.com/zjbfFfO.png[/img] [b]Dylan Woodley[/b] Dylan is a Canadian filmmaker who has has been brickfilming for eight years. He has hosted numerous BricksInMotion.com events including the BiM Awards and THAC, and has made brickfilms for Ed Sheeran and The LEGO Group. He won "Best Animation" at the Tongies for his film [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWtGWrkG9U8][i]Unto the Breach[/i][/url]. Dylan is currently studying film production at university. [img]http://i.imgur.com/gPCCsI2.png[/img] [list=*] [*]All entries must be primarily composed of stop-motion animation. 3D, Flash, or other animation techniques may be used to in addition to stop-motion as long as the finished product is at least roughly 70% stop-motion animation.[/*] [*]Entries should use LEGO or similar building toys as primary elements.[/*] [*]No mature/explicit content is allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: swearing, excessive/gory violence, overt sexual content, and blatant drug references.[/*] [*]Minimum runtime is 1 minute, including any titles and credits. There is no maximum runtime. Remember, it is better to focus on quality and attention to detail than to make a very long and ambitious film, but let the quality suffer. A highly-polished three-minute movie is better than a ten-minute movie that falls apart because the director ran out of time to do it the right way. The judging system won't favor a film for simply being longer, but low production values will hurt a longer film when competing against a shorter film that is better made.[/*] [*]Submitted films must be new films, created specifically for this contest.[/*] [*]Entrants may only submit one entry per person.[/*] [*]Films may not be posted publicly until after the contest deadline has passed.[/*] [*]The entry you submit to the judges must be the entry made publicly available to everyone else.[/*] [*]Entries must contain only images, sounds, music, and story material which you have the rights to distribute -- no copyrighted content to which you do not have the rights may be used. No trademarked properties which might be confused with commercial enterprises may be used. This means you can not use storylines based on characters from Star Wars, Marvel, Ninjago, or other trademarked series. You cannot base your work on copyrighted material; however, old works that are now in the public domain are acceptable source material. All material included in films submitted must be original, or content that you have expressed permission to use. If you use content that is not your own, you must be able to provide proof that you have received permission to include it in your film. All music must be credited, even if you made it yourself.[/*] [/list] [img]http://i.imgur.com/eN9UgzW.png[/img] The deadline for submissions will be Tuesday, September 1st 2015 at 12 am GMT. Films may be submitted as early as the beginning of July 1st 2015, though they cannot be made public until after the deadline has passed. [img]http://i.imgur.com/8pAFY9a.png[/img] To submit your film, send a link to your entry to our [url=http://www.bricksinmotion.com/forums/user/562/about/]Darkness and Light forum account[/url] by private message. Our preferred method of submission is unlisted YouTube links. If you do not have a YouTube account, we also accept password-protected Vimeo uploads. [img]http://i.imgur.com/d1nV25a.png[/img] [url=http://www.brickstuff.com]Brickstuff[/url] and BricksInMotion have partnered for a free giveaway to help get the word out about the contest! There are many ways to enter, for a chance to win a Brickstuff lighting kit in our drawing, powered by Rafflecopter. Visit our [url=http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/af3646c21/][b]Rafflecopter giveaway page[/b][/url] to begin. [url=http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/af3646c21/][img]http://i.imgur.com/QAy3ipi.png[/img][/url] [img]http://i.imgur.com/FsbufWa.png[/img] [b]Q:[/b] Are we allowed to use the contest logo in our entry? In the credits of our film, for example? [b]A:[/b] Yes, although this is not required. If you want a high-resolution version of the logo to use for this purpose, [url=http://i.imgur.com/L5BkKmA.png]here's a link to the logo on a transparent background[/url] for that purpose. [b]Q:[/b] May we ask contest judges to voice act for our entries? [b]A:[/b] Because of the limited number of people on this site with experience in voice acting and access to recording equipment, we've decided to allow it. Please refrain from involving them in creative roles beyond this, however. [b]Q:[/b] Should entries focus on a particular genre? [b]A:[/b] Your film can fall into any story genre you like, as its story ultimately fits the criteria laid out in the theme section. The examples are just examples; there's no need to stick to film noir, science fiction, or any other particular genre. [b]Q:[/b] Can we collaborate with others to create an entry? [b]A:[/b] Yes! Collaboration is encouraged. However, we won't be able to divide up the prizes evenly for you, so you'll have to determine who receives the prizes in the case of a win. Entries may be submitted on the basis of one entry per director, so you can help with someone else's entry and still enter a film you've directed. [b]Q:[/b] May we post trailers, images, or other work-in-progress elements of our film publicly on the forum? [b]A:[/b] This is encouraged! Feel free to post about the progress on your film in the forums. You can even make a thread devoted to your progress on a film if you like. [b]Q:[/b] Can we use some non-LEGO elements in building our sets and characters? [b]A:[/b] Yes. The intention of the rule is to put the focus of films made for the competition on LEGO animation. [b]Q:[/b] Are we allowed to release alternate versions of our films at the same time as the version submitted to the contest? (for instance, a version with profanity or other restricted content) [b]A:[/b] In order to maintain the integrity of the judging process, please only release the version you are submitting to the contest publicly at the time the deadline passes. Entrants who violate this rule may be disqualified. If you want to re-release a revised version of your film, you may do so [i]after[/i] contest judging is completed and results have been announced. [b]Q:[/b] Are we required to include any "mod elements" like BiM's THAC contest? [b]A:[/b] No. Those are used in THAC to ensure films are created in the 24-hour period. You have three months this time. Even if you [i]did[/i] submit a film you began working on before this competition was announced, that would be fine as long as you haven't released it anywhere before this contest, and it fits the theme of this contest. [b]Q:[/b] How fast and loose should I play with the content restriction rules? [b]A:[/b] Ultimately, we want winning entries that won't earn us angry emails from parents, or concern from contest sponsors (present and future) if they win and are celebrated througout Bricksinmotion.com and our social media postings. This community has members of a diverse variety of ages and backgrounds in it, so for a competition we want to be respectful of that. These rules are undoubtedly going to be limitations for some filmmakers, but we believe it's still possible to make compelling, even dramatic stories within these limitations. Potentially, one could approach them as [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_limitation]creative limitations[/url] that empower the filmmaker to find more original, inventive ways of conveying ideas in a story. We'll continue to expand this section as we receive questions. If you have a question, feel free to reply in this thread to ask. Nathan Wells and Philip Heinrich will be running the contest.

It's been a while since I've made a film, a (I think it's been at least two years) about a year ago I started making a musical about an evil scientist who wanted to steal hair from the dead because he was balding, but do it ended up becoming a living toupee and terrorizing the village, sadly this project fell through because I moved to Seattle and the guy doing my music stayed in Moses Lake. I remember trying to do some more stuff down the road only to discover my field recorder stopped working, which really killed any motivation I had. After nearly a year of living in Seattle I was pretty settled in and not having some kind of project going had really been bothering me, so I went to B&H and started looking at field recorders. I ended up getting a recorder that [url=http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/579664-REG/Alesis_PROTRACK_ProTrack_Handheld_Stereo_Audio.html]hooks into my iPod[/url] and [url=http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/495302-REG/Audio_Technica_AT875R_AT875_Short_Condenser_Shotgun.html]this shotgun mic[/url]. The new audio equiptment is so much better then the old M-Audio recorder and Shure SM57 I was using before. On my only day off a few weeks back I sat down and wrote a script for a new LEGO film, and I'm really excited about it. I remember after I had finished writing it one of my room mates came home and I let her read it and she was laughing through the entire script. I built the set for the opening establishing shot but realized my light gels had been lost in all the moving. I can't properly function without gels, I figured I could bike out to my bike shop and ask the mechanic Niki (the only local photographer I know, check out [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mobiuscycle/page1/]her stuff[/url]) where I could get some gels locally. It turns out she was interested in the film and is interested in helping me, so I may do some animation (or at least set building and lighting) with her. She also pointed me to Glazer's Camera Supply which had everything I needed. You may have already seen the opening shot: [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisboyer/4952304285/][img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4952304285_f54e4828df.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisboyer/4952304285/]Opening Shot For New Film[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisboyer/]Chris 'Beard'[/url], on Flickr I was able to bribe some voice actors with beer and we all had an absolute blast recording the bulk of the films audio. For the record the film has three scientists, two of which are played by real scientists I later edited down the recording sessions and built the first set that would actually contain animation. I needed a very complex lighting set up with animated lighting effects and the whole setup was lousy for animation but the visuals turned out pretty awesome. It took me the better part of two days just to set up the shot and another two days to animate the scene (two shots, a total of 27 seconds) I didn't have a frame grabber and was shooting blind, but I only had to redo one of the shots. This is the nightmare I had to sit in as I animated, I sat on the orange lid that was on top of a paint can. [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisboyer/5011228440/][img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5011228440_fda08fcbdd.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisboyer/5011228440/]scene 1 set[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisboyer/]Chris 'Beard'[/url], on Flickr Here is part of a frame from the shot: [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisboyer/5011230506/][img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5011230506_b890b24d0d.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisboyer/5011230506/]For Science[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisboyer/]Chris 'Beard'[/url], on Flickr I'll try to keep you updated on the progress and avoid blatant spoilers.

Puzzled about where to put this, I figure it suits this forum best. Show posters of your upcoming Brickfilms. Please link to an mega large image if you are to post one. :) Here's a poster for Alien Parasites! [img]http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/jimmybob/MOC/alienparasitesposter.jpg[/img] :mrgreen: -Jimmybob