What is Clay Animation?
Clay animation is a technique of stop motion animation, wherein one has to click photographs of the object in a sequential manner and then play them. Clay animation is different from computer animation as a handcrafted product is from a machine-made one. A clay animator has to create models out of malleable substances like plasticine or any other oil based clay. Later a picture of a model is clicked, position is changed, then another picture is clicked, it continues in this manner. When these images are plated back-to-back, illusion of movement is created. Clay animation runs about 10 to 12 frames per second, than the usual 24 frames per second used in films.
Skills required being a Clay Animator:
· One needs to be creative and artistic.
· One needs to have mathematical and logical skills
· One needs to be very patient, and ready to work under pressure and in the prescribed budget.
Future prospects and Scope:
In India Clay Animation is still not popular. There are only a few studios specialising in this art. As compared to Indian animation sector clay animation contributes only 5% of the Rs.1200crore. Then to, clay animation is becoming a lucrative career option. Clay animation can be used in various feature films, web applications, TV serials commercials, e-learning projects.
Remuneration:
It all depends upon one’s experience and quality of work given. Approx it may range from Rs.30000/ to Rs.50000/
Institutes/Colleges in India:
National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad and the Industrial Design Centre of IIT Mumbai has the facilities needed for stop motion, but there is no specific course in clay animation in India. One may learn through Internet or workshops of clay animation.
Institutes/Colleges Abroad:
1. Royal college of Art, UK
2. Sheridan college of Art and Design, Canada
3. California institutes of arts
4. Vancouver Film School
