Pixilation is a stop-motion animation method in which live actors are used as subjects frame-by-frame to produce quirky or exaggerated movement. Instead of traditional forms of stop-motion animation, which might use clay or puppets, pixilation uses actors.
How Pixilation Works
Pixilation involves actors holding successive poses with a photograph taken of each pose. Together they get played on a loop that builds the impression of motion, not too far off from stop-motion animation.
Techniques Used in Pixilation
Frame-by-Frame Photography
As actors move slowly from shot to shot, a new photograph is taken with each shift. The animation move looks smoother the more discreet is the movement.
Exaggerated Movements
This is good for making the jerky and exaggerated movement required for whimsical or obviously surreal effects seen in pixilation animation. Actors can seem to “skip” from one place to another, having unnatural movements.
Interaction with Objects
Actors can also physically interact with the props or objects in set and give it the perception of making the object move on its own, adding another layer to the animation.
Examples of Pixilation
Pixilation has been employed in numerous films and music videos, some successful examples include Neighbours by Norman McLaren and the music video of Fell in Love with a Girl by The White Stripes.
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