Make a LEGO Animation

LEGO® bricks are one of the most classic, fun, and clever toys ever made. Advances in consumer electronics, such as affordable computers, camcorders and digital cameras have made it possible for to produce high quality Lego animations inexpensively.

Steps

  1. Go on a video sharing website like Youtube and search for LEGO movies, to get ideas. (Examples:LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Mario, LEGO Batman.etc.)
  2. Make sure you have all of your materials.
  3. Build and stage your set, this could be 100% Lego, a real world scene or a combination of the two. Be sure to look through the camera you'll be using, to get a sense of how your video will look. While you're doing this you can check for unwanted elements that need to be covered up or camouflaged, especially in the background.
  4. Next get the Lego minifigure actors ready. As the stock minifigure heads are very static you may want to have a few suitable heads ready to go if you'd like for your actors to be expressive. If you can't find heads that work you could always paint some yourself.
  5. Position the starting scene of your movie and your camera keeping in mind that it is imperative that the camera be immobilized; otherwise your finished video will be jerky. Use a tripod or similar device to keep the camera still, then take the picture.
  6. Now it is time to move the actors in your scene, but just a little bit. It is easiest to move the character about two paces on the platform or about half an inch on the floor. Continue this until you are done with your movie.
  7. Use any stop motion application on your computer that can make variable fps time settings. preferably one that can set up to 15fps, It will give the best results.
  8. Go on iMovie, Windows Movie Maker or another movie making program and import your photos.
  9. Delete any extra photos and put them in the correct order.
  10. Watch your movie using the sideshow setting.



Tips

  • Tape down your Lego base plate. Don't use natural light, use desk lamps instead. Read how to make a Lego movie set. Look for Lego stop motion tutorials on YouTube.
  • Since Lego has made various movie themes like Harry Potter or Star Wars, you can make Lego versions of your favorite movies.
  • Or if you want smooth animation you can use software such as Bafran to make a Lego character fly, jump or float.
  • Set aside lots of time for this hobby. Your early work will likely be less than perfect, but you'll love the results. If you continue to experiment you'll find what works for you and most importantly you should be having a lot of fun.
  • There are several web forums dedicated to making LEGO Movies. Search for LEGO Movies, Brickfilms, or Lego stop motion to find these sites.
  • Another method of making a character jump, fly or swing is to tilt your scenery so the lego character lies on the wall, and the floor is upright, if your scene is like a box. Then move your character around the wall
  • If you want an actor to fly, jump, or swing on a rope, tie a string to their torso. To fly or jump, use an "invisible" string. To swing, use a shoelace.

Warnings

  • Do not move the set or camera unless going for a different view of it.

Things You'll Need

  • LEGO Bricks
  • Digital camera
  • A lot of patience
  • Good lighting
  • A computer with a video editing software installed
  • If you can, for iPod, iPhone or iPad, there are various movie making apps. You can also use the 3DS camera.

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