Peeping Winkle

Abstract

Peeping Winkle, 11minute stop-motion film.

Research Background:

My Doctoral research is situated in the field of independent stop-motion animation with focus directed at material considerations enhanced by digital post-production refinements. In response to the research question: How can the material requirements of stop-motion puppet animation production be balanced with the affordances of digital effects and processes in order to best exploit the unique attributes of the technique?, a unified facial mechanism for stop-motion puppets was sought that combined haptic mechanisms with CGI generated 3D printed mouth replacements, and scope for composited eye enhancements.

Research Contribution:

My research has led to the creation of a unique hybrid facial animation method which incorporates traditional stop-motion fabrication processes of internal armature animator-controlled points skinned in foam latex, 3D printed mouth replacements with plasticine tongues, and realistic eye texture compositing. This unique combination of material fabrication and digitally-produced assets and composited techniques synthesizes the imperfections and textural appeal of traditional stop-motion with the expressive advantages of digital post-production techniques.

Research Significance:

The research output, an 11 minute stop-motion animation Peeping Winkle, showcases the hybrid facial animation method through its puppets. The success of this method in dialogue and facial expression, and ultimately audience appeal, is evidenced in the film festival accolades: Best Film at the Sydney Short Film Festival 2019, Best Stop-Motion Film & Best International Student Film at the Dingle Animation Film Festival Ireland, and nominee for an Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) Award November 2019.