The pre-production process is one of the most important parts of Claymation and involves multiple steps. The first step is creating a story. Write out a short script and use white copy paper to create storyboards for the scenes. These storyboards should showcase different camera angles and movements for the characters. Use drawing paper to design the different characters for the production. Break each character down into different elements for the creation including body, clothes and accessories like a hat, for example. For background characters, substitute action figures or Barbies so less creation is needed.
Creating clay characters involves a multi-step process with different materials. Create the base of the character using aluminum wire or pipe cleaners. Twist two of the pipe cleaners together to create the base of the body. Loop half pipe cleaners through four sections of the body to create arms and legs. Add a small piece of Styrofoam at the end of each arm and leg to add girth for the hands and feet. Make the character stand by cutting a Styrofoam ball in half and using each half for the feet with the flat side as the base. Use plasticine clay because the ingredients will not harden and crack like standard clay, and it is not too soft like Play Doh.
Claymation is shot frame by frame and, while the finished product is a video, the best approach is to use a digital camera. A professional SLR camera will provide custom settings for the best shots, but a standard digital camera will work as well. Make sure the camera has plenty of space or purchase extra memory cards because you will be taking thousands of still frames for the production. Use a tripod to stabilize the camera---taking the pictures by hand will result in an inaccurate shooting and a jumpy final product. Two small flood lights from a hardware store should provide the necessary lighting for the production.
Create the different scenes and sets by using elements in your own home. Use dollhouses and other toy accessories to create different props for a scene. Use pictures or calendars as backdrops. Use a blue or green blanket to insert backdrops later within an editing program. Use Popsicle sticks and other crafts to create customized props for the settings---keep things simple. Visiting yard sales and flea markets can help you find miniature collectibles that can be used in a production.
Start production with the finished Claymation characters. Wear thin medical gloves so that the maneuvering of the characters does not create visible fingerprints. Adjust each character, take a picture, adjust again and repeat the process. Use multiple cameras to capture different angles during the scene or move the camera at different times to create a flow of angles.