Filmmaking Workshops

We’re thrilled to present more local filmmaking workshops this season in collaboration with E-Media and NOM. Sign up for our newsletter to get notified when we add new workshops.

WORKSHOP

Making Magic: Stop Motion Animation Basics

Dive headfirst into the magical world of stop motion animation with this hands-on course taught by filmmaker and animator Melissa McClung.

$250.00
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Instructor: Melissa McClung
Location: Northampton Open Media
Duration: 4 weeks / Wednesdays, 7-9pm
Date: January 2025, start date TBD
Course Cost: $250


We will learn:

  • Basic principles of animation/stop motion

  • Prepping your stop motion sequence

  • How to make your own DIY animation set up

  • Working with Dragonframe software & cameras

  • Tips and tricks to reduce flicker, work efficiently, and have fun!

  • Animation too involved? Ideas for how to make magic without the tedium

Students will have access to animation set-ups and Dragonframe software during the class time. There will be some opportunity to access the equipment outside of class time. Melissa will also introduce students to apps and techniques that require minimal equipment and/or cellphones. Her goal is to make animation as accessible as possible, inside and outside the class!

We will watch each other's work and there will be screening opportunities during the class. This class is geared towards beginners, but Melissa can cater it to who's in the class. If you are an experienced animator looking for community, this could also be for you!

INSTRUCTOR

Melissa McClung

Filmmaker & Animator

Melissa McClung is a filmmaker and animator based in Western Massachusetts. Melissa was nominated for 2024 Cinema Eye Honors in Visual Design for her work on the science documentary, The Arc of Oblivion, directed by Ian Cheney and produced by Wicked Delicate & Sandbox Films with Executive Producer Werner Herzog. The film premiered at SXSW 2023 and CPH:DOX 2023. As a writer/director, Melissa has screened short films all over the world, including at Ann Arbor Film Festival, Maryland Film Festival, and Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. In addition to her creative work, Melissa co-owns Ghost Hit Recording Studio with her husband, audio engineer Andrew Oedel. Melissa earned her MFA in Film from Vermont College of Fine Arts and her BA from Vassar College.

Melissa’s animations are:
“casually magical” - Screen Daily
“delightful” - Reel News Daily

See more about Melissa and some of her work at www.melissamcclung.com and @melissasmarbles on instagram.