Stop Motion Animators bring models or puppets to life, animating them one frame at a time to create a performance and provide the action outlined in the storyboard.

They follow a brief from a Director, Animation Director/Supervisor or Studio Director, and may also refer to established characterisation developed by a Director or Key/Senior Animator.

Stop Motion, also called Stop Frame, describes animation that is created by moving models, puppets or any three-dimensional objects frame-by-frame in front of a camera to create the illusion of movement. Other terms used are Model or Puppet Animation, Table Top or 3D, although nowadays 3D usually applies to computer animation.

In character animation, Animators could be ‘cast’ like actors, for their particular talents, such as comedy, dialogue, action, charm, simplicity; or their ability to animate certain types of character; or for their skill at animating inanimate objects. However, they should also be all-rounders with the ability to replicate the animation style that the Senior Animator has set for each particular character.

Depending on the size of the production, they may be involved with pre-production and are likely to collaborate with Model Makers and Riggers to ensure that the models or puppets are prepared for the action that is required.

On smaller productions, they may work alone. On larger projects they may be one of a team and supported by an Assistant Animator. They can be responsible for supervising the work of more junior animators.

To become a Stop Motion Animator, it will generally help you to have a degree in animation, fine art, sculpture, graphics, illustration, or another related subject.

If you are considering taking an animation or art and design/graphics course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a creative career:

Animation courses awarded the Creative Skillset Tick

Art and design/CGI/graphics courses awarded the Creative Skillset Tick

Your showreel will need to demonstrate your talent in order to set you apart. The more experience you can gain in a range of stop motion techniques, the more employable you will be. Some studios also want to see evidence of good life drawing. Directors and Producers will be looking for you to have proven ability to develop characters and produce good performances.

To become a Stop Motion Animator, you will need to work your way up from the position of Assistant or Junior Animator. It is very rare that you would be able to gain a job as an Animator straight after graduating.

You could apply to be an Animation Trainee through Trainee Finder, which gives you hands-on experience in the industry and helps you build those all-important contacts that are essential when competing for a job:

•What does the Editor do in a production? Production editors are responsible for the process of putting out a publication. The position includes many duties, from proofreading content to writing a budget. Candidates are usually required to have a bachelor's degree, experience as an editor and managerial skills.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB773&ei=DB8cWsOJF8Sna72irNgI&q=What+does+the+Editor+do+in+a+production%3F&oq=What+does+the+Editor+do+in+a+production%3F&gs_l=psy-ab.3..33i22i29i30k1.42802.42802.0.43884.1.1.0.0.0.0.76.76.1.1.0....0...1c.2.64.psy-ab..0.1.75....0.NZdrbt4VN1U

•Will I need a qualification? There are no set entry requirements, but you'll usually need experience of editing software like Final Cut Pro, Media Composer or Premiere Pro. You could: do paid or unpaid work experience at a production company or edit suite. create and edit student, charitable or community film productions.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB773&ei=OR8cWsezIsexa4CUvPAI&q=will+i+need+a+qualifications+to+be+a+video+editor&oq=Will+I+need+a+qualification+to+be+a+vide&gs_l=psy-ab.1.3.33i22i29i30k1l8.45787.56485.0.58475.15.15.0.0.0.0.97.1095.15.15.0....0...1c.1j2.64.psy-ab..0.15.1092....0.QbuThirVlqM

•What’s the best route in to the role? Traditionally, you could go from being a Runner to a Trainee, Second Assistant, First Assistant and eventually to become an Editor. However, with digital editing, 2nd Assistants are now only employed on very big budget films.

As a Trainee with at least two years' experience you would have to work as an Assistant in television or on low budget films for a considerable period of time before becoming First Assistant on feature films. Some big budget productions take on Trainees and Second Assistants, and it is important to keep up to date with films in pre-production by reading the trade press.

If you can work with an Editor as an Assistant, you may be allowed to carry out the assembly edit of some sections of the film. If you can become an experienced Assistant, you may also work as an Editor on short films, which will enable you to showcase your talents.

http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/2940_editor

•What does the Camera Operator do in a production? The camera operator is responsible for physically operating the camera and maintaining composition and camera angles throughout a given scene or shot. In narrative film making, the camera operator will collaborate with the director, director of photography, actors and crew to make technical and creative decisions.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB773&ei=bhwcWsy1CoPuapz7gYAK&q=What+does+the+Camera+Operator+do+in+a+production%3F&oq=What+does+the+Camera+Operator+do+in+a+production%3F&gs_l=psy-ab.3...89580.89580.0.91199.1.1.0.0.0.0.104.104.0j1.1.0....0...1c.2.64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.DjXzBov9tjc

•Will I need a qualification? Employers will be more interested in your technical skills and practical experience than academic qualifications. In practice, many camera operators take a college or uni course to develop their camera skills before looking for work.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB773&ei=yhwcWufeFMzda7qopMgI&q=will+i+need+a+qualifications+to+be+a+camera+operator&oq=Will+I+need+a+qualification+to+be+a+camera+operato&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.33i22i29i30k1.90542.99589.0.101212.25.25.0.0.0.0.114.1835.23j2.25.0....0...1c.1j2.64.psy-ab..0.23.1651...33i160k1.0.1lohsMY0fTk

•What’s the best route in to the role? You can expect to begin your career as a Camera Trainee or Runner, progressing to 2nd AC and, as you gain more experience, to 1st AC. You will have to continually build upon your experience and competence when operating a variety of cameras in order to achieve the role of Camera Operator.

http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/3073_camera_operator

•What does the Producer do in a production? Either employed by a production company or independent, producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing. ... They are in charge of selling the film or arranging distribution rights as well.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB773&ei=PRgcWqqGJdOja_yLu9gI&q=What+does+the+Producer+do+in+a+production%3F&oq=What+does+the+Producer+do+in+a+production%3F&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i22i30k1l2.99785.99785.0.101047.1.1.0.0.0.0.68.68.1.1.0....0...1c.2.64.psy-ab..0.1.68....0.TK_-J-Lcwgc

•Will I need a qualification? Be aware that entry to these programmes is competitive and most require some previous experience so that you can give evidence of your practical skills and your work. Look for courses that provide cutting-edge technical resources, a reasonable final production budget and contacts within the industry.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB773&ei=jBocWq6TH8K4abenkJAJ&q=will+i+need+a+qualifications+to+be+a+video+producer&oq=will+i+need+a+qualifications+to+be+a+video+producer&gs_l=psy-ab.3..33i160k1.1539.10895.0.11327.23.23.0.0.0.0.232.1845.22j0j1.23.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.21.1695...33i22i29i30k1j33i21k1.0.SdhbIOwscGU

•What’s the best route in to the role? Top filmmakers work with the same people over and over again. To get started in the Production Office it is worth getting experience as a Production Assistant or Runner. If you can prove that you are reliable, trustworthy and enthusiastic you may progress.

http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/757_producer

•What does the Director do in a production? A film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualise the screenplay (or script) while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfilment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of filmmaker.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB773&ei=xvMbWvK_JoL5kwXg5KHoDQ&q=What+does+the+Director+do+in+a+production%3F&oq=What+does+the+Director+do+in+a+production%3F&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i22i30k1l7.162184.166301.0.169894.1.1.0.0.0.0.61.61.1.1.0....0...1c.1j2.64.psy-ab..0.1.61....0.YqtQWtclKDY

•Will I need a qualification? Many directors have a bachelor's degree in film, video production or a related field. ... You will also need to possess artistic ability, creativity, leadership skills, time-management skills, communication skills and proficiency using video recording equipment and editing software.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB773&ei=7vUbWuyfPIT8kwXhjqWgDA&q=will+i+need+qualifications+to+be+a+video+director&oq=will+i+need+qualifications+to+be+a+video+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.33i22i29i30k1l2.3794.5152.0.7144.6.6.0.0.0.0.103.524.5j1.6.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.6.522....0.r9guRbVnZJo

•What’s the best route in to the role? Some film and movie directors never spent a day in a university or film school. While film directors do not have set requirements for employment, educational programs have much to offer to aspiring directors. An education in film studies and technique may provide valuable training to a budding film and movie director.

Enrolling in a film studies program at a university, college, technical or vocational school can teach film directors much about filmmaking and the industry. Whether learning about the technical aspects of filmmaking, trends in the movie industry or making contacts to assist in career development, film directors can gain skills and preparation for a film career.

http://study.com/articles/Film_Director_Educational_Requirements_for_being_a_Film_and_Movie_Director.html