Cutout animation facts for kids

Cutout animation is a fun and creative way to make animated movies. It uses flat characters, objects (called props), and backgrounds that are cut out from different materials. These materials can be things like paper, card, stiff fabric, or even photographs.

What is Cutout Animation?

Cutout animation is a special type of stop-motion animation. Instead of drawing every single picture, animators use flat pieces that they move slightly between each photo. When all the photos are played quickly, it looks like the characters and objects are moving on their own!

How Does Cutout Animation Work?

Making cutout animation is a bit like playing with paper dolls that come to life.

• First, artists design and draw their characters and backgrounds.
• Then, they carefully cut out each part. Sometimes, they cut out separate arms, legs, and heads so they can move them independently.
• These flat pieces are then placed on a background.
• An animator takes a picture.
• After the picture, they move the cutouts just a tiny bit.
• They take another picture.
• This process repeats many, many times. Each small movement creates the illusion of smooth motion when the pictures are played in a sequence.

Materials Used in Cutout Animation

Animators can use many different materials for their cutouts.

• Paper and Card: These are very common because they are easy to cut and move.
• Fabric: Stiff fabrics can add interesting textures.
• Photographs: Sometimes, real photos are cut out and used, which can create a unique look.
• Digital Cutouts: In modern animation, artists often create "cutouts" using computer software. They draw characters and then separate them into movable digital pieces, similar to how physical cutouts work.

History of Cutout Animation

Cutout animation has a long and interesting history, going back over a hundred years!

Early Pioneers

One of the first people to use cutout animation was a German filmmaker named Lotte Reiniger.

• She started making cutout films in the 1920s.
• Her most famous film is The Adventures of Prince Achmed, made in 1926.
• This movie is one of the oldest surviving animated feature films.
• Reiniger used black paper cutouts that looked like beautiful silhouettes, moving them on a light table.

Cutout Animation in Television

Cutout animation became very popular for TV shows because it could be faster and cheaper to make than traditional drawing animation.

• Many classic children's shows used this technique.
• It allowed for unique visual styles that stood out.

Famous Examples of Cutout Animation

You might have seen cutout animation without even knowing it!

Classic Shows

• South Park: This very popular American animated TV show, which started in 1997, famously uses a style that looks like cutout animation. The creators originally made the pilot episode using actual paper cutouts. Later episodes are made on computers, but they keep the classic cutout look.
• Monty Python's Flying Circus: This British comedy show from the late 1960s and early 1970s often featured surreal and funny cutout animations created by Terry Gilliam. He used pictures from old magazines and newspapers, cutting them out and moving them around.

Modern Films and Shorts

• While less common for big feature films today, cutout animation is still used in short films, music videos, and commercials.
• It allows artists to experiment with different textures and create a handmade feel that digital animation sometimes misses.
• Many independent animators love using this method because it doesn't require expensive equipment, just creativity and patience!

Why is Cutout Animation Cool?

Cutout animation is a fantastic art form for several reasons.

• Unique Look: It has a distinct visual style that can be very charming and artistic.
• Creativity: Animators can use almost any flat material, leading to endless creative possibilities.
• Accessibility: It's a great way for beginners to try animation because you don't need advanced drawing skills. You just need scissors, paper, and a camera!
• Storytelling: Like all animation, it's a powerful tool for telling stories and bringing imaginary worlds to life.

Cutout animation shows how simple materials can be transformed into amazing moving pictures with a little bit of imagination and a lot of patience.

See also

In Spanish: Animación con recortes para niños