• Workshop Subject
• Workshop Modules 1-4
• Venue
• Fees and Expenses
• Booking, Payment and Contract Terms
• Dates of Modules 
• Selection of Modules
• Details of Modules
• Module 1
• Module 2
• Module 3
• Module 4
• After Module 4
• Accommodation
• Reports and more
• Feedback
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Teaser

From 3 to 6 October 2024 I will be offering a Zoetrope workshop in Kassel, Germany. In this workshop, we develop an effective animation of repetitive movements on paper strips and disks.

With the help of various historical optical devices, e.g. a Zoetrope*, we break down the production process into small work steps and repeatedly check the intermediate results until the animation leads to the desired movement.

The Zoetrope workshop is suitable for adults who are looking for challenges, new experiences, fun or socializing, but also for children aged 11 and over.

*The Zoetrope was developed in 1834 before the invention of film. The device can be used to show images in motion. Typical representations are, for example, walking, waving or jumping cartoon figures.

See results of the last Zoetrope workshop.

On the first day of module 1, one or two animated strips of paper are created with just under one second of animation. If everything has been done correctly, we will see an endlessly repeating loop animation with the Zoetrope.

Zoetropes are made in workshop module 2. The animation is continued on paper strips.

In module 3, we set our animation created on a disc in motion with strobe light.

In module 4, we use an app to make music and sounds for the animations, digitise the animations with a camera and create a film file with sound.

The workshop ends at the end of module 4 with a public presentation, called Around the Zoetrope in which the participants themselves present their results together with music and sounds on the Zoetrope and other optical devices.

How do we work in the workshop? (in German)

Explanation of a paper strip with animation (in German)

The workshop takes 7 hours per day including a break.

The participation fees include coffee, water, tea, snacks, graphic and craft materials and 19% VAT.

It is desirable to bring additional graphics and craft materials for the creation of the animations.

The course can be booked through my store via Paypal, Mastercard or bank transfer. VAT will be shown on the invoice.

In case of cancellation after 31 August 2024, 20,- € will be retained.

In case of cancellation after 28 September 2024, 50% of the paid workshop fee will be withheld.

If the canceling party can offer a replacement person, only a processing fee of € 20 will be charged instead.

A single module can be booked or several modules in combination. I recommend to start with module 1.

Typically, you will create 1-2 animations per day. If you participate over several days, you can also produce more animations independently of the theme of the modules.

Please indicate which days you will be attending when booking.

Module 1:
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break
Animation on strips of paper – working with the Zoetrope and Praxinoscope

Module 2:
Friday, 4 October 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break
Zoetrope self-made – animation on strips of paper

Module 3:
Saturday, 5 October 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break
Animation on discs – working with strobe light

Module 4:
Sunday, 6 October 2024, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. including break
Adding music and sounds to the animation – making a film from the animations – preparing the presentation

After module 4:
Sunday, 6 October 2024, 3 to 4:30 p.m. public presentation 
Final public presentation during the event Around the Zoetrope

Download description of the workshop modules in German: Pdf file

Module 1
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break

Animation on Strips of Paper – Working with the Zoetrope and Praxinoscope

You learn about the physical functioning of a Zoetrope and Praxinoscope by creating a cartoon animation on a strip of paper and using the optical devices to check the movement. With the help of these devices, the principle of the film is made comprehensible.

Animation on a paper stripe, working with a Zoetrope

Module 2
Friday, 4 October 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break

Zoetrope Self-made – Animation on Strips of Paper

How are the number of drawings and slits, the diameter of the drum and the speed of rotation of the Zoetrope related? During the production of the device, its functionality is made comprehensible and compared with similar optical devices. The home-made Zoetrope can be taken home with the animation strips you have made.

Crafting a Zoetrope

Module 3
Saturday, 5 October 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break

Animation on Discs – Working with Strobe Light

More possibilities open two- and three-dimensional animation on a disc. We use stroboscopic light, experimenting with the flash frequency, duration and brightness to visualise the movement.

Animation on a discs

Module 4
Sunday, 6 October 2024, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. including break

Adding Music and Sounds to the Animation – Making a Film from the Animations – Preparing the Presentation

We add music and sounds to the animation and work with the Music Maker JAM app to easily compose music together with sounds.

For digitizing the animation we photographed the results using the stop-motion method and exported as a film together with music and sounds using film editing software.

The films can be taken home and will be published online by Thomas Stellmach for promoting his Zoetrope workshops, if no objection is raised.

Music and sound editing

After module 4
Sunday, 6 October 2024, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Final Public Presentation

The presentation is part of the infotainment event Around the Zoetrope.

In the afternoon participants of all modules will show their workshop results on the optical devices in a public presentation. I recommend to participate module 4 to show your animation with music and sound.

Check out some exceptional presentations, the so-called Spinning Animation Show.

Final public presentation

Participants should arrange their own accommodation. I would be happy to send a list of accommodation options.

Read general information about my Zoetrope workshops.

I wrote a report about my Zoetrope workshop Kassel, which took place on 9-12 January 2024.

See my other events.

Report by the Hessian Broadcast TV about a workshop at the city museum of Kassel (in German)

A workshop that opens up completely new creative possibilities and enables impressive results in a short time.

Many thanks, best wishes and continued success in bringing the joy of animation to the world.

Matthias

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via the following contact form.