In this Zoetrope workshop we will create an effective animation of repetitive movements.

• Workshop Subject
• Dates
• Workshop Modules
•   Module 1
•   Module 2
•   Module 3
•   Module 4
• Selection of Modules
• Fees and Expenses
• Booking and Payment
• Accommodation
• Venue
• Questions

With the help of various optical devices, e.g. a Zoetrope*, one or two short loop animations are created every day, on paper strips or discs.

In order to create the desired movement based on the animation, we constantly check the intermediate results on the optical devices.

In a workshop module, various optical devices are made, e.g. a Zoetrope and a Praxinoscope* (a further developed device).

In another module, we will work on presenting the animations with music and sounds and producing a small animated film.

The final highlight of the workshop is the presentation of the results with music and sounds as a performance on various optical devices.

*The Zoetrope (in German “Wundertrommel“) and the Praxinoscope were developed in 1834 and 1877 before the invention of film. It can be used to show images in motion. Typical representations are, for example, walking, waving or jumping cartoon figures. A short explanation of the Zoetrope, a making-of film about one of my Zoetrope workshops and an extraordinary presentation of its results can be found on my Zoetrope Workshop subpage.

See two results by Jürgen and Lian Bietendorf.

Report of the Hessian Television on a past Zoetrope workshop.

Module 1:
9 January 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break
Animation on Paper Strips – Working with the Zoetrope and Praxinoscope

Module 2:
10 January 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break
Zoetrope and Praxinoscope self-made

Module 3:
11 January 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break
Animation on Discs – Working with Strobe Light

Module 4:
12 January 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. including break, final presentation 7 – 8 p.m.
Music and Sounds – Making a Film from the Animations

Download description of the workshop modules in German: Pdf file

Module 1
Animation on Paper Strips – Working with the Zoetrope and Praxinoscope

To learn about the physical functioning of a Zoetrope and Praxinoscope, we create a cartoon animation on a strip of paper and uses 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

Module 2
Zoetrope and Praxinoscope self-made

How are the number of drawings, slits and mirror surfaces, the diameter of the drum and the speed of rotation of the Zoetrope and Praxinoscope related? While tinkering with the devices, the function and the advantages and disadvantages of different forms of construction are made comprehensible. The homemade Zoetrope and Praxinoscope can be taken home.

Crafting a Zoetrope

Module 3
Animation on Discs – Working with Strobe Light

More possibilities open two- and three-dimensional animation on a disc. We use strobe light to make the movement visible and experiment with the flash frequency and duration and change the brightness.

Animation on a discs

Module 4
Music and Sounds – Making a Film from the Animations

An app Music Maker JAM is used to compose music together with sounds in a simple way. The animations are photographed using stop-motion techniques and exported as a film together with music and sounds using film editing software.

Together, a final presentation of all workshop results is developed, prepared and presented in the evening on the optical devices.

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

Music and sound editing

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.

The participation fees include drinks and snacks as well as 19% VAT.

The material costs (25-45 €) will be paid on site.

It is desirable to bring 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 1 December 2024, 20,- € will be retained. In case of cancellation after 2 January 2024, 50% of the amount will be withheld from the refund. If a substitute person stands in, only a 20,- € handling fee will be charged instead.

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

Offener Kanal, Kassel
Rainer-Dierichs-Platz 1
34117 Kassel
Germany

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on +49 561 9371618 or via the following contact form.

If you haven’t seen my short animated films yet, then visit my Trickfilm-Show on January 2, 3 and 8, 2024 at the Theaterstuebchen in Kassel.