Model Mayhem

Stop motion animation, like any art form, is a chance to add our voice to a constant cultural exchange of ideas and values. How we each think about ourselves, others, life, and its meaning will often leak out of our creative endeavors without intentionally inserting our views.

Other times, it is a self-awareness of our own bias that flows into the story, and that becomes a social commentary in itself. So it is with this college project short by one-time animator Lindsay Kumpf. 

Model Mayhem

Working with others isn't always easy. Ever gotten frustrated with someone who seems determined to ignore your needs and thwart your instructions?

Manny Mannequin is attempting to complete a portrait of his friend Woody. The problem? Woody refuses to stay in one spot. Manny finally gets rid of his uncooperative model and begins to draw a new portrait based on what he sees in the mirror. Only, when it comes to himself, his objectivity and critical spirit appear to have disappeared!

In stop motion, constraints are there to challenge our creativity. The mannequins are given no facial expressions, but remain confined to body language. The simple set is maximized through depth of field and focus racks back and forth to "follow" the artist's gaze. The crumpling paper and scribbling give a pleasantly quirky consistency to the soundscape throughout.

So don't let your limitations keep you from animating! And remember to be as kind to others about their work as you'd like them to be about yours.