Claymation: Bringing Clay to Life Using a Smartphone

Event Type: Competition

About This Event:

Claymation, a form of stop-motion animation, is a fascinating technique where clay models are moved frame by frame to create the illusion of motion. It is one of the most creative and expressive forms of animation, often seen in films, commercials, and short videos. With modern technology, you don’t need expensive equipment to create Claymation; a smartphone is enough to bring your imagination to life.

Claymation, a form of stop-motion animation, is a fascinating and creative storytelling technique that involves sculpting characters and scenes out of clay and capturing frame-by-frame movements. With the advancement of smartphone cameras and user-friendly animation apps, creating high-quality Claymation has become easier than ever.

A Claymation Competition provides an exciting opportunity for students, artists, and animation enthusiasts to showcase their creativity, patience, and storytelling skills. The competition challenges participants to craft engaging short films using clay models, bringing them to life through meticulous frame-by-frame shooting.

Rules and Regulations:

1. General Guidelines:

1. Stop Motion Studio (Android & iOS) or Life Lapse (Android & iOS)
2. Smartphone
3. Smartphone Tripod
4. Clay (1 Kg/per student) (1 Kg/per team)
5. Clay Type:- Oil-Based Clay or Polymer Clay
6. Participants must create a short Claymation animation within 2 hours using smartphones and stop-motion apps.
7. Only oil-based clay (Plastalina) or similar modeling materials should be used for characters.
8. The competition theme will be revealed at the start of the event.
9. Each team can have 1-3 students.

2. Technical Requirements

• Maximum animation length: 30 to 60 seconds.
• Frame rate: Minimum 10-12 FPS for smooth motion.
• Participants must use a smartphone with a stop-motion app (e.g., Stop Motion Studio, iMotion).
• Editing and sound can be added within the given time using the app.

3. Allowed & Restricted Materials

Allowed:

• Clay (oil-based recommended), paper, small props, colored backgrounds.
• Stop-motion apps for capturing and editing.
• Pre-made clay models (only if sculpted during the competition).

Not Allowed:

• Pre-shot footage or pre-edited animations.
• AI or CGI-based animations.
• Offensive, inappropriate, or copyrighted content.

Judgment Criteria:

For School:

• Creativity & Storytelling (30%) – Unique concept, engaging narrative.
• Smoothness of Animation (15%) – Proper frame rate, fluid movement.
• Character & Set Design (10%) – Well-made models and props.
• Technical Execution (5%) – Good lighting, camera stability.
• Overall Presentation (40%) – Final video clarity and impact.

For University:

• Creativity & Storytelling (30%) – Unique concept, engaging narrative.
• Smoothness of Animation (25%) – Proper frame rate, fluid movement.
• Character & Set Design (20%) – Well-made models and props.
• Technical Execution (15%) – Good lighting, camera stability.
• Overall Presentation (10%) – Final video clarity and impact.

Other Information:

1. Submission Guidelines

• The final video must be exported and submitted within the 2-hour deadline.
• Video format: MP4 or MOV (maximum 50 MB file size).
• Entries will be submitted via Google Drive, email, or USB transfer.

2. Disqualification Rules

• Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Plagiarism or use of pre-made animations will result in disqualification.
• Any disrespectful behavior towards organizers or judges will lead to removal.