"Stop motions" is spelled with a /s/ sound followed by a /t/ sound and pronounced as /ˈstɑp ˈmoʊʃənz/. The word refers to a filming technique which involves capturing photographs of an object physically moved in small increments between each shot, thus creating the illusion of motion when the photos are played back in sequence. The spelling of the word, "stop motions," reflects the combination of these two elements' names in the technique, "stop" and "motion."
Stop motion is a cinematographic technique used in animation to create the illusion of movement through a series of static images. It involves capturing a series of individual frames, each showing a slight alteration in position or movement of objects or characters, and then playing them back in rapid succession to achieve the illusion of motion.
Stop motion can be achieved in various ways, including using physical objects such as clay figurines, paper cutouts, or inanimate objects, or even live actors. Each frame is meticulously set up, and after capturing an image, the objects or characters are slightly adjusted before capturing the next frame. This process is repeated numerous times, resulting in a sequence of perfectly timed images that, when played back, give the impression of movement and animation.
The technique requires a great deal of patience, precision, and attention to detail, as even the subtlest changes can convey motion and tell a story. Stop motion has been a popular form of animation since the early days of cinema and has evolved over time with the advent of new technologies. It has been used in a wide range of media, including films, television shows, commercials, and music videos, to create visually stunning and unique animated content.