Frequently Asked Questions

I use an old Sony DV camera - specifically, a DCR-PC105E PAL, which shoots at 720x576 resolution. For a while towards the end of 2008, I switched to a Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000, but I couldn't get the picture quality I wanted.

I currently use Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 to edit, and occasionally Adobe After Effects. To animate, I use Boinx iStopmotion 2 Express, which I'd recommend to anyone (but it is Mac-only).

If I watch a really good brickfilm or spontaneously come up with an idea I really like, it will make me want to jump into action straight away. I have had many projects drop by the wayside, however, because I lost enthusiasm before completing pre-production or because they were just boring to animate. Dialogue is rarely interesting for the animator.

Well, I have these four boxes (which are overflowing):

Along with a whole bunch of sets:

And just general (but useful) junk in and around my animation table:

Mainly the LEGO online shop for full sets, but I'm an avid user of Bricklink, which is better for individual parts (which are more useful than actual sets in brickfilms).

The current best cameras for brickfilming are the Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 (which is very good) and the Logitech HD C910 (which is better). To animate, there are several free programs you can use, like Helium Frog, MonkeyJam and Anasazi SMA. If you're looking to progress up the ranks, the epitome of hardware/software would be to have an SLR camera, Dragon Stop Motion and Final Cut Pro, but all those carry a hefty price tag.