FUNN, the Sharjah-based organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting media arts learning among children and youth, has recently concluded a unique silhouette animation workshop where young participants learnt an array of beginner’s techniques to bring artfully cut paper characters to life through traditional stop-motion animation.

In line with FUNN’s mission to empower children and youth by nurturing their creativity in the field of media arts, FadiSyriani, Beirut-based animator and founder of Youth Animation Foundation, led the virtual Silhouette Animation Workshop from January 10 – 17as he took participants on a delightful journey of gaining a deeper appreciation of this form of artistic storytelling through seven interactive sessions.

Targeting children from age 12 upwards, the sessions combined a mix of thought-provoking discussions and hands-on practical exercises.The first session commenced with an introduction to silhouette animation and story writing. Through interactive exercises in the next one, participants also learnt the techniques of generating story ideas and developing a story using the storyboard.

In sessions 3 and 4, Syriani focused on building characters and creating cutouts of both characters and sets relevant to the chosen story line. To enhance the distinctive style of black and white silhouette animation, participants learnt how to prepare visually appealing titles for the start and end of the film in the fifth session.

Quick editing tips to transform the story idea into a magical silhouette animation was offered in session 6 while in the concluding workshop, participants applied the finishing touches to the film to make it ready for sharing with friends and family.

Participants downloaded the free Stop Motion Studio app on their e-devices. Other essential requirements for the workshop included a 1x1m white canvas, an iPad, tablet or smart phone, a tripod, basic lighting equipment, dark carboard and paper, scissors, cutters and glue, and a cutting pad.