Animation and Hammer-Space theory

The animation technique of Stop-motion is rarely used in modern movies and television as 3D computer generated animation has increased in quality and has rendered Stop-motion as low quality. However, some studios such as Aardman still use this format of animation as seen in the cartoon of Shaun the sheep. This is to look into stop motion into a medium for a short film, how a plot can be explained in this short time, and the use of characters in a story. I will also be looking at the theory of hammer-space as this plays a large part in the plot for this animation. Hammer-space: "The infinite amount of space within something in which items are stored. Inventories in video games are a prime example, as the character is somehow able to hold a large number of items and objects without any sign of even a bag on him." 

http://videobb.com/watch_video.php?v=22e5ty6Qf8wY

The basic plot of Shaun the sheep Episode 14 Season 3 is that of a mouse being found on the farm and the havoc caused by the sheep (led by Shaun) in their attempts at protecting the mouse from the cat. The plot is simple however it enables the creators to have some fun with the different characters; Shaun is always shown as the hero and is of a different design to the rest of the flock, being smaller and skinnier than the rest of the sheep. The Cat is shown as a villain; with the stereotypical evil laugh and grin. The use of stereotypes for good and evil allows the audience to easily recognize who is good and who is bad. Animations conventionally manipulate the audience by using stereotyped protagonist/antagonist representations. this is because it enables the target audience whose point of view is the correct one. an effective animation clearly communicates strong character values in often very simple character; The rest of the flock are shown to have little character, however they are all shown to be good guys, if, a little simplistic and childlike. There are also a few other members of the flock who are different to the rest of the flock. There is an easily recognised mother who is represented stereotypically by her hair curlers and her relationship with her young lamb, named Timmy. This pairing of mother and child gives the audience a reference point. The final member of the flock is a massive sheep who is relatively twice the size of the other sheep.

This sheep's fleece is mainly used in story-lines for "hammer-space."There is a lot of usage of Hammer-Space in this episode, at 2:38, the mouse hides in a flock member's fleece, and trying to extract him, the cat pulls various objects out the fleece which normally would not have fitted in the wool, i.e. a large boot and a large wallet with photos. It is this theory that I wish to recreate with my animation. I am planning to exploit this idea to its limits and try to explain its use whilst entertaining an audience. This is because it is an extremely widely used idea in children's cartoons as it enables the creator to getaway with a lot more; Comedy values can be exploited and items can be easily stored without being seen.

There is no actual speech used in the animation, language is conversed through the use of music and animal grunts and squeaks. The lack of speech and the use of conveying messages through movements is another area I wish to investigate to use in my animation as it is very hard to accurately lip-sync in an animation. This is due to the fact that the human mouth, during speech, makes thousands of different shapes and each of these shapes would have to be recreated for an accurate interpretation of talking. I will submit another post about lip syncing in animation and the difficulties it can pose.