National Film Board Animation

We were lucky enough today to take part in a kids animation course at the National Film Board in Toronto.  I am always amazed at how many great, free programs are out there for kids.  We were there for 4 hours, and the kids learned all about animation, made flip books, tried their hands at drawing on film, and then teamed up to make an animated shorts using claymation. Our little group created a great story about a cow and a monkey surfing at the beach, only to be joined by sharks!!  High drama, of course.  The kids wrote out the story, molded the characters from clay, and then moved them through all of the actions while the teachers snapped the pictures.  At the end of the day, everyone got together in the theatre to watch the animated masterpieces.  I am hoping soon to have a link to the final completed version to post, but until then some still pictures will have to do...