Underground - A Stop-Motion Short Film

Timothy Smith wants to build a train. However, will his dream be worth it? This animated short was filmed by taking picture after picture and moving Lego bricks in very short increments. A five-minute version of this film won first place in the Short Film event at the local state Thespian Conference. I will be putting a behind-the-scenes video together later, comment if you are curious about the creation of the film! Collide-A-Scope Animations 2011.
FAQ!
Q: How many pictures are in the movie?
A: During the course of the project I took 7366 pictures. However, I did cut out a lot of bad photos and also used some video footage. The total number of pictures in the movie is probably around six thousand, since there is at least six minutes of animation with a framerate of 15 fps. The only section that uses 30 fps is when the subway train crosses the bridge.
Q: How much time did this take you?
A: From start to finish, six months. However, I was not constantly working on the project as I had school and vacation. Countless hours were involved with building, editing, and sound design.
Q: Where did you film?
A: The entire movie was filmed and photographed in my basement. Many scenes such as the opening shot were filmed under a bed, while others required me to film in front of a video on the computer screen (such as Tim riding the subway or controlling the train).
Q: How did you animate the welding scene at 2:55?
A: I used polyester filling/cotton to make a fuzzy little ball, and then lit it up with a flashlight from different angles.
Q: Is anyone reading this?
A: If they are, high five!

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• lego
• stop
• motion
• animation
• brickfilm
• underground
• subway
• train
• crash
• track
• Stop Motion
• Short Film

[timothythamen]

My real name is Timothy Tham and my dream was to build a cool steam train too! This totally matches me!

[5MadMovieMakers]

@timothythamen Woah... but, as you know, "Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental." haha have a good one, thanks for watching

[speedracer456v]

Big wow! I have to ask, will there a sequel?

[5MadMovieMakers]

@speedracer456v I really don't know at this point! I worked on this during the second half of 2011 so I might take a break for now... but I'll be thinking of ideas for sure. Why, what do you think it should happen in it?

[ParkourDenver]

Haha, really loved it Robert.. Much love.

[CalebsCoasters]

I love the "oh my gosh he's a genius" at 6:53

[AnimalCrossingFor3DS]

AMAZING! Two thumbs up! :D

[johnnations]

FANTASTIC! great smooth motion, camera angles, sound effects, and special effects (love the welding!) When the dispatcher guy hands the briefcase to Timothy, that is such great fluid animation, looking so real. Also: I wish I had a Lego train. You must have worked hard to set everything up. It paid off! Way to go.

[THEstudiosNC]

This is one of the best and most entertaining lego animations I have ever seen, great job!

[TheRogex13]

Awesome man! Try to make it less shaky though. Loved it! Great.

[jawedfox]

Bravo! Bravo!