The LEGO Animation Book: Make Your Own LEGO Movies!
Posted by Huw,
The LEGO Animation Book: Make Your Own LEGO Movies! is a No Starch Press book that has just been published in time for the holidays.
I am no expert on LEGO animation, although I have dabbled a bit helping the kids at my local after-school computer club. I can, however, tell that this is an excellent book that covers everything from cameras and software to animating minifgures, building sets and post-production.
The 200-page square soft back book really does seem to cover every aspect of creating brick films, and provides a myriad of tips and techniques to help you make better ones.
This video, by one of the authors David Pickett, goes through the book chapter-by-chaper and provides a good overview of its content.
Some of the techniques explained in the early part of the book are demonstrated in this short film, The Magic Picnic.
I am not going to review or pass detailed judgement on the book given it is not something I know a lot a about but as I said at the start, it is very comprehensive and will be a very valuable resource to those who make, or want to start making, LEGO animations.
I am not aware of any other books that cover the subject with the same depth and breath as this one, so regardless of your skill level you are sure to learn something from it. I will certainly be taking it to the kids' computer club next time we are making brick films, although getting 8-9 year olds to keep the camera steady is still a bit of a challenge...
It is available now from Amazon: US | UK | Canada
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10 comments on this article
Looks like it could be very useful, thanks for the heads up!
Looks excellent!
I'm a bit of a photography nut, but I've often thought about making a short film too.
@Huw
The Amazon link appears to be missing.
Have you an ad blocker? That'll be why. I'll add some text links as well.
Great book and the results of trying it can be very satisfying, just remember you need time, space and patience!
@Huw
Thanks for adding the text. Yes, I use AdBlock. But I always try to use your affiliate link when I buy from Amazon, if that helps??
Something I've wanted to get into, will probably pick this up, thanks for making me aware of it!
I need to have it! I've done some short Lego cartoon earlier on, but I lost my grip on it a while ago. Some guidance would be very nice!
Due to time my siblings and I make our Lego movies with simple methods. But I have always been a fan of stop motion, it's very nature is charming and fun to watch. Though very time consuming, it makes one appreciate the final film even more.
It would be nice to hear one with a bit more experience to make a longer review of the book.
Yes, wouldn't it...