Pixilation is an animation technique that involves using live actors or objects as stop-motion animation subjects. The technique is commonly used in short films and music videos, and it’s often associated with experimental and avant-garde filmmaking.

How Pixilation Works

Pixilation works by using a series of photographs, with each photo capturing a slightly different pose or position of the subject. When the photos are played back in sequence, they create the illusion of movement.

To create a pixilation animation, the subject must be positioned and moved incrementally in small steps, with each step being photographed. The process is time-consuming and requires a great deal of patience and attention to detail.

The History of Pixilation

Pixilation has been used in filmmaking since the early 20th century. The technique was pioneered by French filmmaker Émile Cohl, who used it in his 1908 film “Fantasmagorie.”

Pixilation gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, when animators such as Norman McLaren and Len Lye used the technique in their experimental films. In the 1960s and 1970s, pixilation became associated with the counterculture movement, as filmmakers used the technique to create surreal and psychedelic works.

Examples of Pixilation

One of the most well-known examples of pixilation is the music video for “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel. The video, directed by Stephen R. Johnson, features Gabriel being pixilated as he performs various stunts and dances.

Another notable example is the 1980 short film “The Man Who Planted Trees,” directed by Frédéric Back. The film tells the story of a man who spends his life planting trees, and it uses pixilation to bring the story to life.

Conclusion

Pixilation is a unique and fascinating animation technique that has been used in filmmaking for over a century. While it requires a great deal of time and effort to create, the results can be truly magical. From experimental films to music videos, pixilation offers endless possibilities for creative expression.