South Park-Style Animation at DVinfo.net

Peter Moore · October 9th, 2005, 09:18 AM

Can anyone recommend a good software package for South Park-style (construction paper) animation? I've seen many people do South Park style cartoons online but cannot figure out what they use. Thanks.

K. Forman · October 9th, 2005, 10:36 AM

There is a Christmas South Park, where the boys do just that- make an animation. Go back and re-watch it for step by step directions... ;)

Seriously though, I doubt they still use the old paper cutouts. Some of that animation is done with Flash these days, like Mucha Lucha. You could always use Photoshop to create various body parts, props, eyes and mouths, etc, on different layers. Save each layer as "smiley mouth", "frown", "eyes open", and move them to where you need it.

Of course, if you reeeeeeally want to do it the "Old School" way, get a camera and stand- digital camera would be best- and start cutting out all of the afore mentioned pieces. Place them in position, and click. Repeat as necessary. If you do this in linear fashion, when you export all the images to your NLE, the story's frames will be in order.

Lots and lots of Jolt Cola will help you through all of those reeeeeeally long nights.

Peter Moore · October 9th, 2005, 10:42 AM

They don't do it that way anymore, they use software. I hadn't thought of Flash - that's a great idea. Or Macromedia Director.

Any other software anyone can recommend to make this easier?

K. Forman · October 9th, 2005, 11:20 AM

Well Hell! If you know Director, you're in! I used that in College a few years ago, and it is just perfect for this!

Michael Wisniewski · October 9th, 2005, 11:29 AM

They use Alias PowerAnimator
http://www.spscriptorium.com/SPinfo/...Park.htm#Wired

I did try my hand at making my own personal South Park knock off in After Effects, and it worked fairly well. Needed some tweaking at the end but it worked. I've given up the serious animation bug though.

Now, for quick and dirty animation, I use Vegas, Effects Lab, and Photoshop.

Pat Sherman · October 10th, 2005, 08:44 AM

That articles references to them switching from power animator to Maya..

October 9th, 2005, 09:18 AM	#1
Peter Moore Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Arlington VA Posts: 1,034	South Park-Style Animation Can anyone recommend a good software package for South Park-style (construction paper) animation? I've seen many people do South Park style cartoons online but cannot figure out what they use. Thanks.

October 9th, 2005, 10:36 AM	#2
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	There is a Christmas South Park, where the boys do just that- make an animation. Go back and re-watch it for step by step directions... ;) Seriously though, I doubt they still use the old paper cutouts. Some of that animation is done with Flash these days, like Mucha Lucha. You could always use Photoshop to create various body parts, props, eyes and mouths, etc, on different layers. Save each layer as "smiley mouth", "frown", "eyes open", and move them to where you need it. Of course, if you reeeeeeally want to do it the "Old School" way, get a camera and stand- digital camera would be best- and start cutting out all of the afore mentioned pieces. Place them in position, and click. Repeat as necessary. If you do this in linear fashion, when you export all the images to your NLE, the story's frames will be in order. Lots and lots of Jolt Cola will help you through all of those reeeeeeally long nights. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

October 9th, 2005, 11:20 AM	#4
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	Well Hell! If you know Director, you're in! I used that in College a few years ago, and it is just perfect for this! __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

October 9th, 2005, 11:29 AM	#5
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	They use Alias PowerAnimator http://www.spscriptorium.com/SPinfo/...Park.htm#Wired I did try my hand at making my own personal South Park knock off in After Effects, and it worked fairly well. Needed some tweaking at the end but it worked. I've given up the serious animation bug though. Now, for quick and dirty animation, I use Vegas, Effects Lab, and Photoshop. __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

October 9th, 2005, 10:42 AM	#3
Peter Moore Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Arlington VA Posts: 1,034	They don't do it that way anymore, they use software. I hadn't thought of Flash - that's a great idea. Or Macromedia Director. Any other software anyone can recommend to make this easier?

October 10th, 2005, 08:44 AM	#6
Pat Sherman Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: DuPont, Wa Posts: 325	That articles references to them switching from power animator to Maya..