DragonframeOrganization,Set-upandWorkflow
2016
DragonframeProject/FileOrganization,Set-upandWorkflow
Capturing frames, adding sound, and editing for stop-motion animation can quickly
become unwieldy even in the simplest of stop-motion projects. As your projects
increase in complexity the unwieldy aspect increases exponentially. The following
documents outline a directory structure and workflow that will give you creative flexibility
while helping to preserve the quality and security of your animation files throughout the
entire pipeline.
The more organized you are when you start out the easier things will be later on,
especially as your projects become more complex.
Contents
1.SettingupaDragonframeProject
2.SetupandWorkflowforCopystand/Downshooter
3.SetupandWorkflowforStopMotionShoot
4.ExportingMoviesandImageSequences
5.ProjectFileStructureandChronosync
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Part1:SettingupaDragonframeProject
2016
Part 1: Setting up a Dragonframe Project
1. Create New Scene: Open Dragonframe and create a new scene for each new stopmotion/animation assignment.
2. Enter Production/Scene name/numbers: Unfortunately you will be limited to 5
characters for Production and only 3 for Scene, so be creative.
Giving a coherent name to the Production/Scene combo can help organize both your
Dragonframe files and your original frames for back up later on.
I suggest the following combinations:
Class/Assignment:
a. Production: DM110 (class number)
b. Scene: 001 (assignment number)
c. Resulting File Name: DM110_001.dgn
Assignment/Weekly Stages:
a. Production: 10SC (10 Second Club)
b. Scene: 001 (Week 01)
c. Resulting File Name: 10SC_001.dgn
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Part1:SettingupaDragonframeProject
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3. Create Project Folder: Browse to the Desktop and create a new folder called
“DRAGONFRAME”. Select folder and click Save.
This is how your new Dragonframe project will look in Finder.
After animating a number of weekly assignments this is how your DRAGONFRAME
projects folder should look in Finder.
4. Understanding Projects: With the creation of each new scene Dragonframe will
automatically create an entire project inside of the new .dgn file/folder. This allows
Dragonframe to store backup files, exposure tests, preview frames, multiple takes
and most importantly final animation frames in under a single scene/project folder.
The picture below shows a single directory structure for a series of class
assignments. The green folder to the far right is where Dragonframe stores your final
full resolution frames.
5. Creating New Takes in Dragonframe: Many times you will be creating multiple
takes of you’re your scene/project. This may be due to preproduction exploration,
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Part1:SettingupaDragonframeProject
2016
production errors or simply trying out variations of a particular scene.
Creating a new Take as opposed to creating an entire new scene allows you to keep
and/or modify all of your scene settings and simply start your animation again.
To create a new Take simply go to File/New Take… in the toolbar. A window will
open offering you the next number in line. Click ok.
The image below gives you an idea of how a new Take is placed inside of the
Dragonframe project/scene folder. Notice the each project/scene has it’s own
“Tests” folder allowing access to the test images from previous takes.
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Part2:Set-upandWorkflowforCopystand/Downshooter
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Part2:Set-upandWorkflowforCopystand/Downshooter
1. Setting up Work Station
Fill Out Log Sheet/Inspect Shoot space: Make a quick inspection of the shoot area to
make sure the previous user has left things as they should be.
• Record findings in shoot log along with your name, date and the project you are
working on.
• Record any problems during your shoot (blown lamps, camera errors, etc.). If you
don’t log missing or broken items you may be held responsible.
Place art on Copystand and Turn on Lights: Place your artwork at the center of the
copystand table but don’t secure it until you can set up your framing through the camera
in Dragonframe.
Turn on Camera: Before starting make sure camera is secure on the copystand. If not
tighten nut with a coin. Be careful not to over tighten. Turn on the camera.
2. Set Up Dragonframe
Create New Scene: Open Dragonframe from the applications folder. Right mouse click
on the Dragonframe icon in the Dock and select the “Keep in Dock” option.
Choose Create New Scene and enter the course number/assignment number in the
Production/Scene boxes. Click on OK.
Browse to the Desktop and create a new folder called “DRAGONFRAME”. Select folder
and click Save.
When Dragonframe opens, you should hear a ‘click’ from the camera and a live image
of the copy table should appear. If not, click ‘Cmd R’ or go to Capture/Video Source and
Capture/Capture Source to manually set them to ‘Canon EOS’.
Note: The camera should always be on before Dragonframe is opened to insure
connection. If the manual capture does not work try quitting Dragonframe, turn on
the camera and try again.
Part2:Set-upandWorkflowforCopystand/Downshooter
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3. Set Up Cinematography Window
Switch Windows: When you open Dragonframe look in the left upper corner of the
window and you will see that you are in the ANIMATION window.
Open the Cinematography window by clicking the camera icon to the right of the
selected animation icon.
Set up Live view: Once in the CINEMATOGRAPHY window you should still see a live
preview of the copy stand table, though most likely over or under exposed. You know
you are in Live View because of a red line outlining the viewing window and text LIVE
VIEW next to the highlighted “L” on the toolbar across the center of the screen. If you
do not see the red text/outline simply click on the “L”.
Adjust Camera Settings: To the right of the screen in the Camera Settings panel. You
will notice there are a number of tools to adjust the exposure, quality, color temperature,
etc. of your final image.
Part2:Set-upandWorkflowforCopystand/Downshooter
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Exposure Wheels: There are three wheels at the top of the panel that you can scroll to
adjust the exposure. Let’s look at them from the bottom up.
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ISO: The bottom wheel is to adjust the ISO (or film sensitivity). This should
remain between 100 and 200 for the best clarity of image.
Aperture/F-Stop: The middle wheel is for Aperture adjustment. This is handled
manually on the actual lens and is therefore disabled. For reference the aperture
on the lens would normally be set between F5 and F11 under normal
circumstances.
Shutter Speed: The top wheel is to adjust your Shutter Speed. This is your
most useful tool for setting a proper exposure.
Calibrating Exposure/Exposure Preview (Live View): The exposure you see through
the Live View is NOT the same exposure that you will get in your captured image
(which is the one that counts). These next steps will insure that your final exposure is
exactly correct and that the Live view closely reflects the same exposure.
1. With the ISO wheel set at 100/200 scroll the Shutter Speed until you achieve a
good exposure through the Live View.
2. Click on the Test Shot button.
3. Notice that the red line and the Live View text go away, and the image you see
through the lens most likely is a different exposure than the Live View. What you
are now viewing is a test frame that represents your actual exposure.
4. Click on the “L” to compare the Live Preview with the actual Test Exposure.
5. Use the “Exposure Preview Offset” menu to adjust the Live View until it closely
resembles the Test exposure. Typically between +3 or +4
Finalize Exposure: Now that the Live/Preview closely resemble the final capture
exposure you can fine-tune your final exposure.
1. Scroll the Shutter Speed in Live View until the expose is exactly where you want
it.
Part2:Set-upandWorkflowforCopystand/Downshooter
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2. Next take a test image. If this image is not exactly what you want make minor
adjustments to the Shutter Speed and take another test image until you are
satisfied.
3. Make sure that you are pleased with the test image over the Live Preview.
Setting Focus: Preview in Live View (If not functioning reset by pressing 3 on keypad)
1. Use focus ring on camera lens to adjust focus to best of your ability.
2. Select and drag white rectangle over area of image you want in focus.
3. Click focus check to magnify area and sharpen image more by adjusting ring on
camera lens
4. Click Focus Check again to go back to regular Live view
5. Take a test shot to check quality
White Balance, Image Quality, Etc.: We’re almost there! All that left is a few image
tweaks to insure that you’re getting the highest quality capture for all your hard work
animating.
Notice that just above the Test Shot button are a series of drop down menus.
The two that we’re concerned with are the Image Quality and White Balance:
Set Image Quality: This determines the pixel size of your captured images. While
medium should be good enough for most of the work done on a copystand Large or
Large Jpeg plus Raw is used in stop motion. While actual pixel size varies from camera
to camera here are some sizes to keep in mind.
LARGE (4272 x 2848)
MEDIUM (3088 x 2056)
SMALL (2256 x 1504).
White Balance: Depending on your light source color temperatures will vary. Choose
the setting that gives you the truest image. Below is a list of typical light sources and
their color tendencies:
• Tungsten: (Standard incandescent) tends to be orange or warm.
• Fluorescent: Green (yuck)
• LED: Can vary but tends to be very white/cool
• Sky: Blue/cool
Part2:Set-upandWorkflowforCopystand/Downshooter
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4. Set Up Animation Window
Switch Windows: Click on small Animate icon to open Animate window.
Set Aspect Ration to HD (16:9) In the main toolbar go to View/Composition Guides. . .
Select 16:9 from the Aspect Ration drop down menu. You can adjust the16:9 Mask
opacity with the slider on the left side of the toolbar below the animation window.
Set FPS (Frames Per Second): On the lower right of the screen use the drop down
menu to select your playback rate.
Typically our standard is 24 FPS (Frames Per Second). If you were shooting
consistently in 2’s you could set your playback rate at 12 FPS and only expose your
drawings once.
5. Animating in Dragonframe
Part2:Set-upandWorkflowforCopystand/Downshooter
2016
The best way to learn Dragonframe is to simply start animating and feel your way
around the program. The basic operation in Dragonframe is extremely intuitive but
if you have any trouble you can go to www.dragonframe.com/tutorials for tips on using
the program.
6. Wrap Up Shoot
Wrap up Work Station: Just because you’re done animating doesn’t mean you’re
reading to quit. J A few simple steps will help to preserve the equipment and make
shooting animation a great experience for the rest of us.
1. TURN OFF CAMERA
2. Clean up entire area and put away extra materials. This includes any preproduction messes you may have elsewhere in the lab.
3. Record any problems into Log. (equipment/software related e.g. bulb blown,
software errors, etc….)
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Part 3: Set Up and Workflow for Stop Motion
Part 3. Setup and Workflow for Stop Motion
1. Setting up Your Shoot Station
Inspect Shoot Station / Shoot Log
• Check the Shoot Log to make sure there have been no problems with the station,
camera, etc.
• Inspect the Shoot Station to make sure things are left the way they should be
(working lights, camera returned to bag, sand bags on tripod, etc.).
• Make a quick inspection of the camera bag to make sure everything is in place
(lens cap, cords, etc.).
• Record findings in shoot log along with your name and the project you are
working on.
• If there are problems during your shoot (blown lamps, camera errors, etc.) record
them as well. Remember, if you don’t log missing or broken items there’s a good
chance you’ll be considered responsible.
Connect Camera Power Adapter
• Remove the power pack from camera bag.
• Open the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera and slip batteryshaped head into the camera feeding the cord through the slot on the outside
edge of the camera and close door securely. Camera will not turn on if door is
open or jarred.
• Loosely wrap power cord around leg of tripod to prevent it being tugged on and
plug the power adapter into power strip mounted on the cart.
• Take care that there are no cords suspended off the floor waiting to be tripped
on.
Mount Camera to Tripod Head
• The mounting shoe should be on the camera body with the lens pointing in the
direction indicated on the bottom of the mounting shoe. Use a coin or key to
tighten the thumbscrew making sure your camera is secure.
• Tilt camera (with shoe) onto the tripod head hooking the flat side of the shoe to
the flat side of the head. Then rotate the camera/shoe down and press. The
lever should move and clicks into place. Gently press the lever forward to snug
up the connection.
• Next use the three gear knobs to level the camera from side to side and adjust
various angles.
Connecting Camera to CPU
• Open the small rubber door on the right side of the camera to reveal a mini USB
port.
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Part 3: Set Up and Workflow for Stop Motion
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Plug one end of the mini end of the USB cord into the camera and the other end
into the USB port on the CPU.
Wrap the USB cord around the neck of tripod to prevent tugging on USB mini
port. Plug the USB standard end into the CPU.
Secure Cords making sure all of the cords running between your camera and the
CPU are neatly tucked out of harms way.
Note: If you are setting up for an extended period of time all exposed cords should
be gaffer taped to the floor and tripod. If you need more distance from your camera
to the CPU use the USB extender should be in the pocket of the camera bag.
Setting Up the Camera
• Turn camera on using the switch on the top right.
• Set shooting mode dial to "M" for Manuel.
• Make sure the focus switch on the side of the lens is set to manual focus.
2. Set Up Dragonframe
Create New Scene: Open Dragonframe from the applications folder. Right mouse click
on the Dragonframe icon in the Dock and select the “Keep in Dock” option.
Choose Create New Scene and enter the course number/assignment number in the
Production/Scene boxes. Click on OK.
Browse to the Desktop and create a new folder called “DRAGONFRAME”. Select folder
and click Save.
When Dragonframe opens, you should hear a ‘click’ from the camera and a live image
of the copy table should appear. If not, click ‘Cmd R’ or go to Capture/Video Source and
Capture/Capture Source to manually set them to ‘Canon EOS’.
Note: The camera has to be on before opening Dragonframe or it may not connect.
You can try using the Ctrl R command but you may have to quit Dragonframe and
open it again after turning on camera. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD
CORDS BE SUSPENDED OFF THE FLOOR.
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Part 3: Set Up and Workflow for Stop Motion
3. Set Up Cinematography Window
This would be a good time to watch the brief Dragonframe “How it Works” tutorial in the
Overview tutorials section on the Dragonframe tutorials page.
Quality Settings: To maintain quality for final animation it is important that adhere to
the following settings:
• Go to the Cinematography tab located in the upper right of the screen.
• In the lower right section of the window set the Output Setting to the FINE JPG*
setting.
• Depending on your project you will set the image size accordingly**:
o LARGE (4272 x 2848)
o MEDIUM (3088 x 2056)
o SMALL (2256 x 1504).
If you are not planning on manipulating your images in After Effects the medium setting
will be sufficient. If you are shooting test footage you may want to use the SMALL
setting to speed up your workflow.
*The Jpeg + Raw setting is for projects that require full color and exposure control in
Post Production. This will slow your workflow considerably so use this setting with
caution.
** These sizes are based on the Canon T1i. Different cameras will give different px
sizes for each setting.
Setting Exposure in Dragonframe: Make sure you have your lights turned on and you
have your character/object placed in the set. Next set the aperture ring on your camera
lens to 5.6 (right in the middle of the range.
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Click on the Cinematography tab in Dragonframe. In the lower right section of the
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Part 3: Set Up and Workflow for Stop Motion
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screen turn the lowest dial in the right column to set the ISO to 100.
Now turn the top dial to adjust the shutter speed until the image in the live view
looks like a good exposure.
Set the White Balance to Tungsten.
Next click on the “Test Shot” button at the lower right to take a test shot. The
image that appears on the screen will switch from Live view to the test image you
have just taken. Regardless of how your live view (or preview) is set the “Test
Shot” is an accurate sampling of how your animation will be exposed. You can
compare the test to the live view by clicking the "L" located just under the preview
screen.
There’s a good chance your live preview and the test shot will not match. In the
camera control on the right click on the Exposure Preview Offset and set it so
that the exposure in your live preview matches the test frame that you took
(typically this is somewhere between +3 and +4).
Now you can make adjustments adjust the shutter speed until you are satisfied
with the exposure in the live preview window.
Using the Focus Check Tool to Set Focus
• With the preview in Live View (occasionally you may have to reset the camera
using the 3 key on the keypad) use the focus ring on the camera lens to adjust
your focus as best you can.
• Next, in the preview window, select and drag the white rectangle over the area of
you image that you want to be in focus.
• Click Focus Check to magnify the area and fine tune focus by adjusting the ring
on the camera lens.
• Click Focus Check again to go back to regular Live view.
Final Test Image
• Once pleased in the live view with the overall image quality take another test shot
to ensure that the actual image you take is properly exposed.
4. Set Up in Animation Window
Switch Windows: Click on small Animate icon to open Animate window.
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Before you begin animating make sure your playback speed to the desired FPS
(frames per second) setting. Typically you will shoot your animation in two’s at
24 or 30 FPS*.
Use the Dragonframe Keypad to take frames by hitting the Enter Key or use the
enter key on your keyboard.
When you have taken a few frames you can hit the play button on the keypad or
use your spacebar to preview your animation.
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Part 3: Set Up and Workflow for Stop Motion
*Technically you will be animating at 12/15 FPS but to give yourself access to single
frames when you need them we often shoot at 24/30 FPS in 2’s.
Framing Your Animation and Composition Guides: In the main toolbar go to
View/Composition Guides. . .
Dragonframe has some great tools for adjusting your framing and changing your
composition guides/overlays. Typically you will be animating at a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Go to the Animation Workspace section at www.dragonframe.com/tutorials and watch
the following videos:
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Animation Framing
Composition Guides
5. Animating and Editing in Dragonframe
The best way to learn Dragonframe is to simply start animating and feel your way
around the program. The basic operation in Dragonframe is extremely intuitive but
there are a number of powerful advanced features in Dragonframe that can seriously
add to your stop motion game.
Go to www.dragonframe.com/tutorials and watch the following short tutorials:
Overview
• New Features in Dragonframe 3.0”
Animation Workspace
• Onion Skin
• Drawing
• Line Up Layer
• Timeline Editing Overview
6. Wrap Up Shoot
Cleaning Work Area: When you are finished animating make sure you clean up the
entire shoot area. This includes any mess you have made in lab doing preproduction.
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Part 3: Set Up and Workflow for Stop Motion
Put Away Equipment and “Zero Out” Shoot Station: Return the shoot station to its
original condition.
• Take the camera off the tripod but leave the mounting shoe on the camera body.
• Place the camera and other components back into the camera bag in their proper
places.
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Part.4ExportingMoviesandFramesfromDragonframe
2016
Part 4. Exporting Movies and Frames from Dragonframe
Assuming that the animation you have just completed is amazing (and a significant time
investment) it only makes sense to export your work at the highest reasonable quality
and to preserve your originals for possible post processes later on.
When exporting movies from Dragonframe it can be a bit tricky to get the highest
quality/resolution, the most playable compression AND the correct aspect ration. Not to
mention that you’ll want to archive your original frames.
1. Exporting a Full Res/H264 Movie from Dragonframe: The first order of business
is to export a high quality, playable movie of your work for submission/presentation.
Later on you may want to export an uncompressed version (which will not play) but
can maintain quality through post production.
In the toolbar go to File/Export Movie. . .
Source: Choose the following.
• High-resolution JPG/Tiff from the drop down menu
• The Frame Rate setting will reflect the FPS playback from the Animation
window. If you are pleased with your playback rate leave this alone.
Transformation:
• Check Crop and make sure the aspect ratio matches the masking setting in
the Animation window.
• Make sure Rotate/mirror and Keep proportions are checked.
• Adjust the scale % to get desired px settings. 1920 x 1080 is the HD standard
for DMA.
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Part.4ExportingMoviesandFramesfromDragonframe
2016
Output:
• mp4 (H.264/AAC) in the drop down menu.
• Set the Quality slider towards High
• Check “Open movie when finished
Click on Export and browse to a folder on your hard drive. Be sure to inspect the
final movie before renaming it and submitting it to the class @Dropbox.
2. Exporting Full Resolution Image Sequence: There are a number of reasons you
will want to export your original full resolution files for finished animation.
• Archival/Back-ups: The original full resolution files are the highest
quality/uncompressed record of your animation. The movie you exported
earlier at H264 compression is merely the highest quality playable version of
your work.
• Post Production Assets: The original files are up to 3 times higher
resolution (depending on the camera/resolution settings up to 6400 pixels
across). They also hold significantly more color/detail information than the
H264 compressed movie. Both extremely valuable for maintaining quality in
post- production.
• Promotional stills: You never know when you’ll need a production image for
printout/promotion.
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Part.4ExportingMoviesandFramesfromDragonframe
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To export your original files go to File/Export Image Sequence. . .
Source: Choose The following:
• High-resolution JPG/Tiff
• All frames
• Check Exposures x1
Transformation:
Regardless of the aspect ratio settings Dragonframe will always capture a full 4:3
aspect ratio. This means there is extra image at the top and bottom of a 16:9
capture that you’re not seeing. Do NOT check the Crop to aspect ratio box unless
you are certain you have no use for image information above and below the frame.
This way you can take advantage of over scanned images in post (better safe than
sorry).
Check Rotate/Mirror
Output:
• Format: JPEG
• Leave File name as is
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Part.4ExportingMoviesandFramesfromDragonframe
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Export Image Sequence: Browse to designated folder on Personal Hard (see
image below).
Proceed to Part 3. for a better understanding on setting up a Project Structure on
your personal hard drive.
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Part. 5 File Structure/Chronosync
Part 5. Project File Structure, Organization and Chronosync
Taking the time to set up your project file structures on your hard drive and a
corresponding Network folder before you begin the semester will make backing up your
work a simple task that may someday save your having to redo a project. Not to
mention just making your everyday workflow much easier.
1. Setting Up a Project File Structure
Hard Drive Folder Structure: The following Project File Structure is recommended for
your personal hard drive. It will help to keep all of the assets of your weekly projects in
a safe and an accessible order.
You will want to create a single folder for each of your DMA classes. Inside of each
folder will be a series of folders to facilitate class workflow. The image below is a
recommended Project File Structure for the Stop Motion Class.
Sync Project to Class Folder on Serenity: (formerly known as Firefly) Once you have
created this structure on your Hard Drive you can use ChronoSync to replicate it onto
the network class folder.
Once set up you can use Chronosync to back up all of your projects on a regular basis.
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Part. 5 File Structure/Chronosync
2. Setting up ChronoSync for Dragonframe Projects
Open Chronosync: Click on ChronoSync icon to open it. A new window named
"Untitled" will open. Click cancel for now.
Set Up Left Sync Target: Go to the tab marked "Left Target," click the "Choose" button
and browse to the folder DM312 STOP MO on your hard drive that contains all of your
stop motion projects including your recently exported image sequences.
Set Up Right Sync Target: Next go to the tab marked "Right Target" area and click on
that "Choose" button. Browse to your class folder on Serenity. Create a personal folder
using all caps last name and first initial.
The path should look like this: Serenity/DM312-01/CLEMENTSJ
Set Sync Mode: In the “Operation” drop down menu choose “Synchronize Bidirectional”
This will replicate the entire DM312 STOP MO folder from your hard drive to your
personal class folder on the network.
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Part. 5 File Structure/Chronosync
Also check both boxes below “Synchronize deletions” and “Archive replaced files” to
insure against any data losses or mistaken overwritten files.
Sync Files: Click on the large arrow between the target panels or click the button
marked "Synchronize" at the top pane. The files will sync. When the process is
complete, a window will come up telling you so and reporting what was done. Click "OK"
when you are finished.
Save Chronosync File: Click the Save icon and browse to a location on your hard
drive where you will be able to access the Chronosync file on a regular bases. I recommend you set up a @SYNC FILES folder on your personal Hard drive along side
of your class folders.
Then name and save your file. The more descriptive a name you give to your
ChronoSync file the easier it will be to remember what project or class it is for. In this
case I named the file for the Class Number_Project-Source Drive to Destination Drive:
DM312_STOP MO-JOSIAH HD to SERENITY.sync
The next time you want to perform this same synchronization just open the file and
click the sync arrow. ChronoSync will remember earlier versions of your work and only
update the files that have changed.
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