Describe the end of your animation
Create and record the ending scene of a short animation using drawings or stop-motion, then edit and present a clear final shot.
About this activity
Create and record the ending scene of a short animation using drawings or stop-motion, then edit and present a clear final shot.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Decide the mood and clear final action you want your animation to end with, like a hug a wave or a surprise reveal.
- 2
Step 2
Draw three tiny thumbnail sketches of the final shot showing the camera angle and where each character will be.
- 3
Step 3
Create the background for the final scene on paper or cardboard and color or decorate it so it looks like a real place.
- 4
Step 4
Make the characters for the final shot by drawing cut-outs or sculpting simple shapes from modelling clay.
- 5
Step 5
Arrange the background and characters on your cardboard stage and secure them with tape or clay so they won’t move unexpectedly.
- 6
Step 6
Place a lamp to light the scene evenly and position a camera or tablet on a stable surface so it frames your final shot.
- 7
Step 7
Practice the final movement once or twice by moving the characters through the action so you know the timing.
- 8
Step 8
Capture the final shot by taking one photo for each small movement if you’re doing stop-motion or by photographing each drawing if you’re doing drawn frames.
- 9
Step 9
Add extra photos or repeat the last drawing several times so the final frame stays on screen long enough to be clear.
- 10
Step 10
Open your video editing app and import the photos or scanned drawings for the final scene.
- 11
Step 11
Arrange the frames in order and set each frame’s duration so the action looks smooth and the final shot reads clearly.
- 12
Step 12
Trim any extra frames and add a simple sound effect or title card if you want to make the ending feel complete.
- 13
Step 13
Export the final shot as a video clip and watch it all the way through to check the ending looks how you planned.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished animation ending on DIY.org so others can see and celebrate your final shot.
Fun facts
How do you create and record the ending scene of a short animation?
Start by planning the final shot with a short storyboard: decide framing, action, and the emotional beat. Set a stable camera or phone on a tripod, arrange background and consistent lighting, and position characters or drawings. For stop-motion, take incremental frames moving elements slightly; for drawn animation, photograph or scan final frames. Import frames into editing software, trim to timing, add sound or a transition, export the clear final shot, then review and present.
What materials do I need to create and record the ending scene?
Materials: a smartphone or camera, tripod or steady surface, consistent lighting (lamp or daylight), backdrop paper or fabric, character materials (paper drawings, clay, or toys), pencils/markers/scissors/tape/glue, ruler or pegboard for alignment, stop-motion or camera app, basic video editing app on a tablet/computer, headphones for sound, and spare batteries or charger.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
Suitable ages: roughly 5–12 years. Ages 5–7 enjoy simple stop-motion with adult help for setup, frame capture, and editing. Ages 8–12 can handle planning, shooting, and basic editing more independently, learning timing and storytelling. Younger children (3–4) can contribute by drawing or moving figures while an adult manages the camera and software. Supervise scissors, small parts, and electrical equipment.
What are the benefits of making and presenting a final animation shot?
Benefits include improved storytelling, sequencing, and planning as kids design how actions lead to a final beat. Frame-by-frame work builds fine motor skills, patience, and attention to detail. Editing teaches basic technical and problem-solving skills, while presenting the final shot builds confidence and communication. Collaborative projects also strengthen teamwork and creative negotiation.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
I don’t have modelling clay—what can I use to make the characters for the final shot?
Instead of modelling clay from the step 'Make the characters for the final shot,' use paper or cardstock cut-outs, folded cardboard shapes, felt or fabric scraps glued to cardboard, or play-dough as easy substitutions.
My characters keep shifting while I take photos—how can I stop that during capture?
To prevent movement as described in 'Arrange the background and characters on your cardboard stage and secure them,' fix pieces with Blu-Tack, double-sided tape, or small blobs of hot glue and mount your camera/tablet on a tripod or stable surface before you 'Capture the final shot.'
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids, simplify by using large paper cut-outs from 'Make the characters' and taking fewer photos in 'Capture the final shot' with longer frame durations, while older kids can sculpt detailed clay figures, sketch the three tiny thumbnails more precisely, and fine-tune timing and trimming in the video editing app as in 'Arrange the frames' and 'Trim any extra frames.'
What are some ways to enhance or personalize the animation ending?
You can personalize the ending by adding a short title card or sound effect as suggested in 'Trim any extra frames and add a simple sound effect or title card,' making a layered background in 'Create the background' for a parallax reveal, and exporting extra final frames so the last shot holds longer when you 'Export the final shot as a video clip.'