The final piece, and the real test of skill - animating the scene. Nothing compares to the feeling of figuring out motion. To break down all movement to a single frame, at first, seems impossible. The animators have to figure out not just how something humanoid moves, but every aspect of the scene - the trees that move in the wind, the way a wheel of a cart rolls, a horses gallop, or even the way a entirely fictional thing might move. It is inspiring to think that there are people out there who can see the world this way.

I think the most difficult part about the whole idea is timing. There is a rhythm to movement, a cadence to the dances of life performed by all the beings of the world. The translation of it to screen is a testament to patience. According to a number of people who worked on the movie Chicken Run, a good animator can get 3 seconds of filming done a day. Even with 10 or 15 people soley working on the action, it's no wonder movies like that take years to finish.

I remember growing up and believing it was magic. And truth be told, I still see it that way. Stop motion guys are wizards! Below is one such animator who works for Laika, the creatives behind Coraline, Kubo, and Box Trolls.