If you haven’t noticed, stop motion animation is hip right now (see previous posts by Richard Harrington and Matt Jeppsen). This example, sponsored by HP, extends the concept by adding the extra time dimension of capturing a set of printers outputting graphics for the video. I also like the fact that you get to see the handlers tweaking the equipment during some of the shots. It’s a modestly amusing way to kill a couple of minutes.

More importantly, whenever I see a trend emerge, I have to ask if there is a business opportunity here. We’re clearly seeing some companies jumping on the stop motion bandwagon as an alternate way of subliminally promoting their products. If you’re looking for an angle to scare up some new work from old clients (or foster new ones), you might want to play around with learning stop motion yourself, and pitch the idea to your Rolodex. If you make a cool one, and are willing to share how you made it, let me know and we’ll post it!