Studio Secrets: Set-Holding Kit (Magnets, Steel Plate, Museum Putty, Fishing Line)

Ships in 1–2 weeks. We put each kit together by hand when you order.

The biggest problem in stop motion isn't the animating. It's things falling over between frames. This kit puts together the fixes working animators actually use, and most of them didn't come from an art store.

What's in the box, and the trick behind each one

• Neodymium rare-earth magnets (1/2", N52, 10 pack). Glue a washer or a steel disc into your puppet's feet, put the magnet under the stage, and the puppet stays planted without drilling a hole for every step. Studio tip: wrap the magnet in PTFE (Teflon) tape so it slides smoothly under the set while you move it into place.
• 12" x 12" galvanized steel sheet. This is your magnet floor. Cover it with paper, felt, or a thin set floor and your puppet can walk anywhere on it. Only put steel where the puppet actually walks.
• QuakeHold! museum putty (2.64 oz). Museums use it to keep vases from falling in earthquakes. Animators use it to hold cups, props, and hands still for hundreds of frames. It's reusable and comes off clean.
• Clear monofilament fishing line. The oldest trick for flying, jumping, and falling shots. Hang the object, shoot it, and paint the line out later, or just light the shot so the line disappears.

Safety

These magnets are strong enough to pinch skin and shatter if they snap together. Keep them away from phones, cards, and pacemakers. Not for children under 14: small parts, and swallowed magnets are dangerous.