Inspiration and Creativity:How do you come up with ideas for your Pez-themed animations?
Patty: I once saw a behind-the-scenes documentary of Tim Burton‘s production of A Nightmare Before Christmas. I was fascinated with the process. I decided to try to make one of my own, and kept going from there. My ideas are often based on current internet trends, Pez releases or holiday stories. I spend a lot of time thinking about what real-life situations might look like in a Stop Motion movie.
I am also inspired by social media trends. I think it is fun to imagine a Pez dispenser engaging in various TikTok challenges. Whenever I see a new trend, I wonder, how would a Pez do that?
One other source of inspiration is the people in our hobby. I think it’s fun to consider our favorite Pez personalities starring in my videos. I created a video about Erin Panda, of Erin Collects
Pez fame. It was such a fun process to recreate her show as a Stop-Motion Pez video. Maybe, I will someday make a video about Nenad Pez Ghosty!
Process and Techniques:What specific techniques do you use to bring Pez characters to life in your animations?
Patty: As an amateur, I am using very basic equipment: an iphone with an app called Stop Motion Studio, a tripod, Pez dispenser characters (usually with body parts) and props and scenery made of paper and cardboard. I do the final editing on my MacBook. It is a time consuming process; I use the speed of 5 fps (frames per second), so a 2 minute video requires 600 individual photographs to put together. In professionally created stop motion animation, the standard is 24 fps. That would be 2,880 photos for a 2 minute clip, maybe I’ll work up to that someday!
I begin by writing my idea into a basic story, and then I roughly sketch out the characters and scenery. I am beginning to use storyboards to facilitate this process. Since I don’t have a studio, I create the stage and backdrop on my kitchen counter. One of my favorite parts of the process is creating props. For most of them.I sketch very basic designs and use household items, wire, cardboard and tape hot glue. Sometimes I print graphics, color with markers or paint body parts depending on the prop or character. Once the props and set are ready, I begin shooting pictures of the characters, moving them frame by frame. If there is dialogue, I write the script and record the lines so I have an estimate of how long the scene should be. Some of my productions have a few different scenes, so I need to change the set. If I have used any rigging to hold characters or props in place, I edit them out of each frame. This is a tedious, but relaxing process for me. Next, I transfer all of the files to my MacBook and begin putting them into my video editing software. Currently I am using a program called WeVideo, because it is user friendly for beginners. Here, I add the audio components: voices, music and sound effects. I have three sources for voices. I either record my own voice, add vocal sound effects from within the WeVideo program or I use a voice generating program called Narakeet. Once the project is finished, I upload to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@PTPezhead and share the links on social media.
What challenges do you face when working with Pez as your subject matter in stop-motion? What are the most rewarding aspects of creating Pez-themed stop-motion content?
Patty: The biggest challenge to working with Pez dispensers as characters is the limitations of their movement ability and facial expressions. That is why I often use body parts. I have also played around a little bit with using stickers to change facial expressions. The other challenge with Pez is that they tip over easily. I have to stabilize them which makes it more challenging to move them for each frame.
What I find the most rewarding about creating Pez-themed stop-motion videos is sharing the final product in our community. It is often said that one of the best things about collecting Pez is connecting to the people in the hobby. I truly enjoy bringing happiness and Pezheads are a kind and friendly bunch. It is fun for me to think of jokes that only a Pez collector would understand, for example, in my Heist movie, I used melted Pez Sourz candy to trap the truck. Only a Pez collector would be able to see the humor in that! I like bringing a little bit of happiness and fun to entertain others.
Do you have a favorite Pez-themed stop-motion video that you've created? If so, what makes it special to you?
Patty: I have two favorite creations; my very first, The Best Way to Load a Pez Dispenser and The Swarovski Pez Heist. The first stop motion I made was in response to a viral video which falsely claimed you could push a wrapped candy pack into the bottom of a dispenser and the wrapper would come off and the candy would be loaded into the inner sleeve. So many non-Pez friends tagged me in the video because they wondered if it was true. As a response, my first stop-motion movie of a dispenser with body parts loading another dispenser with Pez (one by one.) For the Heist video, I had a stronger storyline and stepped out of my comfort zone by featuring myself in the movie. There are a lot of quick jokes and references in there that only Pez collectors would find humorous.
Are there any specific Pez characters or themes that you particularly enjoying animating?Patty: I have an army of fantasy Peppermint Patty dispensers, so she is in several of my videos. I find it easier to use generic Pez, like Pez girl or boy because I have more freedom in creating the character. If I use licensed characters, it is challenging to match their existing style. I also enjoy bringing in characters in a silly way, for example, I consider which Pez would be most likely to investigate a crime. Probably Inspector Clouseau.
How do you engage with your audience on YouTube? Do you take suggestions or requests for Pez characters or scenarios? What kind of feedback or reactions do you receive from your viewers, and how does it impact your work?
Patty: YouTube engagement is an area in which I need to develop my skills. I am unsure about how to write the best description to get the widest range of viewers. I do share links to my videos in my Facebook groups. I realize too, that I should be using other platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. I also need to learn more about hashtags to build my channel. Feedback! I love getting feedback. I read all comments and almost always respond to my viewers. As for requests, I am open, and would consider it but I haven’t done that yet. I am being careful to keep this fun for me. That’s how I do my best work, keeping it fun.
Do you have a personal Pez collection, and does it influence your creative process?
Are there any rare or unique Pez dispensers that you've incorporated into your stop-motion videos?
Patty: I have been collecting Pez for about 25 years. This past year, I was finally able to put them all on display by converting my home office into a Pez room! Having my Pez out and available makes it easier to scan the characters to audition them for my movies. I like to use a variety of dispensers in my videos to show off my collection! I created the Heist movie based on my Swarovski Crystal Peppermint Patty dispenser made by Laura Teasley.
Are there any upcoming Pez-related projects or themes you're excited to explore in your future videos?
Patty: Currently, I am working on an Ocean Adventure featuring sea animals and pirates. I usually write my ideas in my journal and build upon them over time. Once I have enough content I begin the process of writing the storyline and script. for most of them. several ideas that I am working on simultaneously.
Patty: I watch many YouTube videos myself, and lately I have been exploring ways to bring more textiles into my work. The Pez community has so many talented artists and creative people, I try to follow and support as many of them as possible. This gives me the idea of featuring their work in a video. There is so much more for me to learn about Stop-Motion in general. Lighting, sound effects, movement rigs…I’m learning all about these aspects and may branch away from Pez as the characters. I have been working on creating a story that I thought would be a children’s book, but have lately considered that maybe it could be a Stop-Motion animation instead!
Advice for Aspiring Creators:What advice would you give to someone who wants to start creating stop-motion videos, especially with a unique theme like Pez? How do you stay motivated and overcome creative blocks in your work?
Patty: To get started in stop motion, I would recommend getting the StopMotion studio app and playing with it. Watch tutorials in the app and on YouTube. Then find something you like and create. Maybe with a favorite character or theme. Don’t spend too much time thinking and planning at first, just play!
I am a maker/tinkerer at heart, so I like to learn new things. I have several hobbies, and I tend to cycle through them, but I almost always find joy in bringing Pez into my creations. When I encounter a creative block, I often find myself scrolling through social media, but I have to be careful because it is easy and mindless. I usually go to YouTube and watch tutorials, as that is a more productive use of my time.
Mostly, though, it’s important to have fun. If you are enjoying what you do, you will improve your skills over time. Try not to be afraid to put yourself out there. Find the people who support, promote and encourage you to do what you love!
We Greatly Admire your work Patty and can't wait to see you future creations!
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