0:00:02 > 0:00:04On today's Blue Peter, we get creative in a huge way.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08Yes, we're turning things on their head by trying to create something
0:00:08 > 0:00:09on an epic scale.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13Welcome to Blue Peter's Big Animation!
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Also on today's show -
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Find out how cameras can be used to take creative pictures
0:00:22 > 0:00:25from perspective photography to self-portraits.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30We meet the man who's photographed celebs from Kate Moss to the Queen.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34Plus I get a bird's eye view of one of our most majestic birds of prey.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36What an amazing feeling!
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Hello! Now, this isn't our usual home.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59We've set up shop in this amazing studio
0:00:59 > 0:01:01to ring in the new year in a special way.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Today we're going to be getting creative
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and showing you some amazing things you can do with your cameras.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12It's estimated that there are 2.5 billion cameras on Earth,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15which means that around one in three of us own one.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17That could be a traditional camera or your smartphone
0:01:17 > 0:01:20or even on your games console.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Normally you would just take photographs with cameras
0:01:22 > 0:01:25and that's what we're doing today - but on a bigger scale.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Take a look at this.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30This is our Big Idea.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33We're going to make a massive animation!
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Now, this is our animated storyboard, so it sets out the story
0:01:37 > 0:01:40we want to tell and the characters who will be in it.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43We'll use this as a guide to tell the story of Helen parachuting
0:01:43 > 0:01:47onto the ship, then after a spot of bad weather and some lightning,
0:01:47 > 0:01:49she gets into trouble and falls overboard
0:01:49 > 0:01:52and is chased by a shark, but it's Helen Skelton.
0:01:52 > 0:01:53She won't get eaten by a shark.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55She manages to escape, lands on an island
0:01:55 > 0:01:57and they celebrate with a firework.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59That is hopefully what we're going to create.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01So I'm playing myself? You've dressed it up nicely.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03You said this was a starring role.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05It basically means I'm going to lie on the floor all day.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Yeah, and I get to boss you about by being the director
0:02:08 > 0:02:10but I don't know that much, so very soon we'll be speaking to
0:02:10 > 0:02:14one of the big brains of Aardman Animations but before we do,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16last year I showed you how to take different styles of photography
0:02:16 > 0:02:17with your cameras.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21One of my favourites was perspective photography. Take a look.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Check out these photos.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27They've been taken using a technique called perspective photography.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29It's a way of forcing your brain to make things look
0:02:29 > 0:02:33completely different by the use of optical trickery.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37So, how does it work?
0:02:38 > 0:02:40The trick is actually quite simple.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44When an object is close to the lens, it looks really big, but when
0:02:44 > 0:02:49the object moves further away from the lens, it's really small.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Is that a tiny lion or a giant camera? So, what do you need?
0:02:53 > 0:02:56You need an open space, so I've come to the park.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58This will be perfect for what I need.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Secondly you'll need a camera, you can take this picture on any camera.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Thirdly, you'll need a person, a subject or an object
0:03:04 > 0:03:06to take a picture of.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Today I'll be using Rob and this football. Thanks, Rob.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12And finally, you'll need your imagination.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15The best perspective photography pictures are the original ones,
0:03:15 > 0:03:19so get your thinking caps on, and let's get started.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21OK, Rob. Are you ready? About 20 metres that way.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24Perfect.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27What we'll try and do here is create the effect of Rob kicking
0:03:27 > 0:03:31the football towards the camera, so as you can see, Rob is miles away,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35and he's going to strike that famous footballing strike pose
0:03:35 > 0:03:37and when he does that, Natalie's going to throw the ball
0:03:37 > 0:03:40into the camera and if we can time it just right, it will look like Rob
0:03:40 > 0:03:44has kicked the football from where he is, right in front of the lens.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47That's the theory anyway. Fingers crossed.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50OK, let's try one. One, two, three.
0:03:51 > 0:03:52Oh, it's so close!
0:03:52 > 0:03:57There's the pose we're after. That one is where the ball ended up.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00This type of photography takes lots of time and patience,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03so don't worry if you don't get it right first time.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07It's so close! One, two, three.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Yes! We've got it! That's what I'm talking about right there.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Fantastic. I am so pleased with that photo.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Perspective photography is a lot better and way more fun
0:04:19 > 0:04:20if you get your friends to help you.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22All right, guys!
0:04:22 > 0:04:24So, I've bought some top photographers along
0:04:24 > 0:04:26who've each brought their own camera.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30First up is Molly. She's using a flashy tablet with an inbuilt camera.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Then we've got Mia,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34with an instant camera that prints photos straight away.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Kalim has got a sleek compact digital camera.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42And Ashir has got a low-cost disposable camera that's so retro.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45The guys have split into pairs so they can take their photos
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and they're coming up with ideas thick and fast.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I've got a dog called Darcy and I want her to be very, very big.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- We can make the ball proper big spinning on our finger.- Yeah.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59I've brought a balloon and if we blow it up dead big, it'll look well good.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Ashir is trying to take a picture of Kalim showing off his skills
0:05:02 > 0:05:06by spinning a huge football on the end of his finger.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Kalim's idea is to squash Ashir under my giant foot. How cruel.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11Face!
0:05:11 > 0:05:13I've just stood on your head!
0:05:13 > 0:05:16So let's see how the girls are getting on.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Mia's trying to create the effect of Molly blowing a huge balloon
0:05:19 > 0:05:20across the park.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Down a bit.- Have you taken it yet? - Nearly there.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26Don't move!
0:05:26 > 0:05:27How's that?
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Ah, that's brilliant.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Molly wants Mia to make her dog Darcy enormous
0:05:32 > 0:05:34and have Mia give her a kiss.
0:05:34 > 0:05:35That's cute.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- Now bend down! - Now bend down and give a kiss.
0:05:37 > 0:05:38THEY GIGGLE
0:05:42 > 0:05:45So how did they get on? Well, here are their photographs.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Look at that for a shot, isn't it brilliant?
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Ashir's photo of Kalim with the ball on the end of his finger
0:05:49 > 0:05:52like a basketball player and a giant Barney.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Take a look here at Molly's photographs.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56That's Mia kissing Darcy on the nose.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59To get that right with the camera was quite tricky - it's a good photo.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01There's Molly blowing a big balloon across the park.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03That was directed by Mia of course.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Let's not forget Kalim's photo where the big shoe is squashing Ashir.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08These are absolutely brilliant.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11They're quite difficult to do with an instant camera
0:06:11 > 0:06:13but the point is to get out there, enjoy yourself and be creative.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Why not give it a go?
0:06:19 > 0:06:22As you can see, we've just started filming the parachute drop
0:06:22 > 0:06:24part of our animation.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- How are you feeling, star of the show?- Stop buttering me up!
0:06:26 > 0:06:29I'm the director, I'm supposed to tell you that you're brilliant.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Anyway, the reason we're here today is because
0:06:32 > 0:06:35so many famous characters have been brought to life here in Bristol.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Shaun the Sheep. Robbie the Reindeer.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40And the last time I was in Bristol, I got to try a bit of animating myself.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Only the Pirate Captain.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Hah! I'm the Pirate Captain and I'm here for your gold!
0:07:08 > 0:07:11You can't lose, Captain! I'd bet my face!
0:07:15 > 0:07:19Look at this. One touch. You see this guy here?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22You recognise something he might be wearing there?
0:07:22 > 0:07:25This just got a whole lot cooler, didn't it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Even at this size, I'm pretty certain that animating these models
0:07:28 > 0:07:31is a real labour of love, and now it's my turn
0:07:31 > 0:07:34to find out just how tricky it is.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I'm about to watch the director, Peter Lord,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39act out the scene that he would like me to animate
0:07:39 > 0:07:43on our Pirate Captain over here, so this is what I have to do.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Hah!
0:07:45 > 0:07:47It's so quick, I have to watch it again.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- That's not even a second, is it! - 62 frames.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52So it's just over two seconds.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55OK. That normally would take you how long to animate?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Erm, like, a day?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- How long have I got?- Two hours!
0:08:00 > 0:08:03I'd better get started then, hadn't I.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08Stop frame animation works by taking frame by frame shots on a camera.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Between each shot, the characters are repositioned just a tiny amount
0:08:11 > 0:08:13so when the shots are played continuously,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15it looks like the characters are moving.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17That's it. Done. First frame. Yay!
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Peter's impressive movie credentials include animated favourites like
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Chicken Run and Wallace And Gromit so the pressure is really on to do well.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29As long as it has the right feel-good performance
0:08:29 > 0:08:32and delivers exactly what Pete is requesting
0:08:32 > 0:08:34then I think it's going to be a good shot.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Time's up. It's the moment of truth.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39Hah!
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I'm not sure that I'm going to offer you a job, like, today.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48If you were doing it for real I'd say bigger.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51I'd say a bigger gesture, a bigger arc.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I would have gone back and done a few things differently.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56I just knew I had to get him face-on at the end.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- But I've really enjoyed it. Thank you very much.- Good.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Thank you. And you've done a good job.
0:09:01 > 0:09:02- Yes!- Yeah.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Hah!
0:09:04 > 0:09:07I was hoping some of the technique and skill had rubbed off a little bit
0:09:07 > 0:09:10but the truth is, animating is a very difficult thing to do
0:09:10 > 0:09:12so I'm delighted to welcome Merlin.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16Hi. You're a director and animator for Aardman Animations.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18You know what you're doing. Help!
0:09:18 > 0:09:22This is our canvas behind you, where we're starting to make our animation.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- What do you think? - I think it's amazing.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28Your animation stage is huge. Your camera's up in the roof.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31I think you've got everything you need to get cracking.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35When you think of animation, you think of a little camera in a little scene
0:09:35 > 0:09:38and this is on a much bigger scale so I presume the decisions that you
0:09:38 > 0:09:41make are just the same but they're emphasised by the scale.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Yeah, absolutely. Animation can be done anywhere.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46It can be done small or large.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48The only difference here is you need more space.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51You've done a big animation before so you know what you're talking about.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53The Gulp, which is just brilliant.
0:09:54 > 0:09:55HE GASPS
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Ah! Oh...!
0:09:58 > 0:10:00CLOCK TICKING
0:10:00 > 0:10:01HE GULPS
0:10:01 > 0:10:02EXPLOSION
0:10:05 > 0:10:07How did you go about doing that? How long did it take?
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Gulp was animated on a beach with a camera up on a crane
0:10:11 > 0:10:13looking down onto the beach,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17and we had an army of animators running into the frame.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20They all had a little bit that they were responsible for,
0:10:20 > 0:10:24and everyone would have to clear frame - "take the shot!",
0:10:24 > 0:10:27and then everyone would come running back in.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31We had four days to shoot it, which is actually a tiny amount of time
0:10:31 > 0:10:33for the amount of animation it was.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36It's difficult to work with celebrities who can talk.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Yours don't necessarily talk, but it is your job to bring them to life.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41That's right.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Gromit, for example, has no voice,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49so all of his performance has to come from his physical movement.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58SHE GIGGLES
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Can you explain what you do when you direct?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05The most important thing when you start to animate
0:11:05 > 0:11:08is to get off your seat and act it out,
0:11:08 > 0:11:13so you actually understand what you're trying to bring to life,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16so for example, in the animatic, Helen's got to do some swimming,
0:11:16 > 0:11:21so it's very important that you as a director know what the movement is.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23But you've got to be across that as a team, haven't you?
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Yes, and as director, what you need to do is get up and practise
0:11:26 > 0:11:31the actions so you can communicate clearly to your team what's needed.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34OK. We're going to get on with it cos we are really against the time.
0:11:34 > 0:11:35All animation takes time.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Did you hear that, Skelts?
0:11:36 > 0:11:39We're up against the time here so you have to behave yourself.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Barney, stop rushing me! I've just landed on a boat!
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Anyway, if we're in such a hurry,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46why don't we take one picture rather than hundreds?
0:11:46 > 0:11:47What, like a portrait photograph?
0:11:47 > 0:11:49That's not as easy as it sounds,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52as I found out when I went to meet one of my heroes.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54He's one of Great Britain's top photographers.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57He's called Rankin and this is what happened when he taught me
0:11:57 > 0:11:59how to take the perfect portrait photograph.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Rankin became well-known after founding an uber-trendy magazine,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07and then started to make a name for himself
0:12:07 > 0:12:10as THE celebrity portrait photographer of our time.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Snapping the likes of Harry Potter actress Emma Watson,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16singer Adele and R'n'B legend Jay-Z.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22When you take a portrait photograph, you have to get quite close
0:12:22 > 0:12:24and intimate to the person you're taking the photo of.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Woah! Close enough!
0:12:26 > 0:12:29This can make them feel quite awkward, which in turn makes it quite
0:12:29 > 0:12:33tricky to get the right shot, so I've come to Rankin's London studio
0:12:33 > 0:12:36to get his top tips on how to get the best from your subject.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39That's good.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42You know how when you go to a party
0:12:42 > 0:12:45and then you find out as you arrive they've got a bouncy castle?
0:12:45 > 0:12:48That's how I feel right about now.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Rankin. Hi.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- You all right?- I'm very good.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It's such an honour to meet you. Thanks for having me today.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58I think you're most famous for your celebrity portraits,
0:12:58 > 0:13:01so you've got a studio, you've got a subject right in front of you...
0:13:01 > 0:13:03You want me to take your photograph?
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- Yeah!- OK, yeah.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Just like that. - What are we going to do with you?
0:13:08 > 0:13:10I don't know, you've got a lot to work with!
0:13:12 > 0:13:17While Rankin snaps away, I pick his brain for his portrait secrets.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Obviously you have a lot of experience in this.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22What is it you're looking for while you're doing this?
0:13:22 > 0:13:26I'm looking for a kind of connection between you and the camera,
0:13:26 > 0:13:29so I always say to people "look through the lens, don't look at it".
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- Imagine you're talking to somebody with your eyes.- OK.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34There you go.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38What happens if you get a celebrity who's quite difficult to work with?
0:13:38 > 0:13:39How do you play that?
0:13:39 > 0:13:44There's techniques you can use to deal with difficult people.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Try and make them laugh, trying to make a fool out of yourself first
0:13:48 > 0:13:51to make them feel a bit comfortable. That always helps.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Try and treat them like normal people,
0:13:53 > 0:13:55which is what I tried to do with the Queen.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I saw her laughing and I thought, that's what I wanted.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59I wanted you to be the person.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Cos that's what we really relate to. We don't relate to celebrity.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04We relate to real people.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09Even when I'm photographing people that are not famous, I would always
0:14:09 > 0:14:13let them have a look at the screen and talk them through the ideas.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16I think if you do that then you get the best out of people.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22So the key to taking the perfect portrait is to make
0:14:22 > 0:14:25your subject feel comfortable enough to show you the real them,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27and clearly Rankin knows what he's doing
0:14:27 > 0:14:31because he's captured that cheeky sparkle in my eyes.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33I think that's good.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36For me there's a moment where you've kind of relaxed
0:14:36 > 0:14:39and you're looking... It's quite a bit more intimate.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43So now I need to know how to take a self-portrait. Have you got any tips?
0:14:43 > 0:14:48Get a family member or a best friend to come in and give you a hand,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51because they'll have to sit in to show you
0:14:51 > 0:14:53where you're going to frame up.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58The second thing is to make sure your light makes you look good.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00You want to look cool.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02And the third thing is once you're ready to shoot,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05imagine you're looking through the lens at the person,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09you're talking to them with your eyes, and then just have fun.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- OK. Let's give it a go.- Yeah.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18To take my self-portrait, I'm using Rankin's fancy equipment.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21This lead connects to his very high-tech camera to take the shot.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27But if you want to take a self-portrait at home,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31all you need is a camera or a camera phone with a timer on it.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33That's really funny, that one!
0:15:33 > 0:15:36And don't forget you can be as crazy as you like with your poses
0:15:36 > 0:15:40and even use props to bring out your personality.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- Brilliant.- How about the one where I'm leaning forwards?- That one?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- Yeah.- I like that one a lot. - Yeah, I love that.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Fantastic. Thank you very much. There you have it.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52It's been such a pleasure. Thank you so much for that.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55And get out there, start taking photos and enjoy yourself.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03And here it is, the finished portrait. Isn't it amazing.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05I love that picture. My grandma will love it even more.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10It was such a nice day with Rankin. I'm sure he learnt a lot from me too.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11Helen.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Yes, Barney. I'm sure you did teach Rankin a thing or two.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I'm sure you taught him some bad jokes. Great jokes, I mean!
0:16:17 > 0:16:19I love that photograph.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22You probably got that in last year's calendar if you printed it out.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25As we speak, our giant animation is still under way.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27The shark is making its way across the waves.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30In that sketch, I'm a really fast swimmer so I've already left frame,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33which means I can come over here and tell you about some of the ways
0:16:33 > 0:16:36that you can have a go at animating at home.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Now one of my favourite ways, I used to do this when I was younger,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42is to create an old-school flip book.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45You take a notepad and you draw a picture in the corner of each page.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Each picture needs to be slightly different,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51so if you've got a guy running or tumbling like we have there,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53each one should be ever so slightly different.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57When you've created all of your drawings, you simply flip the book.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59And he should run or fall out of the page.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Using a notebook is a really cheap way to try your hand at animation
0:17:03 > 0:17:06but nowadays there's so much technology out there
0:17:06 > 0:17:08and all kinds of free downloads.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10I found three for you to try.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14If you've got a PC or a Mac, then you could try iCreate to Educate.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19If you have an iPhone or an iPad, then you could try iMotion.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23If you've got an Android device, so a tablet or another kind of smartphone,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26then you could try Stop-Motion - Lite.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Then all you need to do is find something to animate.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31I have a little Barney dog here.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34He's a lot better behaved than the real one.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38I'm going to use him for my animation so I've got my download,
0:17:38 > 0:17:39I just need to take one picture.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47Then I'll move him ever so slightly along, take another picture.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Move him ever so slightly along. Take another picture.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54And I might on the next one make his tail wag a little bit.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Once I've shot a few stills,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01this software can quickly preview how the animation looks.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04All the apps that we've downloaded are free
0:18:04 > 0:18:07so they're a great way to try your hand at animating.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09But if you haven't got a device, then why not ask at school.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11They might have something that you could use.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15I could spend ages on this but I've got a giant animation
0:18:15 > 0:18:17to swim back into, so Barney, how's it looking?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It looks really good, Helen.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21I've come up here to make sure the cameras are still rolling
0:18:21 > 0:18:24cos if that doesn't work, we don't have much of an animation.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26This isn't the first time I've had to come up high
0:18:26 > 0:18:29to take a photo of something. Last year I went para-hawking.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32That's where you go up in the sky in a paraglider
0:18:32 > 0:18:34and try and take a picture of a bird of prey.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37It doesn't sound easy, does it. No. That's because it wasn't.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40Say hello to Findo.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43If we were in the wild, this would probably be a bit different
0:18:43 > 0:18:45cos he would think I was food and would try to eat me,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47but luckily he's been trained.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50He's a very tame Harris Hawk and he's very happy to sit there.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53This is an ideal photograph opportunity,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55and when these guys are in full flight, they can fly
0:18:55 > 0:18:58thousands of feet in the air and they can travel at very fast speeds.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00It's very difficult to photograph them.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03But that's exactly what I'm going to try to do today
0:19:03 > 0:19:05but rather than take a photograph from down here looking up,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07I'm going to go up there with him.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11This could be one of the most difficult photography challenges I've faced yet.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17To get my picture of the hawk in flight,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19I'm going to use a paraglider.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22It's a bit like a parachute that flies like a bird of prey.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Once we're up in the air, Findo's handler will also take to the sky.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31The plan is that Findo should fly close to his handler,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35so if I can get myself in the air and if we can get near enough,
0:19:35 > 0:19:39the photograph will be stunning - but this isn't going to be easy.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42The man charged with getting me airborne and keeping me safe
0:19:42 > 0:19:44is my pilot, Steve.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46I've got the camera set up, I know what we need to do,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50you've got the paraglider set out, so all we need to do now is take off.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53We've got quite a lot of wind at the moment.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Ideally we need somewhere between ten and 20mph of wind.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00It's a bit over that at the moment so we may have to wait.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Too much wind can cause problems for us.- That's right.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06If the wind's too strong, the paraglider may go backwards
0:20:06 > 0:20:10and we could end up over the forest or in the trees or something.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13It seems that unless the wind drops,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16my dream of photographing Findo from the sky
0:20:16 > 0:20:20might not get off the ground, so how exactly does a paraglider work?
0:20:22 > 0:20:25It's a glider really, not a parachute, so it glides.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27The sun is warming up the ground out there
0:20:27 > 0:20:32and creating hot air rising, and if we fly into that hot air rising
0:20:32 > 0:20:34we can go up and rise with it.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39As we wait for the wind to drop, it gives me plenty of time
0:20:39 > 0:20:41to get anxious about running off a cliff.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45It's nice standing here looking down on the valleys there,
0:20:45 > 0:20:49but in a short amount of time, I'll be up there looking down.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53This is actually quite scary. It's not about taking a photo any more.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54It's about surviving.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Suddenly Steve and his team notice that the wind has dropped
0:21:00 > 0:21:02to a level that will allow us to fly.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05With very little notice, it's time for me to get my gear on
0:21:05 > 0:21:06and take to the sky.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09I'm so nervous.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12I've never done this before and I'm about to throw myself
0:21:12 > 0:21:15off the edge of a cliff, so, yeah...
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Little nervous.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20I can't believe... This is ridiculous.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34So here we are. We're in the air. What an amazing feeling!
0:21:36 > 0:21:41Do you know what's really strange? It's just a chair, isn't it.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- There's nothing else to it.- A flying chair.- What a beautiful feeling.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48It's everyone's dream to be able to fly. It's incredible.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- There's a lot of firsts happening today.- Yeah.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54This is the first time I've ever been in a paraglider.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58It's the first time I've ever tried to take a picture of a Harris Hawk.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02It's also the first time this particular Harris Hawk has flown
0:22:02 > 0:22:05towards anybody other than Martin, his handler, so there's a lot
0:22:05 > 0:22:09of things that could go wrong today but we're more than prepared
0:22:09 > 0:22:12to give it a go and hopefully, we'll get a nice shot for you.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16Martin is about to take off, and hopefully Findo will follow him.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20If we can get close enough, I should be able to get a fantastic picture.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27To save energy, Harris Hawks use the same rising hot air that I'm using.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31It enables them to fly without having to constantly flap their wings.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33They have amazing eyesight.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35It's so good that if Findo could read,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38he would read a newspaper from a quarter of a mile away,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42which is great for spotting prey at a distance.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Harris Hawks are such good predators that they are sometimes
0:22:45 > 0:22:48used at airports, and even some sporting venues,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50to help remove pesky pigeons.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55OK, let's try and get this snap.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05He's just out of range. Beautiful bird. Just a bit too far away.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13After 20 minutes, the wind has dropped
0:23:13 > 0:23:15and my window to get a picture has closed.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19I just hope I've managed to get a good picture.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22It felt incredible to be up there, it's like Superman, isn't it.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25It's Superman but sat down. It's the casual Superman if anything.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28That moment when you throw yourself over the edge,
0:23:28 > 0:23:29it's like, "what am I doing?".
0:23:29 > 0:23:32But once you're up there, it's the stuff dreams are made of.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Everyone's dreamed about having their own wings to fly
0:23:35 > 0:23:37and I pretty much just have done sat on a seat.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39What an incredible thing to do.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41I had an amazing time, and these are my photos.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Even when I was in the sky with him,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49it was still really hard to get close to Findo to get a close-up picture
0:23:49 > 0:23:51but I think he's a good-looking bird at a distance anyway.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54You give yourself a hard time. I love that picture.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56I've never been above a bird before while he's flying,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59it was quite a unique feeling. That's the result of the shots.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03Right, Barney. It is almost time to finish our giant animation.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- I have swum away from a shark. - You did really well.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07I've never seen you swim that fast.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11But it's now time for me to approach a desert island and celebrate.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12So I need some people to help me.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15That's why we've got some guys along from a local school in Bristol.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Who wants to help us finish our animation?
0:24:17 > 0:24:19ALL: Me!
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Right answer! Let's go! - That'll do.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29In this final scene, I'm rescued by an island of friendly inhabitants.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33This is the great thing about technology.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34You can preview what you're doing.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37This is the camera filming us right now. That's me.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39That's the treasure chest that's just been put down
0:24:39 > 0:24:42but I think it might be too far over on the island.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- Slide it across a bit more?- Yeah.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Girls, about another 30 centimetres that way, I think.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56And then put your hands out so you're just like waving. Perfect.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59I know it feels bizarre but honestly, it looks great.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03It's all coming together nicely.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05..In a circle.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08No seagulls were harmed in the making of this animation.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Shall we go for one, guys?
0:25:12 > 0:25:13- Swimming?- Swimming.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- That's your motivation. - I'm swimming to the firework party!
0:25:18 > 0:25:22That's it. That's the party that's waiting for you on the island.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25That's where you're swimming to. It looks really good, doesn't it!
0:25:25 > 0:25:29After eight hours of filming, 189 still photographs
0:25:29 > 0:25:34of animated acting by me and some direction from Barney, we're done.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38As they say in show business, that's a wrap! Thank you very much!
0:25:38 > 0:25:39APPLAUSE
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Well done! It looks amazing!
0:25:43 > 0:25:47It's been a long day but hopefully worth all the hard work.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Jack, there's your popcorn.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51It's time for the screening of our Big Animation.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Do you want to see it, guys?
0:25:53 > 0:25:54ALL: Yeah!
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Merlin's joined us again for his expert opinion.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59I can't wait, I'm looking forward to seeing this.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- I'm nervous now you're here. - Don't be. It'll be great!
0:26:02 > 0:26:03- Helen.- What?
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Somebody ate all your popcorn.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- Thanks, Merlin.- You're welcome.
0:26:07 > 0:26:08Someone press play!
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Here we go. It's time for Blue Peter's Big Animation.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- HELEN:- Woohoo! Yeah! Parachuting!
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Oh. Hello. Erm, ooh... What's that?!
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Oh! No!
0:26:25 > 0:26:26SHE SCREAMS
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Oh, hello, what's this? Where did he come from?
0:26:30 > 0:26:33There's an island - quick, I'm getting to it. Hello, guys. You all right?
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Let's have a party! I'm safe! Woohoo!
0:26:38 > 0:26:39APPLAUSE
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Merlin, what did you think?
0:26:41 > 0:26:44I'm really, really impressed with what you've all achieved today.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48The scenes, the props, the character and planning out the story
0:26:48 > 0:26:50has all come together to make a really good film.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52- Yes!- High-fives! - You should be really proud.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- Thanks, team! Good job. - Yes, thanks, guys.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57If that's inspired you to get animating,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00head over to the Blue Peter website because Merlin has put some top tips
0:27:00 > 0:27:02on there for you on how to get started.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05As always, once you've created your masterpiece,
0:27:05 > 0:27:06send it to us so we can have a look.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08If you haven't got a camera, don't worry about it.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Ask around at school because somebody else might have one
0:27:11 > 0:27:14and you can get together as a group and create an animation.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15Shall we watch it again?
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- HELEN:- Woohoo! Yeah! Parachuting!
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Oh. Hello. Erm, ooh... What's that?!
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Oh! No!
0:27:28 > 0:27:29SHE SCREAMS
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Oh, hello, what's this? Where did he come from?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36There's an island - quick, I'm getting to it. Hello, guys. You all right?
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Let's have a party! I'm safe! Woohoo!
0:27:39 > 0:27:40APPLAUSE
0:27:41 > 0:27:43That's it for this week's show.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Next week we're back in our studio in Salford, where we'll announce
0:27:46 > 0:27:49the shortlist for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2013.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50- Say goodbye, everybody.- Bye!- Bye!
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd