#legofilms

The first film known as an LEGO animation was "The Magic Portal" created by Lindsay Fleay, and was produced between 1985 and 1989, with the duration of 16 minutes. Since then much has changed in the process of carrying out this kind of movies. Analog media it’s not necessary anymore and in the present days it’s relative easy to edit sound and video, unlike what’s happening in the 80s.

Over the years, the use of LEGO parts for the creation of animated films has gained many fans, resulting in the creation of several online communities (ex: Best Bricks and Bricks in Motion). These films are usually shot in stop-motion (consisting of photographing frame by frame and later creating the illusion of movement). They are known as LEGO movies, Brickfilms or Legomations. Most of these animations are recreations of famous scenes in cinema, (re) creation of music videos, but there are also stories created from original scratches.

This growing interest in this videos is due to several factors such as the fact that the digital photographic equipment, as well as animation and video software, are increasingly affordable and accessible to most of the public, and the rise Web 2.0 platforms like youtube. These platforms currently are powerful mechanisms for sharing, dissemination and creative discussion.

The fact that there is great interest in these films, made with the own LEGO have created a line of products "LEGO Studios" which featured a webcam video recording software, as well as accessories that facilitate the movement of the parts/models. The fact that the camera doesn’t have a lot of quality, has meant that most enthusiasts don’t bought this product, continuing to use their own cameras and lenses.

Currently, LEGO encourages the creation of animations, reaching even to pay companies to carry out.

The first LEGO movie was the Magic Portal.