The Evolution of Animation
The history of animation is long and varied, with techniques and styles evolving. Some of the earliest forms of animation were simple drawings or paintings displayed on screens or scrolls, with the images being manipulated to create the illusion of movement. Later, devices such as zoetropes and phenakistoscopes were developed, which allowed for more complex animations. Zoetrope Animation is a pre-film animation device that produces the illusion of motion by displaying a sequence of drawings or photographs on a rotating drum. The name comes from the Greek words for “life” and “turning.” The Zoetrope was invented in 1833 by William George Horner, and it quickly became a popular form of entertainment. Many different Zoetropes were used by the late 19th century, including hand-cranked and electrically-powered versions. The Zoetrope was eventually superseded by film and video, but it remains an essential part of animation history. Phenakistoscope Animation In 1833, the Belgian physicist Joseph Plateau invented the Phenakistoscope, one of the first devices to create the illusion of a moving image. The Phenakistoscope consisted of a disc with drawings that rotated in front of a mirror. As the disc turned, the user would look through a series of slots, creating the illusion of a moving image. The Phenakistoscope was quickly followed by similar devices, such as the praxinoscope and Zoetrope. Today, we take the ability to capture and view moving images for granted, but it all began with simple devices like the Phenakistoscope. Cel Animation As technology continued to develop, so too did animation techniques. In the early 20th century, animators such as Winsor McCay and Walt Disney began experimenting with new ways to create animations, including cel animation, a process in which each frame of a spirit is drawn by hand on a transparent sheet of celluloid. This technique became the standard for animated films and was used for some of the most iconic cartoons, such as Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes (the 1930s-1960s) 3D animation is a CGI animation in which objects are created or manipulated in a three-dimensional space. 3D animation allows for more realistic animations and has led to the development of different animation genres, such as 3D animation and stop-motion animation. Today, 3D animation is used in various fields, from movies and television to video games and advertisements. Stop-motion animation This type of animation is a technique in which objects are moved frame by frame and photographed each frame. Stop-motion gives the illusion of movement when the film is played back. Stop-motion animation is used in some of the earliest animated films, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005). The history of animation film The first known film recorded on standard picture film was “Roundhay Garden Scene,” created by British inventor Robert W. Paul in 1888. This short film is credited with being the world’s first animated film. The first public showing of an animated film was “Fantasmagorie” by French caricaturist Émile Cohl in 1908. Fantasmagorie is a French word meaning “fantasy” or “imagination.” It is often used to describe a feeling of being in a dreamlike state or a place where reality and fantasy mix. The term can also define an art form that combines elements of both fiction and reality. Fantasmagorie is often used in literature, film, and television to create a sense of otherworldliness. It is also be seen in some works of visual art, such as the paintings of Salvador Dali. Fantasmagorie allows artists to explore the limits of their imagination and create surreal and nightmarish worlds. It is a style that fascinates and intrigues audiences and shows no signs of losing its power soon. American animation started in 1917 with Winston McCay’s Little Nemo. In 1928 Walt Disney created the first synchronized sound cartoon called “Steamboat Willie,” starring Mickey Mouse. American animation was a milestone in the animation industry and helped make cartoons more mainstream. During the 1930s, Warner Bros. introduced Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, which became two of the most popular cartoon franchises. Like MGM (Tom and Jerry) and Fleischer Studios (Popeye), other studios also had successful runs with their cartoon characters. The golden age of American animation is often considered to be the period from 1937 to 1959 when animated films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad were released. This was when animation techniques were perfected and new styles, such as limited animation and stop-motion animation, were developed. The Seven of Snow white(the princess), Dwarfs is the first full-length animated film, premiered on December 21, 1937. The story follows Snow White, a princess who is forced to flee her home after her evil stepmother, the Queen, tries to have her killed many times. Snow White takes refuge in the forest for safety, where she befriends the Seven Dwarfs. When the Queen learns that Snow White is still alive, she is crowned with a poisoned apple. However, Snow White is saved by the Dwarfs and understands that love is the most potent force. Although it was released over 80 years ago, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs continues to be one of Disney’s most famous films. Looney Tunes is a short film animated series by Warner Bros company. Starting late 1930 up to 1969, during the golden age of American animation. It was also known for its subversive humor, featuring cartoon characters who would find themselves in amusing situations. The most famous Looney Tunes characters include Bugs Bunny(What’s up doc), Daffy Duck(prttt), Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Tweety Bird. Over the years, the shorts have been screened in theaters and on television and are now available on home video. While the original Looney Tunes shorts are no longer produced, the characters continue to appear in new productions, such as The Looney Tunes Show (2011-2014). The world’s first CGI-animated feature film was Toy Story, released by Pixar in 1995. Since then, Pixar has become one of the
