Art Fundamentals: Animation History and Cinematography
Animation has evolved tremendously over the years, with technological advancements playing a pivotal role in shaping its techniques and impact. Understanding the historical development of animation, alongside the role of cinematography and technology, allows us to appreciate the innovative progress the medium has undergone. Here’s a look at the key developments starting from the early 1900s, highlighting the technological and artistic shifts that influenced animation.
History of Animation
Early 1900s: The Dawn of Animation
- The Birth of Animated Film:
The early 1900s marked the emergence of animation as an art form. Techniques like stop-motion and traditional hand-drawn animation were explored in films like Gertie the Dinosaur (1914) - Technological Limitations:
Early animation was labor-intensive, often hand-drawing each frame and photographing it on film.
1920s–1930s: The Rise of Hollywood and the Golden Age of Animation
- Technological Innovation:
The introduction of the cel animation process in the 1920s revolutionized animation. Disney’s Steamboat Willie (1928) - Technological Influence on Artistry:
As sound became an integral part of animation, it created new opportunities for storytelling. Cartoons like The Jazz Singer (1927) and Mickey Mouse. - The Introduction of Technicolor:
Another game-changing technological advancement was the introduction of Technicolor in the 1930s, first used in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).
1940s–1960s: The Expansion of Animation Techniques
- Post-War Innovation:
The development of Xerox machines in the 1950s allowed animators to reproduce animation drawings directly onto cels, reducing costs and speeding up production. - Television and the Rise of TV Animation:
The rise of television in the 1950s led to an increase in animated content for the small screen, including shows like The Flintstones (1960). - Stop-Motion and Puppetry:
Stop-motion animation began to gain recognition as an artistic technique in the 1960s
1970s–1990s: The Digital Revolution and the Emergence of CGI
- Digital Animation:
The 1970s saw the dawn of computer-generated imagery (CGI), which began to change animation from traditional techniques to digital. - The Emergence of Pixar:
In the late 1980s and 1990s, Pixar became a dominant force in animation,. Toy Story (1995)
2000s–Present: The Integration of New Technologies
- 3D Animation and Motion Capture:
The 2000s saw the rise of 3D animation, and studios such as DreamWorks and Blue Sky Studios adopted CGI for feature films like Shrek (2001) and Ice Age (2002). The Polar Express (2004). - Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality:
- The Fusion of Live-Action and Animation:
Avatar (2009) and The Jungle Book (2016)