Animation
Animation is the method in which pictures are manipulated to appear as moving images. In traditional animation, images are drawn or painted by hand on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed and exhibited on film. Today, most animations are made with computer-generated imagery (CGI).
History of Animation
- Early Beginnings: The earliest forms of animation can be traced back to the phenakistoscope, created in 1832 by Joseph Plateau, which created an illusion of motion with a series of static images.
- 19th Century: The praxinoscope by Charles-Émile Reynaud in 1877, and the Zoetrope were among the early devices used to create simple animations.
- Film Era: In 1906, J. Stuart Blackton created "Humorous Phases of Funny Faces," one of the first known animated films, using stop-motion techniques. This was followed by the first animated cartoon, "Fantasmagorie" by Émile Cohl in 1908.
- Golden Age: The 1920s to the 1960s is often referred to as the Golden Age of American Animation. Studios like Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, and Fleischer Studios produced iconic works like "Steamboat Willie" (1928), "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937), and "Betty Boop".
- Technological Advancements: The introduction of sound in animation with Disney's "Steamboat Willie" marked a significant evolution. Techniques like Rotoscoping, Cel Animation, and later, digital Computer Animation revolutionized the industry.
Types of Animation
- Traditional Animation: Also known as cel animation, where each frame is drawn by hand.
- Stop Motion: Involves physically manipulating real-world objects and photographing them one frame at a time to simulate motion.
- Computer Animation: Uses computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create animated sequences. This includes:
- Motion Graphics: Combines graphics, text, and animation to create visual representations of data or information.
Applications
- Film and Television: From feature films to TV series, animation has become a staple in entertainment.
- Video Games: Animation is crucial for character movement, special effects, and cutscenes.
- Advertising: Used for commercials and promotional videos to create engaging content.
- Education and Training: Animated sequences can explain complex concepts or procedures in an accessible way.
Notable Figures in Animation
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