History of Animation

by Debbie Wilson
debbie.wilson@theanimationschooldirectory.com
Animation School Directoy Columnist

Animation refers to the process in which each frame of a film or movie is produced. Frames can be generated as a computer graphic image by photographing a drawn image or by repeatedly making small changes to a model. When frames are strung together, the resulting film viewed at a speed of 16 or more frames per second cause an illusion of continuous movement. Over the past 110 years, the history of animation has changed from silent films to elaborate 3-D computer graphics, but the basic element of animation enjoyment continues to thrive throughout each era.

The following represents a simplistic time line of animation history.

The Silent Period (1890's - 1920's)

The Silent Period era was the true beginning of animation. The first animated cartoon was created by Emile Reynaud and consisted of an animated system using loops of 12 pictures. Many aspiring cartoonists started their careers at Bray Studios, the first and foremost cartoon studio. Housed in New York, it operated from 1915 to 1928 and produced the likes of Paul Terry (Mighty Mouse), Max Fleischer (Betty Boop), and Walter Lantz (Woody Woodpecker).

The Golden Age (1930's - 1940's)

The Golden Age, also know as Hollywood animation, featured the dominance of Walt Disney and the rise of Warner Brothers and MGM studios. This period is still what many people think of when they refer to animation history.

The TV Era (1950's - 1980's)

If you're a cartoon fan, this was the era of Saturday morning cartoons, like Hanna-Barbera Productions. It was also a time of declining theatrical cartoons and feature films and the emergence of animated commercial cartoons.

The Renaissance (1990's - present)

Current animation involves a wide variety of technical, computer-generated productions and processes. A flood of newer, bolder animation studios has emerged, along with the rise of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. Even prime-time animation, such as The Simpsons and South Park, present popular alternatives.

Today, there continues to remain a place in animation for old favorites as well as technologically superior images and productions. Discovering and embracing the history of animation provides both current and aspiring animators a reference point of the past and a place to dream of the wonderful and exciting challenges to be had in the future.

About the Author
Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort, managing all aspects of operations, including marketing and promotion. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Physical Education.