In addition to their accomplishments in cinemas and TV shows, numerous animated characters can also generate significant financial gains through licensing for various merchandise and different forms of media.
The perception of animation, commonly observed in motion pictures, has historically been credited to the persistence of vision and subsequently to the phi phenomenon and beta movement. However, the precise neurological factors responsible for this illusion remain unclear. The stroboscopic effect characterizes the impression of movement induced by swiftly alternating images, featuring subtle discrepancies and imperceptible intervals. In the past, animators would manually depict every aspect of character movements and transformations on transparent cels, which could then be manipulated against a separate background. However, computer animation typically relies on programming paths that connect key frames, enabling digital figures to navigate through a computer-generated environment.
While numerous animation companies capitalize on their creations beyond the realm of moving images, The Walt Disney Company stands out as the most renowned and extreme exemplar. Ever since receiving its first license for a children's writing tablet in 1929, Disney's iconic mascot, Mickey Mouse, along with various other characters, has adorned an extensive array of merchandise. While there may have been an impact on Mickey's reputation due to negative associations, it is worth noting that officially licensed Disney merchandise continues to have strong sales. Moreover, the realm of Disney memorabilia, known as Disneyana, boasts numerous enthusiastic collectors and even a dedicated fan club called Disneyana Fan Club, which has been in existence since 1984.
A cartoon refers to a form of animated movie, typically of brief duration, characterized by an exaggerated visual presentation. Drawing influence from comic strips, cartoons often showcase anthropomorphic creatures, superheroes, or the thrilling escapades of human main characters. Particularly in cases involving animals that have a natural predator/prey dynamic (such as cats and mice, coyotes and birds), the focus of their actions frequently revolves around exaggerated comedic mishaps, including falls, collisions, and explosions that would be fatal in actuality.
In addition to receiving Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film (since 1932) and Best Animated Feature (since 2002), animated films have been frequently recognized and honored in various other categories, notably including Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
Various traditional animation mediums that depend on the swift presentation of consecutive visuals include the phénakisticope, zoetrope, flip book, praxinoscope, and film. Electronic animation media such as television and video, which were initially analog but have now transitioned into digital operation, are also widely favored. In order to be showcased on computers, various forms of technology were created, such as animated GIFs and Flash animation.
During the 1990s, the majority of cel animation studios made a transition towards predominantly creating computer-animated films due to its cost-effectiveness and higher profitability. This shift not only led to the emergence of the widely popular 3D animation style generated through computers, but also facilitated the production of films and series with a traditional hand-crafted aesthetic. By utilizing software, these productions could replicate the appealing qualities of cel animation, while simultaneously incorporating new digital tools to explore innovative styles and visual effects.
This enables Japanese animators to incorporate greater intricacy in their drawings, as it necessitates a smaller number of images. Furthermore, this attribute grants anime a unique sense of motion. Naturally, there are instances that deviate from this principle: certain animated content from the United States adheres to a three-frame pattern, while specific anime productions follow a two-frame or even one-frame rhythm.
Animation is a cinematic method whereby stationary images are manipulated to generate dynamic visuals. In the realm of traditional animation, images are painstakingly crafted by hand on transparent celluloid sheets, known as cels, which are subsequently captured and showcased on film. Animation has gained acknowledgement as a form of artistic expression, particularly within the realm of entertainment. Numerous animations are generated through computer technology, employing computer-generated imagery (CGI). Amidst the presence of various other forms, stop motion animation, notably claymation, has managed to endure.
During the 1890s, cinematography emerged as a ground-breaking development, with its remarkable portrayal of realistic elements being hailed as its primary achievement. However, it took a significant amount of time before animation made its way into theaters. The renowned film The Haunted Hotel (1907) directed by J. Stuart Blackton brought widespread attention to stop-motion animation and is said to have served as inspiration for Émile Cohl in the creation of Fantasmagorie (1908), which is widely recognized as the earliest existing example of a full traditional animation created by hand on standard cinematic film. Ladislas Starevich's puppet animations, dating back to 1910, and Winsor McCay's meticulous hand-drawn animations in films like Little Nemo (1911) and Gertie the Dinosaur (1914), stand out as noteworthy artistic endeavors that have exerted considerable influence in the realm of short films.
After the triumph of Pixar's Toy Story (1995), which marked the debut of computer animation in this style, the widely known 3D technique, frequently linked to computer animation, emerged as the prevailing method.
In 1991, Beauty and the Beast became the inaugural animated film to receive a nomination for the esteemed Best Picture category. Subsequently, Up (2009) and Toy Story 3 (2010) also earned nominations in this category when the academy increased the number of nominees from five to ten.
The term animation derives from the Latin word animātiōn, which is derived from animātiō, denoting the act of imparting life. The original interpretation of the English term pertains to vivacity and has existed for a significantly longer period compared to its association with the medium of moving images.
During the earlier period, animators used to sketch on illuminated tables to view their prior animations. However, with the declining popularity of traditional methods, contemporary animators typically employ tablet devices for drawing purposes. Disney has not employed traditional hand coloring techniques since the release of The Little Mermaid in 1989.
Centuries prior to the inception of contemporary animation, individuals across the globe were enthralled by the enchantment of animated figures. Throughout history, skilled artisans and creators have breathed life into marionettes, mechanical creatures, silhouettes, and astonishing illuminated devices, evoking the sense of wonder through tangible manipulations.
In the realm of animation, there has long been a strong connection to comic books. While it is common for numerous comic book characters to transition onto the screen, particularly in Japan where many manga series are adapted into anime, there is also frequent integration of original animated characters within comic books and magazines. In a somewhat comparable manner, video games (which are an interactive form of animation that has developed into its separate medium) have drawn inspiration from movies in terms of characters and storylines, and the reverse is also true.
Computer-generated animation has the ability to capture intricate details through the implementation of three-dimensional visuals. On the other hand, two-dimensional computer animation, which can emulate the appearance of traditional animation, is often employed for aesthetic purposes, conserving bandwidth, or achieving quicker real-time renderings. Additionally, various conventional animation techniques involve stop motion methodologies wherein objects crafted from paper cutouts, puppets, or clay figures are utilized in two- and three-dimensional forms.
Animation and live-action film are often juxtaposed, despite the fact that they are not completely independent from one another. Numerous filmmakers have created movies that combine elements of both mediums. With the advancing capabilities of CGI to closely resemble photographic visuals, movie directors now have the option to seamlessly integrate 3D animations into their films instead of relying on practical effects to achieve impressive visual effects (VFX).
Pixel images, such as JPG, GIF, and BMP, which have familiar formats, are unable to be resized without impacting the quality of the image. Resolution is not a concern when it comes to vector graphics. Vectors are defined by paths that include different starting and ending points, as well as lines connecting these points to construct the graphic. Shapes have the ability to be arranged in order to construct a character or any other visual representation. Presented below is an illustration for reference.
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