What is Animation?
Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion by displaying a sequence of static images or frames in rapid succession.
Traditional Animation (2D)
Started using paper and pencil. Every 1 frame would be drawn on 1 sheet of paper. With all the pages gathered, it would create an short or long animation depending on the pages/ frames.
Computer Animation (3D)
3D animation is the process of creating moving images in a digital three-dimensional space. It uses computer-generated imagery (CGI) to build characters, objects, and environments that appear lifelike, immersive, and dynamic, unlike traditional 2D animation which relies on hand-drawn frames.
Mixed Media(2.5D)
2.5D animation is a hybrid animation technique that creates an illusion of depth and three-dimensionality in two-dimensional animation. It achieves this by layering 2D elements and using camera movements and visual effects to simulate depth. Instead of fully 3D models, 2.5D animation often involves manipulating 2D images or objects in a 3D space to create a pseudo-3D effect.
Anime
Anime animation refers to animation originating from or inspired by Japan, often characterized by distinct artistic styles and themes. Outside of Japan, the term “anime” generally denotes Japanese animation, while within Japan, it is a broader term for all types of animation, regardless of origin.
Stop Motion Animation
Stop motion animation is a filmmaking technique where physical objects are moved in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played back. It’s like a physical version of a flipbook, with each frame representing a slightly altered position of the objects.
Animation Examples
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (2D)
The first animated feature film produced in the United States. Having lost both of her parents at a young age, Snow White is a princess living with her wicked and cold-hearted stepmother, the Queen.
The Lion King (2D)
“The Lion King” tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince who is betrayed by his uncle Scar, who murders his father, Mufasa, and then claims Simba was responsible.
Toy Story (3D)
Toy Story was the first film to use entirely computer-generated imagery for its animation. In “Toy Story,” Andy’s beloved cowboy doll, Woody, faces a challenge when his owner receives a new Buzz Lightyear action figure.
How to Train Your Dragon 3 (3D)
The third instalment of a successful franchise has a significant impact follows 21-year old Hiccup seeking a dragon utopia known as the “Hidden World” while coming to terms with Toothless’s new bond with a female Fury.
Arcane (2.5D)
Arcane is an adult drama that leans into an aesthetic that marries science fantasy and steampunk. The story revolves around an emerging conflict between the stoic utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed underworld of Zaun.
Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse (2.5D)
This first instalment of films follows Miles Morales as he becomes the new Spider-Man and joins other Spider-People from various parallel universes who team up to save New York City from the Kingpin
Coraline (SM)
A story about an 11-year-old girl named Coraline who moves to a new house and feels bored and neglected by her busy parents.
Corpse Bride (SM)
A stop-motion animated film about a shy groom, Victor Van Dort, who accidentally marries a deceased young woman, Emily, in the Land of the Dead after practicing his wedding vows in her grave.
Spirited Away (Anime)
A 10-year-old girl named Chihiro who enters a world of spirits and gods after her parents are turned into pigs. Chihiro must overcome challenges and find a way to return to the human world and save her parents.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (Anime)
Animated television series set in a world inspired by Asian cultures where some people can control the four elements: water, earth, fire, and air. The series follows Aang, the Avatar and last surviving Air Nomad, as he strives to end the Fire Nation’s war of conquest and restore balance to the world.