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1500 BCE
Vitruvian Man
Leonardo D a Vinci's Vitruvian Man shows multiple angles , implying movements. -
The first animated short film.
"Fantasmagorie" by Emilie Cohl, is widely considered the first true animated film, the short film follows a stick figure who encounters other characters and transforming objects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa7TC8QhIMY -
Rotoscoping adds more realism
Max Fleischer developed the rotoscope technique, where projection equipment is used to trace figures from stills of live-action footage. This method allowed animators to get a better understanding of the finer aspects of a moving form to create realistic, fluid motion in animated pieces. Fleischer’s patent on rotoscoping expired in 1934, allowing other animators to swoop in and freely use the technique. -
Felix The Cat
Musical Mews and Feline Follies introduced Felix the Cat—often considered the first animated movie star. -
Steamboat Willie
Steamboat willie first notable success for Walt Disney Studios -
Golden age 1930-1950
During what many consider to be the “Golden Age” of animation, theatrical cartoons became an integral part of popular culture. These years are defined by the rise of Walt Disney (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Silly Symphonies), Warner Brothers, MGM, and Fleischer (Betty Boop, Popeye). -
The Snow White
Walt Disney releases Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , the first animated feature to use hand-drawn animation. -
Xerography
Xerography or dry photocopying had only been used in animation sparingly and never on a feature film until 101 Dalmatians. -
The Flintstones
Hannah Barbera releases The Flintstones First animated series on prime time television -
3D
Photo-realistic 3D was beginning to appear in film movies -
MODERN AMERICAN ERA 1980-2014
The CGI (computer generated imagery) revolutionized animation. A principal difference of CGI animation compared to traditional animation is that drawing is replaced by 3D modeling, almost like a virtual version of stop-motion. A form of animation that combines the two and uses 2D computer drawing can be considered computer aided animation. -
The age of computers
Toy Story was the first fully computer-animated film, utilising artistic techniques such as transparent shading and blended colours that weren’t possible using older forms of animation.
