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5000 BCE
Predecessors of the Zoetrope
Dating around 5000 BC, an ceramic bowl was found in Iran, that when spun, would create the illusion of a jumping goat. It is believed that this is the oldest precursor of the Zoetrope. -
The Magic Lantern
- The Magic Lantern
- Appeared Circa 1650.
- The Magic Lantern would show a series of consecutive images in order to appear lifelike. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_lantern
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First Ideas of Animation Begin to Form
One of the first conceptualizations of animations was created in the form of the book "Persistence of Vision with Regard to Moving Objects" by Peter Mark Roget.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Mark_Roget -
Thaumatrope
The Thaumatrope consists of a dual sided disk containing an image on each side. When spun, the two images would merge together into one complete image.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaumatrope
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_2TW5X4H6E -
Phenakistoscope
Invented Simultaneously by both Joseph Plateau and Simon Stampfer in November 1832, this piece consisted of a wheel, that, when spun at high speeds, would create the illusion of motion. However, this was limited in the fact that is would only be practical to one person at a time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyumCXUv0R0
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenakistoscope -
Zoetrope
In January 1834, William George Horner extended upon the Phenakistoscope by recreating it in a cylindrical form, where a person would view the animation from the slits in the sidewall.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoetrope#3D_zoetropes -
Flipbook
The Flipbook was patented under the name 'kineograph' by James Barnes Linnett. A person would flip through the pages at a frequent pace, giving off the illusion of motion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip_book
https://media.giphy.com/media/PD0bnCo6m21Xy/giphy.gif -
Praxinoscope
A Successor to the Zoetrope, the Praxinoscope was created in 1877 by Charles-Emile Reynaud, and used angled mirrors and a looping strip to create the effect of animation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praxinoscope -
"Humorous Phases of Funny Faces"
Created by J. Stuart Blackton, who is now considered the Father of Animation, Humorous Phases is the first animation to be recorded on standard picture film. It is also the beginning of the Silent Film Era.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humorous_Phases_of_Funny_Faces -
Fantasmagorie
One of the first Hand-Drawn animations, this is considered by historians to be the first true animated film. It was created by French Animator Emile Cole.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasmagorie_(1908_film)
http://prettycleverfilms.com/saturday-morning-cartoons/the-incoherent-emile-cohl/attachment/emile-cohls-fantasmagorie-1908/ -
Gertie the Dinosaur
The first animation to use keyframes, Gertie the Dinosaur was used by Winsor McKay as part of his Vaudeville act, and would perform commands and interact with the dinosaur live. It is considered one of the more popular animations of the silent era, and usually overshadows its predecessors. It would inspire many animators, most notably Walt Disney.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertie_the_Dinosaur -
Felix the Cat
A famous icon of the silent era, Felix the Cat, was created by animator Otto Messmer, but Pat Sullivan took credit for the work his entire life. Felix was the first animated character popular enough to draw movie audiences.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_the_Cat -
Steamboat Willie
One of Disney's first works, along with being the debut of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, was the first animation with synchronized sound. It was co-produced by Walt and Roy Disney, and was Co-Animated by Ub Iwerks and Walt.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steamboat_Willie -
Merrie Melodies/Looney Tunes
Merrie Melodies, a clear knock-off of of Disney's 'Silly Symphony' animations, and surprisingly has become the third most popular cartoon in history, completely demolishing the competition, Silly Symphony along with another, far less successful imitation, Happy Harmonies. It was released by Warner Bros. but none of the Characters we know and love will come into appearance until 1935. -
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Produced by Walt Disney, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first Full Length Animated Feature Film. The creator of Betty Boop, Grim Natwick was hired as part of the animation team. Thought to be Walt's downfall while in production, the movie had massive success, gaining over 418 million dollars in box office.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_White_and_the_Seven_Dwarfs_(1937_film)
