Animation wk 1

1) Furniss referring to mimesis and abstraction states, “They are both

tendencies within motion picture production, rather than completely separate

practices.” Explain why?


2) Based on the Manovich reading, how does digital media affect film-

making?

3) Roush says, What’s coming is a larger digital environment.” What is

Roush referring too?



Answer to Antonina Question 1


My definition of animation is quite unique. I see animation as giving

birth, life, and motion to something that would ordinarily be motionless and

without life. It is like Geppetto bringing Pinocchio to life. Or like the animated film

Cars, where the car caricatures all have their own unique personalities, as well

as humanlike qualities. Animation appeals to the young and old. We all have at

one time or another enjoyed an animated film of some sort. Animation allows one

to run wild with their imagination and do all sorts of things. We can make furniture

walk, cars talk, etc. Everything is possible through animation, there are no

limitations to what an animator can do. Animation let’s us do things that we can

not ordinarily do. Special effects is a part of animation. The animated film is just

as important as any non-animated film. The art of making something that was

once a figment of one’s imagination is fascinating. It transforms the inanimate

like magic. There are many definitions for animation, we can go on forever.

Furniss says, “ arriving at a precise definition is extremely difficult, if not

impossible. It is probably safe to say that most people think of

animation in a more general way, by identifying a variety of techniques such as

cel animation, clay animation, puppets and so forth.” It doesn’t matter how our

definitions of animation may differ. Creating the magic of life in something

is a gratifying feeling, when one makes something that others can find enjoyable

to watch. The vision once stored in one’s mind as a fantasy is now moving with

life before us on film. From the past history to the present history animation

continues to fascinate audiences over the years. As technology improves the

animated films gets better. To sum it up, animation is the unordinary turned into

the ordinary through the ever progressing animation techniques.