post-digital era

The work of a key animator from the post-digital era

John Lasseter 

A junior animator at the company Walt Disney left behind, saw computer-generated imagery for the first time. It was a rudimentary sequence and contained no characters, yet it introduced such astounding new physical dimensions and such a flexibility in point of view that Lasseter had an epiphany. 

When Lasseter got fired he went on to co-found the Pixar animation studio, where he directed the first fully computer-generated feature film (Toy Story) and where, as director or producer, he has overseen eight more spectacular hits (A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille and Wall-E), almost single-handedly turning cartoons from Saturday morning TV fodder to one of the biggest money makers in the film industry. Meanwhile Disney's animation division foundered. In 2006 Disney brought Lasseter back - along with Pixar.

It was after the success of Tin Toy, when Lasseter started to think about the creation of a computer animated feature film.

The aim was to create a story that was different from the traditional Disney films. The final story was about a group of classic toys, which belonged to Andy, who received a new toy with the name Buzz Lightyear for his birthday. The old toy-cowboy got jealous and made Buzz disappear. But then, he had to find it again. Toy Story was a huge success all around the world and earned John Lasseter a Special Achievement Academy Award for his work in making the first completely computer animated feature film.

pre-digital era

The work of a key animator from the pre-digital era of animation

Walt Disney

Walter Elias “Walt” Disney (05.12.1901 – 15.12.1966) was an American entrepreneur, cartoonist, animator, voice actor and film producer. He was a prominent figure within American animation industry and throughout the world, and is regarded as a cultural icon, known for his influence and contributions to entertainment during 20^th century.

Significant characters; Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy 

Walt and Roy Disney founded a company that became famous, beloved by all ages.

Nowadays, Walt Disney holds the record for most Academy Awards, with 26 Oscars. But four of Disney’s Oscars were special, honorary awards, and it’s these awards that truly shows how Walt and Roy and the company they began have affected the world of animation.

Mickey Mouse is an animal comedy cartoon character that was created by Walt Disney and the Walt Disney Company in 1928. It is a mouse who wears bright red shorts, big yellow shoes and white gloves. Today Mickey Mouse is one of the most recognisable characters in the world.

Len Lye

Leonard Charles Huia "Len" Lye (5 July 1901 – 15 May 1980), was a Christchurch, born in New Zealand. Known primarily for his experimental films and kinetic sculpture.

He involved colorful films with special effects.

Significant works: Color Box, A 1935, Rainbow Dance 1936

A Color Box, A 1935 is a first Len Lye's direct film that combined dance music and abstract design. The film won festival award and some festival said that is a new animation style.

Rainbow Dance (1936) is second Len Lye's animated film. This film is about a man who is holding an umbrella and dancing, when he is dancing the background is completely change. Rainbow Dance is full of new filmic ideas such us moving objects and colored background.