The Evolution of Movies A journey through the inner workings of Disney film and animation Nadia Stimack May 1, 2012 Senior Seminar Research and Theory Presentation 1 1

Operational Theory – refers to the practical ideas assembled and applied by media practitioners in the conduct of their own media work. In the case of media, operational theory serves to guide solutions to fundamental tasks, including how to select news, please audiences, design effective advertising, keep within the limits of what society permits, and relate effectively to sources and society Normative Theory – concerned with examining or prescribing how media ought to operate if certain social values are to be observed or attained. This kind of theory is important because it plays a part in shaping and legitimating media institutions and has considerable influence on the expectations concerning the media that are held by other social agencies and by the media’s own audiences. Cultural Theory – Evaluative and seeking to differentiate cultural artifacts according to some criteria quality. It’s goal is to challenge hierarchical classification as irrelevant to the true significance of culture. Theories For Consideration

Evolution of Animation

The 1920s: A Period of Change In addition to the economy boost, animation was on the rise! General population began to gain more access to new technology. More leisure time Which led to more television and cartoons

The 1920s: A Period of Change Cont’d Henry Ford Assembly Line Production Model- T Radio boomed because it was the most affordable. The rise of mass media begins, marking the birth of a national culture. Rise of gas stations, motels, restaurants, etc. More traveling and exploring Access to all kinds of entertainment

The 1920s: A Period of Change Cont’d Characteristics of our society began to develop. Era and development of Disney animation How the decade changed life for the general population How increase in leisure time led to changes in the entertainment industry. How the federal government’s decision to reduce regulations on business led to major problems, especially for Walt Disney. How technology has changed the average American’s life.

. Led to the evolution of the country into a consumer society where everyone had to have a Model-T and a Mickey Mouse watch. The Birth of Mass Media Mickey Mouse soared to the top, making him one of the largest fictional phenomena’s today. Mickey Mouse mania would sweep the nation, selling Millions! Helped Disney promote and sell his cartoon character Merchandise Movies Clothing

Magical and colorful visual effects sensational facial expressions, and remarkable scripts. Life of Animation Continues to grow

Modern Animation

Note the different types of animation put in use today Earlier Films

Traditional Animation Stop Motion Animation Computer Animation Forms of Animation Traditional Animation

Basic cartoon movie (Dumbo or Mulan) Traditional Animation A process that involves drawing pictures or photographs of pictures and then creating a movement process by differing the original drawings.

Creates a digital effect by computer using 2D or 3D versions. Computer Animation Major films such as Avatar and Antz contain 3D animation, while Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon use 2D for the majority of cartoon features.

Process of taking real- life objects such as puppets or clay figurines and moving them for each frame, creating movement. Claymation Stop Motion Animation

Animation Revolution Began shortly after the 19 th century. Not in 1937 with the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Animation Revolution Cont’d Existed long before what we now call cartoons Dating back to the prehistoric era. Cave paintings- early animation 3D effects on a 2D surface.

Animation Revolution Cont’d Shortly after 1920 Cartoons began building plots and character story lines Not “just for gags” anymore. Cartoon characters began to achieve celebrity status.

First of many technical tricks achieved by Disney’s partner Ub Iwerks. Series of cartoons aimed to attract audiences through placing a live actor into a cartoon film setting. End result: Loss of interest Before the Mouse

Before the Mouse Cont’d Due to corruption in business, Disney lost the rights to Oswald after signing a contract with Universal Pictures Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Large corporation made it impossible for Disney and Iwerks to fight back.

Mickey Mouse was introduced in May 1928 in a silent short film titled Plane Crazy NOT A SUCCESS!! First film to synchronize sound with movement and character. A Cartoon Star is Born November 18, 1928 SUCCESS!!

Shows how technology and knowledge have changed movies, especially animation. Epic Mickey- Introduced in 2010 Action- Adventure video game for Wii Console Modern Day to New Age Disney Animation New Age Mickey Mouse Transformation of Disney Animation dating back to the 1920s to present day.

Less emphasis on pleasant, cheerful side and reintroducing a more mischievous and adventurous side Corporate Symbol “Now, however, concerned that Mickey has become more of a corporate symbol than a beloved character for recent generations of young people, Disney is taking the risky step of re-imagining him for the future.” NY Times Modern Day to New Age Disney Animation Cont’d Re-Branding

What the Future Holds For Mickey Mouse There’s rumors that Mickey Mouse is going to make a big theatrical comeback Something that we must remember is the great Walt Disney quote “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing….that it was all started by a mouse” Walt Disney

Mickey Mouse’s original name was Mortimer Mouse Mickey’s first words were “Hot Dogs” Oswald looked and acted much like Mickey Mouse Fun Facts The original voice of Mickey Mouse was Walt Disney himself

Food For Thought What would the Disney Parks looks like today if Mickey Mouse was never created? How do you think this would have changed society? What would life be like without movies, television and influences from the media? Where would we be without the cultivation from films throughout time?

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