Evolution of animation industry: a guide to complete history

Introduction

With the increased demand of animated content for both children and adults, the entire animation industry has shown a massive growth in recent years. The popularity of animation in almost every age group is allowing the creators and writers to work on producing more animated content.

Fantasmagorie was the first fully animated film which was released on 1908, a century ago and since the launch of this first animated film animation industry has been popularised and come a long way.

Today animation is used in almost every digital sector including film industry advertising industry, gaming and television industry making animation an useful tool in modern life.

In this article we will understand how animation industry has been popularised and how the animation industrie’s future will look like.

1: How the concept was raised:

The concept of animation was based on simple idea of creating the illusion of motion. People in the ancient times were drawing paintings in the walls and caves. When those paintings were seen in specific way like when they were spun or viewed in succession they were appearing to be moving or seemed to be animated.

2: Optical Toys

With the invention of tools like Thaumatrope, Zoetrope, Phenakistoscope which were based on the idea of showing the sequential images rapidly to create the illusion of movement.

Thaumatrope: Introduced in 1824, this small device used two images that appeared to merge when the disk was spun, creating a simple animation effect.

Zoetrope and Phenakistoscope: Developed in the 1830s, these devices displayed sequences of images in a spinning cylinder or on a disk. As they spun, they produced a looped, continuous animation.

3: Rise of motion pictures

In tha late 1800s due to the rise of motion pictures, the modern movie began to take shape. Eadweard Muybridge studied how animals move and showed that movement could be captured in separate pictures. When these pictures are shown one after another, they create the illusion of lifelike motion.

Around the same time, Thomas Edison and Lumière Brothers were developing motion picture cameras, which allowed for the recording and playback of moving images. Although these films were not animated in the traditional sense, the concept of showing frames in sequence laid the foundation for animated films.

4: The Silent Film Era and Early Animation Studios (1900s-1930s)

The first true animated films emerged in the early 1900s, relying on hand-drawn images. Key figures in this era included:

J. Stuart Blackton: Known for Humorous Phases of Funny Faces (1906), Blackton used chalk drawings on a blackboard, erasing and redrawing each frame to create simple animation.

Winsor McCay: Often referred to as the “father of animated cartoons,” McCay created Gertie the Dinosaur (1914), one of the first animations with a character that displayed personality and interacted with live-action elements.

These early animations were experimental but laid the groundwork for character-driven storytelling. Studios started to appear, and animators experimented with new techniques, like using celluloid sheets to streamline the animation process.

5. The Golden Age of Animation (1930s-1950s)

This era marked the rise of animation studios and the standardization of animation processes. This period is often referred to as the Golden Age because studios developed innovative techniques, experimented with colors, and perfected cel animation. Some notable milestones include:

Walt Disney: Disney’s Steamboat Willie (1928) introduced synchronized sound in animation, starring Mickey Mouse. It became an instant sensation and marked Disney’s entry as a leader in animation. In 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animated feature, showcased Disney’s commitment to high-quality animation, character development, and storytelling.

Warner Bros. and MGM: While Disney focused on family-friendly, fairy-tale themes, studios like Warner Bros. created more comedic and adult-oriented cartoons featuring iconic characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig.

6. Television and the Shift in Animation (1950s-1970s)

The emergence of television in the 1950s changed the animation landscape significantly. Studios began producing animated series for TV, which created a demand for faster and cheaper production methods. To meet this demand:

Hanna-Barbera: This studio popularized “limited animation” with shows like The Flintstones (1960) and Scooby-Doo (1969), reducing the number of frames per second and reusing backgrounds and character movements. While not as detailed as traditional animation, limited animation was efficient and cost-effective.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: The concept of Saturday morning cartoons also emerged in this era, cementing animation as a staple of children’s entertainment and contributing to a boom in the industry.

7. The Rise of Computer Animation and CGI (1980s-1990s)

The 1980s and 1990s saw the introduction of computers, which revolutionized the industry. As CGI developed, it allowed for more lifelike textures, lighting, and movement, giving creators new freedom and visual possibilities. Studios like Pixar and DreamWorks pioneered CGI films, creating box office hits that appealed to both children and adults. Key moments include:

Tron (1982): Disney’s Tron was one of the first films to use computer graphics, combining live-action with CGI.

Pixar and Toy Story (1995): Pixar’s Toy Story, the first fully computer-generated animated feature film, marked a new era. This movie showcased the capabilities of CGI and opened the door to highly detailed, 3D animation.

8. Modern Animation: Diversity and Digital Platforms (2000s-Present)

Services like Netflix, Disney+, and Crunchyroll have created a new demand for animated series, films, and even anime. These platforms offer a global stage for animation, expanding access and diversity in the industry.

9. The Future of Animation: New Frontiers

With advancements in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and real-time rendering, the future of animation is set to be even more immersive and interactive. Technologies like VR are bringing animated experiences into 3D spaces where audiences can engage directly with characters and stories. Additionally, tools like AI-assisted animation are speeding up production times and expanding creative possibilities.

Conclusion

The animation industry has evolved from simple sequential images to complex digital creations, thanks to ongoing advancements in technology and a dedication to storytelling. As it continues to push boundaries, animation remains a powerful medium for creativity, capable of captivating audiences of all ages and reshaping our visual culture. The industry’s journey from ancient sketches to digital landscapes is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and the endless creativity of its artists.