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Animating Stuff: It's Not Just About Making Things Bounce!

Animation is amazing. In our everyday lives, we're so often boxed in by what's "real" or "possible." But in animation? Anything goes. Sure, the best animations feel grounded in some real-world stuff. But it's not just about being flashy or over-the-top. It's about getting the basics spot-on and then sprinkling in a bit of our own magic.

Diving into the vast world of animation, I started my journey with several intriguing topics:

The legacy of Disney’s 9 old men and those who followed in their footsteps.
The foundational 12 principles of Animation.
Newton's 3 Laws of Motion.
The intriguing contrast between cartoon and real-world physics, complete with examples.
Must-reads in the realm of Animation.
Personal favorites in animation, be it shows, films, or characters, and the reasons behind those choices.

The foundational 12 principles of Animation.

The 12 Principles of Animation were introduced by Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas in their book "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation."

These principles serve as guidelines for creating high-quality, realistic animations and are considered the foundation of all animation work today. Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas are members of Disney's 9 Old Men, which I will explain more about later on.

I first heard about the principles of animation while on my access course at Morley College, in which I learnt and practised the 12 steps via an extremely helpful YouTube video from Alan Becker.

Squash and Stretch: This principle gives the illusion of weight and volume as characters move.
Anticipation: This involves preparing the audience for an action that is about to happen.
Staging: This principle is about presenting an idea so that it is unmistakably clear.
Straight Ahead Action and Pose-to-Pose: These are two different approaches to the drawing process. Straight ahead is drawing frame by frame from start to finish, while pose-to-pose involves drawing key frames first and then filling in the intervals later.
Follow Through and Overlapping Action: Follow through is the notion that separate parts of a body will continue moving after the character has stopped. Overlapping action is the tendency for parts of the body to move at different rates.
Slow In and Slow Out: The movement of characters needs to be softened as they start and stop for a more natural motion.
Arcs: Most natural action tends to follow an arched trajectory, and animation should adhere to this principle for greater realism.
Secondary Action: Adding secondary actions to the main action gives a scene more life and can help to reinforce the main action.
Timing: Timing is crucial for establishing a character's mood, emotion, and reaction.
Exaggeration: Elements can be exaggerated for comedic or dramatic effect, or to make the animation more readable.
Solid Drawing: The principle involves creating three-dimensional space in two-dimensional animation.
Appeal: Characters should have a charisma or magnetism that the audience can connect with.

The legacy of Disney’s 9 old men and those who followed in their footsteps.

The Nine Old Men were visionary animators who pioneered techniques like squash and stretch, anticipation, and secondary action, transcending mere technical skills to offer philosophical insights into life and motion. Far from seeing their characters as mere lines and colours, they imbued them with ethical and psychological complexity, elevating them to beings of emotional depth. They recognized animation as both an art and a science, requiring not just creative vision but also a solid grasp of physics and geometry.

Their emphasis on storytelling and mentorship, alongside their belief in the synergy of collaboration, often critiquing each other's work, embodied the idea that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." They innovated with tools such as multiplane cameras, blending art and science in animation.

Their aim was to both enrich and entertain, and their timeless principles serve as a rich resource for animators worldwide. Through exploring ethics and psychology in animation, they emerged as philosophers of the medium, leaving a lasting legacy.

Who Were Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men ? You've all heard about Walt Disney's Nine Old Men, who were Walt Disney Productions's core animators, some of whom later became directors,...

They were Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery, Marc Davis, Ward Kimball, Woolie Reitherman, Les Clark, Eric Larson, Milt Kahl.

Newton's 3 Laws of Motion.

Newton had these motion laws, which are part of the fundamental foundation for us in the animation world.

1. Inertia Effect: All about how objects resist movement Like, a feather's path floats down all light and easy, but a big rock? Not so much.
  'An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion at constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force.'
2. Force & Acceleration: Heavier stuff needs more push to get moving. So, if you're animating a giant dragon, it's going to need more oomph than, say, a butterfly.
  'The acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied.'
3. Action & Reaction: Everything's got a counter-move. Like, if one character pushes another, the other's got to push back or fall or something.
  'Whenever one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first.'

Beyond the Bounce: Getting the Details Right

Remember those classic cartoons? They really leaned into the exaggerated bounce, with every movement stretching beyond belief and bones bending in all directions. But today's animation has evolved. It's not just about wild antics; it's about adding subtle energy to characters. It's in the finer touches, like capturing the perfect sway of a tree or the gentle ripple of water.

Animation is this mix of real and make-believe. By getting the basics right and knowing when to abide by them and when not to, I have come to the realisation you can make some pretty incredible stuff.

Resources:

Hall, N. (2023). Newton’s Laws of Motion. [online] Glenn Research Center. Available at:
https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/newtons-laws-of-motion/
[Accessed 29 Sep. 2023].
Richard E. Williams (2021) The Animator’s Survival Kit: Flexibility and Weight. [online] Available at: https://theswissbay.ch/pdf/Gentoomen%20Library/Animation/The%20_Animator%27s_Survival_Kit.pdf
[Accessed 25 Sep. 2023].
Lasseter, J. (1987) Principles of Traditional Animation Applied to 3D Computer Animation.
https://doi.org/10.1145/37402.37407.
[Accessed 29 Sep. 2023].
The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas (1982)
www.pluralsight.com. (2022). Understanding the 12 Principles of Animation. [online] Available at:
https://www.pluralsight.com/blog/film-games/understanding-12-principles-animation.
[Accessed 30 Sep. 2023].
Written by two of Disney's famous Nine Old Men... Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.

The intriguing contrast between cartoon and real-world physics, complete with examples.

I've always found the contrast between cartoon and real-world physics to be both intriguing and humorous. It's like animators have this creative license to bend or even break the laws of physics, leading to some truly imaginative and laugh-out-loud moments.

One thing that always catches my eye is the exaggerated movements and expressions in cartoons. I mean, where else could you see a character stretch their limbs like rubber bands or have their eyes literally pop out of their heads? It adds this layer of humor and excitement that I feel is hard to achieve with more realistic movements.

Then there are those impossible objects and scenarios that cartoons present. It's mind-boggling to see characters walk on air or survive a plummet from a skyscraper. These defy real-world physics but add a sense of wonder and excitement that keeps me glued to the screen.

McKinney, K. (2015). The 9 unbreakable rules of the Wile E. Coyote/Road Runner universe. [online] Vox. Available at:
https://www.vox.com/2015/3/5/8157519/chuck-jones-rules-for-roadrunner-coyote
[Accessed 29 Sep. 2023].

Let's delve into some specific examples that have given me a clearer understanding of this contrast:

Gravity: Take Wile E. Coyote in "What's Opera, Doc?" for instance. The guy runs off a cliff and doesn't fall until he looks down. In my world, gravity would've pulled him down instantly.
Elasticity: Tom from Tom and Jerry is like a living rubber band. The ways he gets stretched and contorted are hilarious, and I know that in reality, that would be a trip to A&E.
Speed: The Road Runner cartoons are classic. It's amusing to see the Road Runner effortlessly speed past rockets and bullets. In reality, those projectiles would win every time.
Strength: Popeye's transformation after eating spinach is legendary. I've not come across food in the real world that turns you into a real superhuman.
Immortality: And then there's the immortality factor. Wile E. Coyote survives explosions and falls that would've been fatal for any real-world creature. It's like he's got unlimited lives in a video game.

I feel that this playful manipulation of physics is what makes animation such a captivating medium. It ranges from humour to excitement to sheer wonder, and it's one of the reasons I find animation so irresistibly appealing.

Must-reads in the realm of Animation.

After doing some research, I've noticed that this topic has some overlap with other tasks I've been given. In my opinion, the foundational 12 principles of Animation, which I encountered in the first task, definitely deserve a spot on this list.

The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston:

This classic book is a comprehensive guide to the principles of animation, as developed by the Disney animators who worked on films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Bambi. This is where the 12 principles of animation originated.

Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. The Illusion Of Life Disney Animation. [online] Internet Archive. Available at: https://archive.org/details/TheIllusionOfLifeDisneyAnimation/mode/2up.
[Accessed 29 Sep. 2023].
www.pluralsight.com. (2022). Understanding the 12 Principles of Animation. [online] Available at:
https://www.pluralsight.com/blog/film-games/understanding-12-principles-animation.
[Accessed 29 Sep. 2023].

Timing for animation by Tom Sito:

Sito's book explores the crucial role that timing plays in animation, exploring how manipulating timing can evoke various moods and effects in animated works. He also encourages the importance of staying positive during difficult economic times in the animation industry.

One of the most intriguing points Sito makes is about the relationship between timing and humor. He argues that the effectiveness of humor largely depends on its timing. He states, "Getting the object to have a sense of weight, size, scale, motion and humor has to do with how you move an object. The computers don’t create animation for the animator - the animator still needs knowledge of the principles of timing in order to make the computer animation come alive."

This insight has implications beyond animation, suggesting that timing is a fundamental element in many aspects of life, and things often need to occur at a specific frequency to have the desired impact.

Timing for Animation. [online] Available at:
https://jo2bigornia.tripod.com/download/TimingAnimation.pdf.
[Accessed 30 Sep. 2023].
www.animationmagazine.net. Article. [online] Available at:
https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/09/the-circle-of-life-in-the-animation-business/
[Accessed 30 Sep. 2023].

Character Animation by Eric Goldberg:

Goldberg's book serves as a comprehensive guide to the intricate art of animating characters. It covers a wide range of topics, from facial expressions to body language, providing a holistic view of the subject.

One of the key points that Goldberg emphasizes is the role of exaggeration in animation. He argues that exaggeration is not just a technique but a necessity for creating animations that are both expressive and emotionally engaging. In his words, "Exaggeration is the key to good animation. It's what makes characters and objects come to life and connect with the audience on an emotional level."

What particularly resonates with me is Goldberg's idea that exaggeration can be customized. It suggests that animators have the creative freedom to amplify certain aspects while simplifying others, all in the service of conveying a specific emotion or message. This concept has made me think differently about how to approach animation, emphasizing the importance of strategic exaggeration to create a compelling narrative.

Eric Goldberg (2008). Character Animation Crash Course. [online] Internet Archive. Available at: https://archive.org/details/characteranimationcrashcourse/mode/2up
[Accessed 1 Oct. 2023].

Animating Film Cartoons by Preston Blair:

Blair's book offers a technical approach to the world of 2D animation. It delves into specialized topics such as lip syncing and perspective, providing a more in-depth understanding of the craft.
A standout point in the book is Blair's emphasis on the importance of perspective in animation. He argues that perspective is crucial for achieving a sense of depth and realism in animated works. He emphasises that perspective is what gives animation its depth and realism. When you use perspective correctly, you can create the illusion that your characters and objects are moving in a three-dimensional space.

Animating Film Cartoons by Preston Blair. [online] Available at:
https://ia600700.us.archive.org/17/items/PrestonBlairCartoonAnimation/Preston%20Blair%20-%20Cartoon%20Animation.pdf.
[Accessed 29 Sep. 2023].

The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams:

Williams' book is a comprehensive guide that is essential for anyone serious about animation. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic principles to advanced techniques, making it a valuable resource for animators at all levels.

Williams places a strong emphasis on interpretive creativity, urging animators to delve beyond mere imitation. In his words, "We're not copying life, we're making a comment on it." This ethos encourages animators to observe, interpret, and then articulate their unique perspective through animation, enriching the portrayal of life and motion.

Additionally, Williams openly states the importance of understanding fundamental principles of animation and applying them in one's unique way, emphasizing a personal approach to learning and experimenting within the field.

The Animator’s Survival Kit by Richard Williams. [online] Available at: https://theswissbay.ch/pdf/Gentoomen%20Library/Animation/The%20_Animator%27s_Survival_Kit.pdf
[Accessed 30 Sep. 2023].

Animation World Network. An Interview With Richard Williams. [online] Available at:
https://www.awn.com/animationworld/interview-richard-williams
[Accessed 30 Sep. 2023].

Conclusion:

Each of these seminal works - 'Timing Is Everything' by Tom Sito, 'Character Animation' by Eric Goldberg, 'Animating Film Cartoons' by Preston Blair, and 'The Animator's Survival Kit' by Richard Williams—provides invaluable insights into the complex world of animation. Sito focuses on the subtleties of timing, Goldberg on the power of exaggeration, and Blair on the technical aspects like perspective. Williams, meanwhile, offers a different approach, emphasizing the importance of both observation and interpretation. Together, these books offer a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to excel in the field of animation, from mastering the nuances of timing and exaggeration to understanding the technicalities of perspective and the value of keen observation.

Personal favorites in Animation, be it shows, films, or characters, and the reasons behind those choices.

Beowulf - This early animated movie is a visually stunning adaptation of the classic epic poem. The animation is fluid and expressive, and the character designs are both iconic and unique. I find the story was well-told, even though it was given harsh critique. As a young viewer I thought it was groundbreaking, this realistic animation was a first for me in 2007 and it left a lasting impression.

Alien franchise - The Alien franchise is one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time, and for good reason. The movies are suspenseful, terrifying, and feature some impressive imagery. The original models used in the movies looked super detailed and later on the animations were also very polished, with the aliens looking both realistic and truly alien.

Black Mirror - Black Mirror is an outstanding psychological series that explores the dark side of technology. The episodes are thought-provoking and often disturbing, but they are also incredibly well-made. The special effects and animation is also top-notch, with the series having a distinct visual style.

Love Death & Robots - Love Death & Robots is a great variety of animated concept films with different styles. The episodes are all unique and imaginative, and they feature some hugely stunning animations. The series is a must-watch for fans of animation and science fiction.

Transformers - The Transformers movies are known for their great visual effects and animations. The robots look amazing, and the action sequences are strikingly spectacular. I loved watching the animated series when I was young and I found later on from rewatching the movies that as a child I was very in awe of the digital and mechanical complexity in the structure of the machines or the stylised designs they were showing, such as the robot labelled Frenzy, a very small and complex robot that was able to change into multiple forms.

Lucy - Lucy is a great science fiction movie with some very impressive special effects. The film explores the idea of what would happen if a human could access 100% of their brain capacity. The film is thought-provoking and visually stunning.

Megan - Megan is a classic AI robot film that, to me, is reminiscent of Ex Machina and Her. The film explores the relationship between humans and robots, and it raises some interesting questions about the future of artificial intelligence.

Iron Giant - The Iron Giant is a heartwarming animated movie about a young boy who befriends a giant robot. The film is full of humour and adventure, and it features a timeless message about friendship and acceptance.

Wall-E - Wall-E is another favourite of mine, being a heartwarming, and visually stunning animated movie. The film tells the story of a robot who falls in love with a robot from space. Wall-E is a beautiful film about love, environmentalism, and the importance of hope.

Scooby Doo animated series - The Scooby Doo animated series is what I watched while growing up, it's a classic cartoon that has been enjoyed by generations of fans. The show is full of humor, mystery, and adventure. The characters are also quirky and lovable.

Star Wars - The Star Wars franchise is one of the most popular and beloved franchises of all time. The movies are full of sci-fi action, adventure, and excitement. The animation and special effects used in the Star Wars movies have been admired by me since a very young age.

Lion King 2019 - The Lion King 2019 is a visually stunning remake of the classic animated movie. The film features some of the most realistic CGI ever seen in an animated movie. The story is also well-told, with a strong cast of characters.

Wallace and Grommit - Wallace and Grommit is a classic and simplistic favorite of mine, loved for its expert use of stop motion, rare to find gems like these in the modern world. It is a British stop-motion animated comedy series that follows the adventures of Wallace, a clumsy inventor, and his dog Gromit.

Tom & Jerry - Tom and Jerry - A classic that never gets old, this series has been a favorite of mine since childhood. i find it remarkable how the show captures so much humor and emotion without a single word of dialogue. I've come to appreciate not just the humor, but also the impeccable comedic timing and animation techniques used. The characters are iconic, and the scenarios, while exaggerated, are executed very skillfully. It's a mastery of animation that continues to inspire.

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