Impact of Technology on the Animation Industry

Impact of Technology on the Animation Industry

In 1988, the live action and animation hybrid “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” introduced a whole new way of making animation movies (Elkins, 2003). The three dimensional rendering and the interaction between live actors, animated figures and environment was revolutionary at that time (Elkins, 2003). Three years later, in 1991, “Beauty and the Beast” was an Oscar nominee for best picture, which showed how popular this genre had become (Elkins, 2003). Since then, rapid technological changes have improved the quality of animation movies. The use of computers sat a new standard for animating, with the first computer animated feature released less than ten years ago (DreamWorks, 2004). This essay will explore the impact new technology has had on animation movies. It will contain examples of web sites that illustrate and explain to what extent the new technology has impacted this genre. First, Pixar studio’s way of working with animations is described, followed by DreamWorks creation of Shrek 2. Then, WarnerBros’ approach to the hybrid movie Scooby-Doo 2 is explained. Following is the impact the new technology has had on Fox and Blue Sky Studios work. The conclusion of the essay is in the last paragraph. Surprisingly, some of the techniques used in the making of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” is still used today, like the creation of “Gollum” in “The Lord of the Rings” (Elkins, 2003). However, there have been major advances in the level of sophistication due to the new technology.

The technological developments in the animation industry has revolutionized the whole business (Wagner, 2004). In accordance with better technology, the demands from the consumers are also increasing. The Pixar studi...

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... was focused on, showing how important the new technology is for the creational processes of animation movies.

References

DreamWorks. (2004). Shrek 2 - Behind The Fairytale. Retrieved 16 September, 2004, from http://www.shrek2.com

Elkins, E. S. (2003, Mar 12, 2003). Technology leads resurgence in animated films. Denver Post, pp. 1-2.

Fox. (2004). Ice Age Movie. Retrieved 17 September, 2004, from http://www.iceagemovie.com/

Pixar. (2004a). How We Do It. Retrieved 16 September, 2004, from http://www.pixar.com/howwedoit/index.html

Pixar. (2004b). RenderMan Products. Retrieved 16 September, 2004, from https://renderman.pixar.com/

Wagner, H. J. (2004, June). Producer Don Hahn Grateful For DVD "Dialogue" With Fans. Video Store Magazine, 26, 8.

WarnerBros. (2004). Scooby-Doo 2. Retrieved 17 September, 2004, from http://www2.warnerbros.com/scoobydoo2/