COP 2 Initial Research

After being briefed, I instantly wanted to focus on Aesthetics, but more specifically on how certain creative and visual aspects can affect content. I decided to do some initial research on aesthetics in animation as a whole and then research into key aspects and how these shape an animation and how it is viewed.

Basic Animation Aesthetic - David O'reilly

• http://files.davidoreilly.com/downloads/BasicAnimationAesthetics.pdf

I first of all found a text by David O'Reilly titled "Basic Animation Aesthetic". In his text, he discusses "Aesthetic coherence" and "Aesthetic harmony". He also refers to how Aesthetics in animation and film making are developed by following "Laws" that restrict the creative process. These laws come in the form of style, ability, budget, arbitrarily. O'Rielly also discusses his own work, and also how a film makers unconscious aesthetic preferences are what is natural and obvious to them. I feel as though this body of text could be a good piece to refer to in my response. Because he is an experienced practitioner that questions the authenticity and legitimacy of aesthetics in animation throughout his short paper, I feel as though his point are valid in my argument both for an against.

Art in Motion by Maureen Furniss

I had been reading this book for a while to understand what goes into creating an anmation. She discusses the development of technologies and demonstrates how aesthetics in animation has shifted over the years; Disney being quite a large focus in sections of the book. She discusses traditional storytelling. I feel as though the points in this book can support/ counteract the modern day animation aesthetics.

Animations to reference:

I decided to create a list of interesting and aesthetic driven animations and practices that have been creating over the years. I could discuss how and why they were pleasing as well as the audiences positions and understanding of animation at the time, whether they were intrigued because it was the first animation ...

• The magic lantern - developed in the 17th century, mostly used for entertainment purposes and then eventually for educational purposes. Quite a simple and early form of animation. Used two slides usually of an image that could be repeated and looped e.g, windmill. Phantasmagoria -  form of theatre horror where one or more magic lanterns projected frightening images like ghosts for entertainment purposes - utilising a form of animation for an immersive and frightening experience.
• "Classical-era Disney Studio" - wide spread - ground-breaking full - length animation. Aesthetics centre around their inspiration and live-action references in their productions. 
• With the limitations of a certain character (Mickey Mouse) that had been developed and influenced by the gags of silent comdedians, the additions of Donald Duck, pluto and other characters provided more breadth for storylines. Their unique personalities provided versatility for entertainment. The visual aesthetic of Walt Disney's early productions demonstrates the early stages of their over arching aesthetic...  - "Silly Symphonies" - not plot driven like Disney's Mickey Mouse - "Provided a place for experimentation" the use of different techniques and equipment could be employed without risking the popularity of a set of developed characters. - Snow White
• The amazing world of Gumball - successful multi-media animated television series on Cartoon Network. Lacks Stylistic unity - visually and narratively daring - unique - 2011
• Adventure time -2010 - linear, bright, engaging. -flat but a lot of dimension and depth