When did animation first begin?

[Simon Cress]

When did animation first begin?

[Bjørn Olaf]

Animation has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, but its modern form began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here’s a brief overview of the key milestones in the history of animation:

1. Prehistoric and Ancient Times:
• Early forms of animation can be traced back to prehistoric cave paintings, where images of animals were depicted in a sequence to suggest movement. Similarly, ancient cultures created devices like the zoetrope and pheumatic toys that employed sequential images to create the illusion of motion.
2. 19th Century:
• The invention of devices such as the zoetrope (1834) and praxinoscope (1877) allowed for the viewing of images in motion. These early mechanical devices projected sequences of images that created the illusion of movement when spun.
3. Early 20th Century:
• The first significant strides in animation began with the development of cel animation, where characters were drawn on transparent sheets and placed over static backgrounds.
• Gertie the Dinosaur (1914) by Winsor McCay is often considered one of the first animated films to feature a character with personality and emotion, marking a shift toward character-driven animation.
• Steamboat Willie (1928) by Walt Disney was one of the first synchronized sound cartoons and helped popularize animation as a form of entertainment.
4. 1930s – The Golden Age of Animation:
• This era saw the rise of iconic animated films and characters, such as Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), the first full-length animated feature film.
• Other studios, including Warner Bros. and MGM, produced beloved characters like Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry.
5. Post-War Era and Television Animation (1950s – 1980s):
• The rise of television led to a new wave of animated series, including The Flintstones (1960) and The Jetsons (1962).
• During this time, animation techniques continued to evolve, with experimentation in various styles and genres.
6. Digital Revolution (1990s – Present):
• The advent of computer-generated imagery (CGI) transformed animation, leading to a new era of filmmaking. Pixar’s Toy Story (1995) was the first entirely computer-animated feature film, paving the way for the future of animation.

Today, animation encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques, from traditional hand-drawn animation to 3D computer-generated imagery and stop-motion, and continues to be a vital and evolving art form in film, television, and digital media.

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