Animation has come a long way from simple drawings that moved to the super realistic CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) we see in movies today. Over the years, animation has entertained people and has helped improve technology and visual effects. Today, animation has improved movies and games to look better than ever. But what is the history behind animation and how did it impact Technology and Visual effects?.
In the early 1900s, animation was made by drawing each and every frame by hand. Which took a lot of time and effort, but it was the only way to make pictures be able to move. Then came Disney’s Steamboat Willie which was one of the first animation studio to introduce sound synchronisation to animation, making the film more engaging towards the audience.
But technology kept being improved upon and animators started using computers to help create animation, with them discovering CGI. and the more they used computer assisted animation, it showed them that it had great potential. One of the first examples of computer assisted animated was “A computer hand”, a short animation about how digital animation could replace traditional handmade animation.
The first film to ever make a fully CGI film was Pixars Toy Story, this changed the film industry forever, CGI allowed animators to make realistic and detailed movements. Since then, CGI became standard for many animation films.
Animation has also transformed Visual effects in live action films, movies like Jurassic Park used a combination of CGI and real-life footage. This proved animation wasn’t just for cartoons, it could make amazing visual effects and make anything look realistic. It proved that it can bring almost anything to the screen
The next big breakthrough in animation was motion capture, which is able to capture actors’ movements and transfers them into animated characters. This made the characters look and move like real people. An example of a film that was one of the first to use motion capture was Avatar, it used motion capture to create lifelike characters.
In the modern day, AI (Artificial Intelligence) helps make animation more realistic and easier to produce. It speeds up the animation process, reduces costs, and allows smaller studios or independent creators to create high quality content. While CGI focuses on creating digital images, AI assists by making the production process faster and more efficient.
And although we have this incredible technology on our hands, handmade frame by frame animation is still popular to this day whether its people using traditional pen and paper techniques or using digital art software to create said animation.
As someone who has started to get into animation, it is amazing with what you can do with animation, how you are able to create anything you can imagine (as long as you take time to learn on how to do it). Animation refers to the art of making pictures move, regardless of style, technique, or origin. Anime, on the other hand, specifically refers to a style of animation that originated in Japan, characterized by distinct features like large expressive eyes, unique storytelling techniques, and often targeting a wide range of audiences. So, while anime is a type of animation, not all animation is anime.
In terms of development, countries like the United States and Japan have led in advancing animation. The U.S., through companies like Disney and Pixar, has continuously innovated both technologically and artistically, supported by a strong entertainment industry. Japan, with its anime industry, it highlights unique storytelling and artistic expression. In Indonesia, the animation industry is still growing but gaining recognition, helped by local studios like MSV Pictures. With increasing digital infrastructure and talent development programs, Indonesia is ready to make a larger mark in the global animation scene.
In conclusion, animation has come a long way from hand drawn frames to advanced CGI and AI-powered effects. It has not only transformed animated films but also completely changed visual effects in movies, and video games. As technology keeps being improved upon, animation continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and realism, shaping the future of entertainment in exciting ways.