Blog 10 Animation as Communication

Animation as Communication:

Write a blog about animation: Anything you learned, liked or disliked about animation AS COMMUNICATION. That emphasis is very important. We're not writing about software, we may be writing about mechanics, but ultimately, we are writing about how we can use this technique and approach to expression to communicate with others.

Animation can be used in a wide variety of ways in the Communication field. In class we discussed the various ways that animation has been able to reach the public or masses. Although Animation has been a world-wide development, the U.S. has been a key element to the growing field of animation with their use of quality technology and resources. Today, many animation jobs are outsourced and Canada is a great place to go for Animators with a lot of jobs for animators.

I learned many things in this class about animation. I've enjoyed learning the different styles and techniques of original animations; I liked learning about the way that cartoons have evolved over time. I like to think about animation as an art that is collective, and it is good to know that cell animation is still being used. I think that the type of work involved in cell animation makes the process look tedious but enjoyable. It would give more realm of expression for fine artists as well.

Animation can be used to communicate and express ideas to cultures and consumers that broaden their horizons. I think besides helping people use their imaginations, animation can be used to educate people about things such as politics and environment. The philosophical side of communications is important when in the real world, we as a whole need to work together to make progress. Animation is a progressive form of communication. I've learned that there is more to Animation than technique, although technique is fundamental such as in the Illusion of Life and Disney. Although, I found personally that Disney is not as interesting as Japanese animation.

Blog # 6 with Pluto's Playmate

If the body follows the mind, as in chapter 5, then the audience follows the heart, at least according to chapter 6. Here’s a question that concerns all mass media in general and animation in particular. The LCD, lowest common denominator, of mass appeal is often considered a “dumbing down” of content so that so-called ordinary people can “get it.” But what if the LCD was not a dumbing down (of the mind), but a warming up (of the heart)? What do you think (is this “true” of mass media or something Disney brings to the table)? Does your selection support your thesis (understanding that it’s only one selection and not a representative sample of anything)? 

Mass Media often dumbs things down for appealing to wider audiences. This is the case with many blockbuster movies that are geared for mass appeal. We went over in class how Animation in Japan is considered more as a medium to express to all ages. I think that a good approach would be to gear animation and movies towards everyone, and not to water them down for the general public. If a person doesn't get it, that's their own problem.

And if your kids are too young to see it, then don't let them go to the movie. Parents should be in charge of making sure the movie is right for them, but animation is an art that should be expressive of the message. I feel that Disney, while a lot of their videos are cute, is completely geared toward mass appeal.

This means that Disney has a certain style that everyone can get, but all their movies are pretty much the same. It's not necessarily that the animation is not heart-warming, and I think that Pluto's Playmate is a good example of a funny heart warming cartoon.

The thing is, now a days I think people want to see animation that appeals to more than light hearted humor or childhood. Even if it is about childhood, should they be so dumbed down? I think Disney could make animations that are less mass marketed, because overall animation is the art of expressing things that are hard to express in film.