Friday, 22 September 2023

LO1: Animation Styles And Techniques

 Pixar:  


Pixar animation is in the 3D style. Their production methods are made using Presto, which is exclusively used by Pixar and isn't available for others to use. The genre it most commonly uses is fantasy/action and adventure. 

2 examples of famous animations 
  • Coco 
This is a story about a young boy who finds out he loves music while his whole family hates it and doesn't support his dreams with it. He later discovers he might be related to a famous musician who is now dead. He soon gets teleported to the land of the dead, where he needs to ask his family from that land to wish him back to his world. It is to teach kids to remember and respect the dead ( people who came before us).
  • Turning Red
Turning Red is a coming-of-age movie that follows a young girl called Mei who experiences changes in adolescence. 

Appeal to the target audience:

Coco

The target audience for "Coco," a 2017 animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, is broad and diverse. As an animated film with a heartwarming story, vibrant visuals, and memorable characters, "Coco" appeals primarily to children and their families. "Coco" explores universal themes such as family, memory, and identity. The story’s focus on the importance of family and remembering one's ancestors resonates deeply with viewers of all ages and backgrounds. The film’s narrative is poignant and heartfelt, eliciting a wide range of emotions. The movie's PG rating makes it suitable for younger audiences, and its engaging storyline, colorful animation, and catchy musical numbers are designed to captivate children. Music plays a central role in "Coco," with an emotionally charged soundtrack that includes the Oscar-winning song "Remember Me. Miguel’s passion for music and his struggle with family expectations are themes that many viewers can identify with. " The film’s music blends traditional Mexican genres with the storytelling, enhancing the emotional impact and cultural immersion. 
Animation enthusiasts of all ages are drawn to "Coco" due to its high-quality animation, imaginative world-building, and innovative use of colour and design. Pixar's animation is top-notch, with intricate and vibrant visuals that bring the Land of the Dead to life in a visually spectacular way. The attention to detail in character design, settings, and animations captivates audiences. Pixar's reputation for excellence in animation attracts a dedicated fanbase that appreciates the technical and artistic achievements of the film.
"Coco" features a rich cultural narrative centred around Mexican traditions, specifically the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). The film's respectful and detailed portrayal of Mexican culture and its use of Spanish language elements resonate deeply with Latino and Hispanic audiences. The film's authenticity in representing cultural practices and values has been widely praised. While "Coco" is animated and family-friendly, its themes of family, memory, legacy, and the importance of following one's dreams have a universal appeal that resonates with older viewers. The emotional depth and complex storytelling attract adults who can appreciate the film's message on a deeper level.
By catering to these varied audiences, "Coco" achieves a broad appeal that transcends age, cultural background, and personal interests, making it a beloved film for many viewers worldwide. In summary, "Coco" appeals to audiences through its emotionally resonant storytelling, rich cultural representation, stunning visuals, memorable music, and positive, relatable messages. These elements combine to create a film that is both entertaining and meaningful, touching the hearts of viewers around the world.

Turning Red

"Turning Red," a 2022 animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, is primarily targeted towards a preteen and teenage audience, particularly those aged 10 to 15. The film resonates with this age group due to its central themes of adolescence, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up. The protagonist, Mei Lee, is a 13-year-old girl navigating the complexities of adolescence. Her experiences of dealing with changes in her body, emotions, and relationships mirror the real-life challenges faced by preteens and teenagers. Mei is portrayed as an Ideal self to children who are also going through similar things Mei is in this movie. This movie helps parents bring up the topics brought up in this movie. The film addresses universal themes such as the struggle for independence, parental expectations, friendship dynamics, and self-acceptance. These are highly relevant to the target age group. The film’s humor, vibrant animation, and energetic pace are designed to captivate younger audiences. The stylized depiction of Mei's transformation into a giant red panda adds a fantastical element that is visually appealing and engaging for kids and teens. 
"Turning Red" incorporates aspects of Chinese-Canadian culture, providing representation and promoting diversity. This is particularly appealing in today’s multicultural societies where young audiences appreciate seeing different cultures reflected in mainstream media.
While the primary audience is preteens and teens, the film also appeals to a broader audience, including younger children due to its animation and humour, and adults who can appreciate the nostalgic and emotional aspects of the story. Parents may also find the film engaging as it provides insights into the experiences of their children during adolescence.
The vibrant animation and visually striking transformation sequences add to the film's charm. The character designs and the depiction of Toronto in a colorful, lively manner make the movie visually engaging for viewers of all ages. As an animated feature from Pixar, "Turning Red" is suitable for family viewing. Its themes of family, friendship, and self-acceptance make it a great choice for parents and children to watch together, ensuring it appeals to a wide age range. Overall, "Turning Red" successfully combines a relatable and heartfelt story with humor, cultural richness, and visual appeal, making it a hit with diverse audiences.

Ghibli:

The Studio Ghibli animation style is traditional. Its methods are hand-drawn using watercolour and acrylic paints, and computer animation is used sparingly. This is 2D animation (anime—Japanese art style), and its genre is fantasy.

2 examples of famous animations:

  • My Neighbour Totoro 
Satsuki and her younger sister Mei move into the countryside with their father while her mother is recovering from an illness in the hospital. While living in the countryside, they explore a little and meet playful spirits in their house. In a forest nearby, they encounter a massively cuddly creature known as Totoro.

  • Kiki's delivery service
In this anime, a 13-year-old Kiki moves to a seaside town with her black cat, Jiji, to spend a year alone because of her village's tradition of witches in training. After learning to control her broomstick, Kiki sets up a flying courier service and soon becomes a fixture in the community. But when the insecure young witch begins questioning herself and loses her magic abilities, she must overcome her self-doubt to regain her powers.

Appeal to the target audience:

My Neighbor Totoro

"My Neighbor Totoro," directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, is primarily targeted towards children and families. The film is designed to be enjoyed by viewers of all ages due to its universal themes and enchanting storytelling. The whimsical and magical elements, along with the gentle narrative, are particularly appealing to younger viewers. The film's focus on the experiences and adventures of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, allows children to easily relate to the characters. The film offers a glimpse into Japanese rural life and folklore, providing cultural depth that is intriguing to international audiences. The inclusion of Shinto-inspired elements and the reverence for nature adds a layer of cultural learning.
The movie is crafted to be family-friendly, making it suitable for parents to watch with their children.  It offers a narrative that is simple enough for kids to follow while being rich in emotional depth, which parents and older viewers can appreciate. Fans of animation, particularly those who appreciate high-quality, hand-drawn animation, are also a key audience. Studio Ghibli is renowned for its meticulous and beautiful animation work, which "My Neighbor Totoro" exemplifies.
The film's universal themes of nature, family, and imagination make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of viewers, transcending age and cultural boundaries. Its gentle pacing and heartwarming story have broad appeal. The film promotes messages of kindness, curiosity, and the importance of family and community. Its gentle, heartwarming tone makes it a comforting watch for families. The film promotes messages of kindness, curiosity, and the importance of family and community. Its gentle, heartwarming tone makes it a comforting watch for families.
The enchanting score by Joe Hisaishi enhances the magical atmosphere of the film. The music complements the visuals and emotions perfectly, drawing audiences further into the story.
Overall, while children and families are the primary audience, "My Neighbor Totoro" has garnered a broad, enduring fanbase that includes people of all ages who appreciate its artistry, charm, and the comforting nostalgia it evokes.

Kiki's Delivery Service

"Kiki's Delivery Service" is a charming coming-of-age film produced by Studio Ghibli, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Its target audience primarily includes children, teenagers, and young adults, though its appeal transcends age boundaries due to its universal themes and enchanting storytelling. The film explores themes of self-discovery, independence, friendship, and perseverance, making it relatable and enjoyable for viewers of all ages. It explores genres of fantasy and coming-of-age themes that make this anime more engaging and captivating to watch. Its imaginative world and endearing characters captivate both young children and older audiences alike, making it a timeless classic in the realm of animated films.
 Kiki, the young witch protagonist, is relatable and endearing. This story teaches the audience about resilience and the importance of being true to ourselves.  Audiences are drawn to her journey of self-discovery, independence, and finding her place in the world. The film explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the importance of community. These universal themes resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. 
The heartwarming story of Kiki's determination to succeed as a witch and her encounters with various characters along the way evokes a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, making it a memorable experience for viewers. Overall, "Kiki's Delivery Service" has a timeless appeal that continues to enchant audiences around the world, transcending age and cultural barriers.

Aardman:

Aardman Animations makes films, TV shows, and games. Their style and technique are stop-motion/ clay motion. They make the characters out of clay. The film is produced by individual pictures (frame by frame). This type of animation is in the Family/friendly/children's animation and comedy genre. They don't use any kind of software to produce their products. 

2  examples of famous animations:

  • Shaun the Sheep movie.
At Mossy Bottom Farm, the animals will do anything to get out of work. So, Shaun the sheep and his friends devise a plan to put their master to sleep. However, the plan backfires when the poor farmer is transported to the big city, having lost memory. Now, it's up to Sean, Timmy the Lamb, Shirley and the rest of the gang to travel to the Metropolis and get him back.
  • Flushed Away

After an ignoble landing in Metropolis, a pampered rodent enlists the help of a sewer scavenger to find his way back to his posh London flat. Getting home is not the only problem; a rodent-hating toad wants his notorious cousin, Le Frog, to exterminate the pair. 

Appeal to the target audience:

Shaun the Sheep movie

The target audience for the "Shaun the Sheep" movie primarily includes children, typically in the age range of 4 to 10 years old, and their families. However, the film's humor, charm, and quality animation also make it appealing to a broader audience, including older kids, teens, and adults. The movie's lack of dialogue, reliance on visual gags, and universal themes of friendship and adventure allow it to transcend language barriers and be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. The show employs slapstick comedy and visual gags that transcend language barriers, making it enjoyable for both children and adult.
There are a few British cultural elements in the show "Shawn The Sheep", for example, the annual fair, in which the characters play traditional games. This show is set on a farm in the United Kingdom. "Shaun The Sheep" often relies on humour like visual gags, slapstick comedy and wordplay., These are all elements of British humour/comedy. This show also incorporates British countryside life. Examples include farming activities, village fairs, and traditional British customs. This is a show that appeals to audiences of all ages. "Shaun The Sheep" is primarily targeted at a family audience. The audience includes children and adults of all ages and genders. The storylines, humour and characters are designed in a way that different generations of viewers enjoy, making it a show for families. The mise en scène elements in"Shaun The Sheep" include farm settings, such as green fields, barns, and hills. The character designs are simple, but they show the characters' personalities. The colours, props, and lighting all help to convey the visual storytelling aspects. Even though "Shaun The Sheep" is an animated show, it still incorporates verisimilitude elements, for example, the interactions between the farm animals are based on real-life farm animals. The show also shows the positives of farm life in a relatable way. This show has a balance of imagination and realism.

Many adults who grew up watching Aardman Animations' earlier works, such as "Wallace and Gromit," feel nostalgic watching "Shaun the Sheep." This nostalgia factor can draw in older audiences who appreciate the studio's unique style and humor. The creators, Aardman Animations, are known for their family-friendly content that often includes subtle humor and clever references that can be appreciated by adults as well.

Flushed away

"Flushed Away" is an animated film produced by DreamWorks Animation and Aardman Animations. Its target audience primarily includes children, typically ranging from around 6 to 12 years old, although it can also appeal to younger and older audiences as well as adults. The movie combines humour, adventure, and heartwarming moments, making it enjoyable for families to watch together. With its colourful animation, engaging characters, and lively storyline, "Flushed Away" aims to entertain a broad audience spectrum, from kids who enjoy animated movies to adults seeking light-hearted entertainment
Flushed Away" is an animated film that offers a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments, making it appealing to a wide audience range. With its colorful animation, quirky characters, and entertaining storyline, "Flushed Away" is a hit among families. Parents can enjoy the clever humor and subtle references while children are drawn to the vibrant visuals and the antics of the characters.  The film's playful and adventurous tone, along with its fast-paced action sequences, captivates children's attention. The whimsical world of the sewer and the charming characters like Roddy and Rita provide a fun and engaging experience for young viewers.
Fans of animation appreciate the film's high-quality animation, which brings the bustling sewer world to life with intricate details and vibrant colors. The film's use of stop-motion animation combined with CGI techniques adds a unique visual appeal. "Flushed Away" offers plenty of laughs with its clever humor and witty dialogue. From puns and slapstick comedy to clever cultural references, there's something for everyone to chuckle at throughout the film. The film features a charming cast of anthropomorphic animals, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks. Animal lovers are sure to enjoy the interactions between characters like Roddy the rat, Rita the mouse, and the various other creatures that inhabit the sewer world.
Overall, "Flushed Away" appeals to a broad audience with its combination of humor, adventure, and heart, making it a timeless animated film that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.

Comparison between Studio Ghibli and Pixar on targeting different cultures:

Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio, has captivated audiences worldwide. Its captivating storytelling and visually stunning animation transcend cultural boundaries. Studio Pixar, well-known for its groundbreaking animations, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to targeting diverse cultures. Through meticulous research, collaboration with cultural consultants, and the incorporation of authentic elements, Pixar's films resonate with audiences across the globe. 

Studio Ghibli, rooted in Japanese culture, embraces a holistic approach to nature, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all things. While rooted in Japanese mythology, folklore, and aesthetics, Ghibli's films transcend geographical boundaries by employing universal themes and narratives that resonate across cultures. The studio achieves this by blending subtle cultural nuances and timeless human experiences. For example, 'Spirited Away' explores themes of self-discovery and societal pressures, relatable to audiences worldwide. 'My Neighbor Totoro' evokes childhood wonder and the beauty of nature, transcending language barriers and 'Princess Mononoke' showcases intricate landscapes, mythical creatures, and characters grappling with environmental themes and the delicate balance between humans and nature. The studio's emphasis on hand-drawn animation, with its organic lines and vibrant colours, further reinforces this connection to traditional Japanese art and aesthetics, but never in a way that feels exclusive or overwhelming, fostering a sense of shared experience and appreciation for diverse perspectives. This also evokes a sense of nostalgia and beauty. 

Pixar, on the other hand, renowned for its groundbreaking animations, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to targeting diverse cultures. Firstly, Pixar delves into in-depth research to understand the nuances and traditions of different cultures. For example, in 'Coco,' the team spent years studying Mexican folklore, visiting the country, and consulting with cultural experts to ensure the film's portrayal of the Day of the Dead was respectful and authentic. Secondly, Pixar collaborates closely with cultural consultants who provide guidance and feedback. These consultants, deeply embedded in their respective cultures, offer insights into customs, beliefs, and language. Their expertise ensures that Pixar's films accurately and sensitively represent the cultures they depict. Thirdly, Pixar incorporates authentic elements into its films to evoke a deeper connection with the target culture. 'Ratatouille,' set in Paris, features charming depictions of Parisian landmarks and incorporates French cuisine and language.

Similarly, 'Moana' showcases the vibrant culture of the Polynesian islands, with Polynesian mythology and traditional dance playing central roles. Pixar creates films that entertain and foster cultural understanding and appreciation through these targeted efforts. By embracing diversity and authenticity, Pixar's animations transcend language and cultural barriers, connecting with audiences worldwide and impacting their understanding of different cultures.

Furthermore, Studio Ghibli films often feature complex female characters who challenge traditional gender roles and explore themes of self-discovery and empowerment. Strong and independent heroines like Chihiro from 'Spirited Away' and Princess Mononoke embody the studio's appreciation for the strength and resilience of women. In contrast, Pixar films typically portray a more balanced representation of male and female characters, focusing on themes of friendship, family, and the pursuit of dreams. Their movies, like 'Toy Story,' 'Finding Nemo,' and 'Inside Out,' often feature relatable characters and situations that resonate with audiences across cultures. While they incorporate elements of American pop culture, their storytelling is less reliant on specific cultural references, making them more accessible to a global audience. Also, their films often feature a blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, appealing to many audiences.

Studio Ghibli's films are characterized by their intricate hand-drawn animation and watercolours, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and beauty. They often depict lush natural landscapes and fantastical creatures, reflecting the Japanese reverence for nature. On the other hand, Pixar utilizes advanced computer animation techniques to create visually stunning films with realistic textures and lighting. Their movies often feature a blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, appealing to many audiences.

In terms of storytelling, Studio Ghibli films often incorporate elements of Japanese folklore, mythology, and traditional storytelling techniques. This unique blend creates a distinct narrative experience deeply rooted in Japanese culture. On the other hand, Pixar draws inspiration from a broader range of sources, including classic literature, fairy tales, and personal experiences. Its films often feature a more linear narrative structure with clear beginnings, conflicts, and resolutions.

Explanation of FPS around TV and animated feature film
An animation for a TV is 16 FPS, while an animation feature film is around 24 FPS because the animation would turn out smoothly on different platforms. 16 frames per second is no longer popular for TV as it is now adapted to 24 FPS. 

In animation, frame rate plays a crucial role in determining the smoothness and quality of the final product. The choice of frame rate, such as 16 frames per second (FPS) for TV animation and 24 FPS for animation feature films, is carefully considered to ensure the animation appears fluid and visually appealing to the audience.

Regarding television animation, the standard frame rate of 16 FPS was once widely used to balance visual quality and production efficiency. However, with technological advancements and evolving viewer expectations, TV animation has also embraced the smoother and more cinematic look achieved at 24 FPS.

By increasing the frame rate to 24 FPS, animators can create animations with enhanced detail, realism, and motion fluidity, making the viewing experience more immersive and engaging. This shift towards higher frame rates aligns TV animation with the standards of animation feature films and allows for greater creative expression and storytelling possibilities across different platforms.

The preference for 24 frames per second (FPS) in animated feature films, as opposed to the previous standard of 16 FPS for television animation, is rooted in the pursuit of smoother and more visually appealing animations across various platforms. The frame rate in animation significantly influences the smoothness and overall quality of the final product, with careful consideration given to selecting the optimal frame rate for each medium.

Historically, the 16 FPS frame rate was commonly employed in television animation to balance visual quality with production efficiency. However, as technology has advanced and audience expectations have evolved, television animation has transitioned to the more cinematic look achieved at 24 FPS.

Adopting the 24 FPS frame rate enables animators to infuse animations with greater detail, realism, and fluidity of motion, enriching the viewer's experience by creating a more immersive and captivating visual narrative. This shift harmonizes TV animation with the industry standard observed in animated feature films and broadens creative possibilities and storytelling avenues across different viewing platforms. 

LO3: Final Animation