Are those pencil tests for the films or for some sort of animated shorts?(Kung Fu Panda)
Matt Williames
Rodolphe Guenoden
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Western Animation |OT| Cartoon, Cartoon, Cartoon
- Thread starter TheGreatDirector
- Start date
I believe the first one was for one of the shorts, the second one is most definitely for the first movie. The Art book has the individual drawings for that test laid out with notes.
My question about Western Animation is, why did the era of Creator-driven cartoons kickstart all at once? The industry was absolutely dominated by studios, with only rare artistes operating (at least in a commercial, non-indie capacity), like Ralph Bakshi. Mostly it was people operating within a studio system, even on television, and those studios had a house style and it was the studio's idea of what got made, while creators merely grappled with how to make it. Creators could branch off to create their own studios (like Don Bluth in film or Joe Ruby and Ken Spears in TV), but that was the model.
Then in 1987 or so there was a change. I'd argue The Simpsons was the first, although it was a joint Fox product it started the idea of the creator making a pitch and carrying it through to fruition, which you saw get cloned on Nickelodeon starting with Nicktoons in 1991, on Disney starting with (depending on your definition) either Raw Toonage, Bonkers, or Gargoyles in the early 90s, and on Cartoon Network with Dexter's Lab in 1996.
Why the change? Because the new networks needed original programming?
Then in 1987 or so there was a change. I'd argue The Simpsons was the first, although it was a joint Fox product it started the idea of the creator making a pitch and carrying it through to fruition, which you saw get cloned on Nickelodeon starting with Nicktoons in 1991, on Disney starting with (depending on your definition) either Raw Toonage, Bonkers, or Gargoyles in the early 90s, and on Cartoon Network with Dexter's Lab in 1996.
Why the change? Because the new networks needed original programming?
I think it's a perfect storm of things, a combination of networks wanting more original stuff, the 80's class of creators moving into the industry and making names for themselves, staying in contact with their friends and getting to places where they had the ability to make personal projects and pitches. Studios and networks started offering better budget packages for animation. A lot of shifts and changes were happening at the same time, not necessarily all connected, but mostly lending themselves to the demand for more content.
I think we're currently in a really great wave of creator based stuff because of the generation of creators inspired by the creators of the 80's and 90's having access to the Internet and tools that are so readily available, with so many outlets to create, share, build, and reach out or get discovered.
I doubt the creator-driven era will ever end now, just because of how easy it is for one person with a computer to make their own animated short and get noticed, even without the studio systems continuing to encourage creator-driven nature, i'm just curious about why that switch flipped when it did.
Like Cartoon Network was all-in on creator-driven from the beginning, despite Turner's buyout of Hannah Barbera meaning they could have easily stuffed the network with a new Scooby Doo or a new Flintstones. They didn't *need* creator-driven, they chose that.
George Oscar Bluth II
Banned
Hand-drawn.
Batman: The Animated Series.
Hmm... probably Batman: The Animated Series or X-Men.
It changes often but right now it's Beauty and the Beast.
Toy Story... No, wait, Ratatouille... No, wait, The Incredibles... One of those three!
I wasn't trying to suggest that it's going to end, or say that Cartoon Network needed it vs chose or anything. Quite a few places chose it with no real provocation other than they had the means to. And now so many more sources have the means to, with all mediums and types of content.
I asked my old mentor about this earlier today, after my initial response, and he firmly believes the switch flipped because of a new guard vs old guard kind of thing in a lot of places. Veterans of the studio were both open to change and taking advantage of the free reign that was new at the time, and new talent came in that had new idea built on a strong foundation.
He was at Disney television in the 80's, and feature animation in the 90's and saw the shifts happen in those two places first hand. It may not speak to the industry as a whole, but this definitely continues to happen more and more because of the nature of content now.
I suppose I'd go with hand drawn but we're forgetting STOP MOTION
The Simpsons
Darkwing Duck
The Road to El Dorado
Wreck-It Ralph or Ratatouille damn, I can't choose...
Lightning_Roller
Banned
CG or hand-drawn animation?
I like both, but I need to gravitate towards 2D animation more.
Favorite animated series?
Batman: The Animated Series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Tom and Jerry, Ducktales, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Heathcliff, Looney Tunes, SpongeBob SquarePants (Seasons 1-3) Samurai Jack, Megas XLR, Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Codename: Kids Next Door, Kim Possible, Fairly Odd Parents (The early seasons), The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius, Recess, Darkwing Duck, Chip n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girl (The good one), Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd, Eddy, Rick and Morty...I think that is it. Oh wait, Animaniacs, Tiny Toons adventures, Hey Arnold, Catdog, Rocko's Modern Life, My life as a Teenage Robot, Danny Phantom. Okay I think that's it. Oh wait, Totally Spies, Marvin Mystery, Teen Titans (Original series), Batman Beyond, Justice League (And Unlimited), Superman: The Animated series. Okay that's it. I hope.
Favorite theme song?
Batman: The Animated Series, Ducktales, SpongeBob SquarePants, Spectacular Spider-Man, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. And probably the rest of that list up above. In east to please.
Favorite hand-drawn movie?
The Lion King, Beauty and The Beast, Aladdin, The Land Before Time, The princess and the frog.
Favorite CG movie?
Toy Story series, Kung Fu Panda series, Zootopia, Monsters Inc., The Incredible, Ratoutoille (can't spell it to save my life), Up,, Over The Hedge, Flushed Away, Shrek 2, that's it for now.
Oh you meant one, sorry I can't choose.
lol I guess I didn't need to feel bad about not being able to choose between two movies...
So apparently, there's more unsubstantiated Young Justice S3 rumors going around.
http://www.parentherald.com/article...n-3-release-date-news-update-netflix-asks.htm
I still have huge doubts that it will go through, or really that it's anything other than articles to get views, but if you haven't seen it, now is the time. It's a great show anyhow, so there's nothing to loose by watching it.
http://www.parentherald.com/article...n-3-release-date-news-update-netflix-asks.htm
I still have huge doubts that it will go through, or really that it's anything other than articles to get views, but if you haven't seen it, now is the time. It's a great show anyhow, so there's nothing to loose by watching it.
I like both, but prefer the 2-D look. I think stuff like TV Paint for smaller shows and movies, and CGI in the style of Paperman is the future though. Anything else is too expensive in this day and age.
Tough question. Probably Batman TAS/TNBA
Probably also from Batman TAS. Never been a huge fan of theme songs though. The shorter they are, the more time I have watching the show.
Probably Waltz with Bashir.
The Incredibles.
petran79
Banned
John Hubley as well, especially after he was black listed
Lightning_Roller
Banned
Yeah, I really love animation.
Lightning_Roller
Banned
Alright time for some more web animation love!
This time it's a familiar face with a twist! It's star fox mixed with 80s like visuals to make a truly unique animated experience starring Fox McCloud. It's 'A Fox In Space'.
https://youtu.be/uieM18rZdHY
This time it's a familiar face with a twist! It's star fox mixed with 80s like visuals to make a truly unique animated experience starring Fox McCloud. It's 'A Fox In Space'.
https://youtu.be/uieM18rZdHY
Love this short as well, but just noticed a mistake in the animation! The placement of the hammer and the trophy overlap in a rather odd way.That was sweet.
Now I finally know where this gif is from!
1. Hand drawn. Though I also really like Stop Motion
2. It's probably the Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. I've been recently going through Venture Bros though and it's pretty damn good. Let's just say Grim Adventures for my kids show pick, and Venture Bros for adult shows.
3. The Venture Bros opening theme is pretty great. Gravity Falls and Rick and Morty have some nice openings too.
4. Atlantis: The Lost Empire. I just love the aesthetic of the movie (even if the story is a bit lackluster)
5. Kung Fu Panda 2 probably. I have a soft spot for the first Hoodwinked movie though, that'd be my guilty pleasure pick. EDIT: I also can't not mention Megamind and the 3D Tintin movie. Geez I have a lot of favorites.
Also you didn't ask, but for me, it's a toss up between the Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline for stop motion films.
BrightLightLava
Unconfirmed Member
I imagine you know, but for those that don't, Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy) did a lot (all?) of the early concept art for that movie.
I guess this is the best place to give more exposure to an underrated raunchy french comedy movie called Lascars
I've been thinking about watching more animated movies instead of just series so maybe I'll check this out if I can find it with English subtitles.
...
Would enjoy suggestions from others on animated movies I could check out. Maybe some lesser known ones that are kind of like diamonds in the rough as well as some popular ones?
petran79
Banned
1.Quality mix of both
2.Original Pink Panther
3.Count Duckula (OP) - The Raccoons (ED)
4.Allegro non Tropo (it has live action too)
5.Rennaisance (French movie close to Frank Miller aesthetic)
Lord British
Member
Hand-drawn. Tends to express a unique aesthetic and give off the feel of something more crafted than CG, but I also enjoy CG.
Probably The Venture Bros or (classic) Simpsons.
Venture Bros again, and it saddens me that they barely ever play it.
Lion King probably.
Ratatouille. A masterpiece.
I love CG, but there's something special about hand-drawn. You tend to see more variety in art-style in hand-drawn stuff too, in my experience.
Impossible question. Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, Rick and Morty, Friendship is Magic, The Simpsons, Futurama, Daria, Tron Uprising. And that's just the ones that spring to mind. Pick one.
Tough call. Recently, maybe Gravity Falls or Steven Universe? But I know there's tons from my childhood that I could dredge up too.
One of the Disney renaissance for sure, though they're pretty hard to separate. Special shout-out to Atlantis too, I love that way that one looks.
Inside Out, perhaps. That one hit me hard.
just watched the french animated film of Dofus Livre...amazing animation and art style
Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nnJUXdSqlw
Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nnJUXdSqlw
meltingparappa
Member
Done in Adobe Flash/Animate, too!
Don't forget this little part from it: Exactly what you expect form a french parody of the sailor moon transformation
George Oscar Bluth II
Banned
We already had a thread on it but I wanted to post this Indiana Jones animated short here because I love it so much.
Hand-drawn, but unfortunately high quality hand drawn animation is rare outside of Japan nowadays.
Batman: The Animated Series. Honorable mention to Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Batman TAS theme.
Probably The Lion King still.
The incredibles.
Lightning_Roller
Banned
Okay everyone, what visual style from a animated feature or show did you enjoy the most?
For me, Foster's is really nice with a mix of wacky lines and shapes to make the characters stand out.
Another visual style I love is the one from Batman: The Animated Series. The dark deco artstyle is a good mix of modern day (back then) and the roaring 30s. And the style really make batman look so sharp and cool. I mean look at this.
And for batman:
For me, Foster's is really nice with a mix of wacky lines and shapes to make the characters stand out.
Another visual style I love is the one from Batman: The Animated Series. The dark deco artstyle is a good mix of modern day (back then) and the roaring 30s. And the style really make batman look so sharp and cool. I mean look at this.
And for batman:
George Oscar Bluth II
Banned
Okay everyone, what visual style from a animated feature or show did you enjoy the most?
For me, Foster's is really nice with a mix of wacky lines and shapes to make the characters stand out.
Another visual style I love is the one from Batman: The Animated Series. The dark deco artstyle is a good mix of modern day (back then) and the roaring 30s. And the style really make batman look so sharp and cool. I mean look at this.
And for batman:
Batman TAS because of that dark Deco and Fleischer Superman-esque Bruce Timm art style. So good.
I also like Genndy Tartakovsky's Clone Wars in motion. It really complimented the action scenes.
petran79
Banned
Lightning_Roller
Banned
Batman TAS because of that dark Deco and Fleischer Superman-esque Bruce Timm art style. So good.
I also like Genndy Tartakovsky's Clone Wars in motion. It really complimented the action scenes.
The Clone wars was something special. It was just awesome.
I'm in love with Cartoon Saloon/Tomm Moore's art style. There's so much to absorb in every frame, its incredible.
Here's a good analysis I found a while back about Song of the Sea's art style which explains why I love it so much. There's minor spoilers, so beware.
Baron von Loathsome
Member
I just got five seasons of The Simpsons on DVD for my birthday.
How about something very traditional and something very modern?
For the former, I love the old-world, hand painted look of Over the Garden Wall. The characters are fairly modern in style, but the backdrops are wonderfully classic.
For the latter, Tron Uprising is mesmerising. Every bit as stylish and varied as the films that spawned it, and often much more so.
EDIT: One more, because I can't commit. Atlantis: The Lost Empire from Disney. Love the comic-stylings of this one.
Choppasmith
Member
Hand-drawn, but I think recent CGI films have been just as wonderful to look at imo.
It feels like an easy answer, but I gotta go with Batman TAS
Ehhh, I think I'll go with the X-Men theme from the 90s cartoon with Batman TAS as a runner up (when you think about it though, Batman TAS isn't an original theme, it's repurposed from a movie).
Disney's Fantasia. Easily.
Ooh this is a toughie. I think I'll go with Zootopia. It just hits all the right notes and had lots of great attention to detail. Runner up would have to be Tintin.
There's a bunch I can think of (can't post any pictures right now though)
I already mentioned Atlantis. I can also think of Coraline, for stop motion. In terms of CG movies, I didn't like the movies themselves, but the Owls of Ga'Hoole film and also the Book of Life had some really nice looking moments.
For shows, again, Venture Bros. The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy's artstyle from Season 1 to 3 was pretty great. Gravity Falls has some great backgrounds, and I also really liked Paul Robertson's work on the show (ie Rumble and Giffany's animations). Though I admit I'm not actually big on the style used for the characters in GF.
There are probably more I'm forgetting.
It's been a while since I watched it. I remember the first half being pretty cool. The second half just feels really rushed by comparison.
Wow, that looks amazing. Looks like something that would be animated at Gobelins, and it wouldn't surprise me if the animator did go there.just watched the french animated film of Dofus Livre...amazing animation and art style
Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nnJUXdSqlw
I recently checked out Extraordinary Tales on Netflix. It's a retelling of some of Edgar Allen Poe's short stories in animated form. I don't think I've ever seen an animation style quite like it before, and each short story has a style of it's own. Definitely recommended.
I would note that this is an anthology series, so some bits are insanely detailed and amazing, and others aren't that great. The Masque of Death is a must see though.
Another good anthology series is Winter Days, which is made by an independent Japanese animator Kihachirō Kawamoto, who was taught stop motion from Czech animators.
It mostly has Japanese artists, but occasionally ones from the UK, Canada, or Russia.
My favorite is by Aleksandr Petrov, seen below.
https://youtu.be/HnjwApHxh5U
Also good is Yuri Norstein's
https://youtu.be/nBxT4qsD9N8
I plan on sometime soon making a post about Russian animation, it's so amazing.
SigmasonicX
Member
The story... has issues. Here's SF Debris' review, which goes into great detail about the background and production.
It really is. The level of quality is shockingly consistent across the whole season too.
It can't quite measure up to Disney's best, but I'd rate it a solid B myself. It's a fun, creative action-adventure movie.
Baron von Loathsome
Member
I recently checked out Extraordinary Tales on Netflix. It's a retelling of some of Edgar Allen Poe's short stories in animated form. I don't think I've ever seen an animation style quite like it before, and each short story has a style of it's own. Definitely recommended.
I had a friend recommend this to me some time ago. I should take a look at it when I have the chance.
Crossing Eden
Hello, my name is Yves Guillemot, Vivendi S.A.'s Employee of the Month!
Happy weekend, if you're in the mood for some incredibly weird shit, check out David O'Reilly's The External World. 17 minutes of pure unbridled weirdness.
As a bonus every single rig used in this film is available to download.For free.
As a bonus every single rig used in this film is available to download.For free.
Icyflamez96
Member
It was only planned for 2 seasons from the start.
Considering how rushed the second half of season two felt, I'm really surprised by this
Recently marathoned Transformers Prime and the finale movie, Predacons Rising. Even though I didn't care too much for it when it was still on the air (RIP, The Hub), I really came to appreciate it now. Decent writing, strong characters and plenty of fun moments. I guess it was the sting of losing Transformers Animated that kept me away for so long, but I'm glad that I got over it.
...speaking of cancelled CGI shows, I really should get around to seeing Tron Uprising, huh?
1. It's all good, long as it's quality~!
2. That is difficult as all hell, but if you were to put a gun to my head for a current top 5, it would be;
Steven Universe
Justice League Unlimited
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Spongebob Squarepants
Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends
3. That is even more impossible! XD
4. There's a lot I could name from Disney alone. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is near and dear to me, however.
5. Right now, it has to be How to Train Your Dragon. Absolutely gorgeous.
