Category: Theory with Nigel

This week, as the deadline for submitting my Thesis Proposal approached, I concentrated on case studies, analysing two excellent films: “Inside Out” and “Zootopia.”

Beginning with Pixar’s masterwork “Inside Out,” I delved into the studio’s animation style. I went on to explain how the film cleverly portrayed the emotions within the mind as anthropomorphized characters, each representing a distinct aspect of human emotion.

Moving on to “Zootopia,” produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, my attention was drawn to the film’s use of exaggeration and the animation methods used in character performances. I went on to explain how “Zootopia” used exaggerated character movements and expressions to bring an anthropomorphic animal world to life, mimicking human civilization.

This week, I completed the final section of my literature review, concentrating on the role and positioning of realism within the domain of animation and examining how Disney and Pixar successfully blend realism with fantasy in their animated works.

I emphasised that this perfect interplay between truth and fantasy is critical in generating immersive and emotionally powerful animated storytelling, creating a tapestry that can both mimic and transcend reality.

In week 18, I focused on the second half of the literature review, emphasising the importance of theatricality in animation. Theatricality, like exaggeration, is a fundamental feature that greatly influences the spirit and quality of animation.

In this segment, I looked at how theatricality pervades the world of animation, amplifying its artistic attractiveness. I highlighted how theatrical aspects such as stagecraft, dramatic expressions, and larger-than-life characters are cleverly blended to produce engaging animated narratives through an in-depth analysis.

In addition, I investigated how animation titans like Disney and Pixar have skilfully used theatricality to create films that resonate with audiences, utilising the grandeur and emotion typical of theatrical performances. Their remarkable combination of classic theatrical techniques and cutting-edge animation has given rise to a new level in animated storytelling.

In week 17, I began meticulously crafting the literature review section of my article. I successfully completed the first portion of my literature study, which went into the domain of exaggeration in animation, using the wealth of sources that I had already acquired, as well as references to films created by Disney and Pixar.

I emphasised how exaggeration, as a creative method, has been vital in bringing animated characters to life and enriching storytelling by emphasising emotions, movements, and expressions. I critically analysed different Disney and Pixar films, identifying key examples of exaggeration in action and demonstrating how this technique adds depth, charm, and relatability to the characters and narratives.

In week 17, I completed the Methodology section of my paper, which was a significant accomplishment for me. In this section, I described the multifaceted approach I used for my research, which included, among other things, a literature review and case study analysis. This section was crucial because it provided a clear blueprint of the tools and methodologies used in my scholarly investigation.

Furthermore, I began an in-depth investigation into my three main themes, with a focus on styles such as exaggeration in animation. I was able to distil a robust theoretical framework that could serve as the cornerstone for my analyses by meticulously analysing both seminal and contemporary works. This project required a thorough examination of the principles that govern these styles, as well as an examination of their practical application in animation.

I completed the Introduction section of my paper in week 16. In this section, I elucidated the overarching direction of my research with precision and clarity. I cited a variety of scholarly articles and literature to back up my claims, using them as the foundation for my arguments. Furthermore, I looked into the nuances of how stylistic elements like exaggeration affect the fabric of animation.

Furthermore, I emphasised the significance of understanding the fundamental principles and innovations in animation, as well as how these building blocks can be calibrated to create emotionally engaging stories for audiences. I emphasised the importance of investigating the synergy between theory and practise in animation as I drew on the wisdom of seminal works and animation pioneers.

This week, I started working on the introduction to my paper. I aimed to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the scope of my research, outlining the themes I intend to investigate and the paths I intend to take. In addition, I combed through various animation-related references and books. One of the treasures I discovered was the 12 principles of animation established by Disney’s forefathers, which I believe will be useful in fortifying the foundation of my paper.

These 12 principles, developed by Disney legends Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, have stood the test of time and continue to shape the field of animation. I hope to delve into the nuances of how exaggeration, dramatics, and realism are achieved through animation techniques and how these elements can be synthesised to create emotionally resonant and captivating animated characters and narratives by incorporating these seminal tenets into my research.

This week, I finished all sections of the outline for my paper. My research focuses on exaggeration, dramatics, and realism in animation. Disney and Pixar’s animated films serve as pivotal case studies in my analysis; as a result, I revisited and critically examined two iconic works from these studios, Zootopia and Inside Out, which I will include in my paper. I focused my attention on the various elements in these films that exemplify the themes of exaggeration, drama, and realism, and considered how they were artistically interwoven to create compelling narratives and characters. This exercise broadened my understanding and provided me with insights that will improve the breadth and depth of my research.

I began organising all of the literature I had discovered, taking screenshots and saving the theories and ideas that I would use in my paper. Furthermore, this week I began thinking about the titles of the chapters needed for my paper, as well as some of the content that the main chapters should cover. It was critical to ensure the paper’s logical coherence and progression, so I meticulously deliberated on the structure and content of each chapter.

This week, after deciding on a title, I needed to start looking for relevant books and literature. It was critical for me to finalise the framework of my entire paper, which served as the foundation for my writing. Below are some screenshots of literature that I found useful, including books and previous research studies. To proceed with my writing, I must fully understand the authoritative interpretations of the animation performance styles mentioned in my title, as well as Disney’s and Pixar’s insights into these styles.