🎬History of Animation Unit 7 – Experimental & Independent Animation

What's Experimental Animation?

• Explores non-traditional techniques, styles, and narratives that deviate from mainstream animation conventions
• Often characterized by abstract visuals, unconventional storytelling, and innovative use of materials and technology
• Pushes the boundaries of the medium, challenging viewers' expectations and perceptions of what animation can be
• Emphasizes artistic expression and personal vision over commercial appeal or adherence to established norms
• Can be created by individual artists or small independent studios, allowing for greater creative freedom and experimentation
• Often associated with avant-garde art movements such as Surrealism, Dadaism, and Abstract Expressionism
• Serves as a platform for exploring complex themes, emotions, and ideas through the unique language of animation

Key Figures & Pioneers

• Oskar Fischinger, a German animator known for his abstract musical animations (Optical Poem) and influence on visual music
• Norman McLaren, a Scottish-Canadian animator who explored various techniques like drawn-on-film animation (Begone Dull Care) and pixilation
• Len Lye, a New Zealand artist who pioneered direct animation techniques, painting and scratching directly onto film stock (A Colour Box)
• Mary Ellen Bute, an American animator who created abstract films inspired by music and mathematics (Rhythm in Light)
  • Collaborated with composers like Aaron Copland and Elliot Carter to create visual interpretations of their music
• John and James Whitney, American brothers who experimented with computer animation and abstract motion graphics (Catalog)
• Stan Brakhage, an American filmmaker who explored personal, poetic, and metaphorical themes through handcrafted, camera-less films (Mothlight)
• Evelyn Lambart, a Canadian animator who collaborated with Norman McLaren and created intricate cut-out and drawn-on-film animations (The Story of Christmas)

Techniques & Styles

• Direct animation involves drawing, painting, or scratching directly onto film stock, creating unique textures and patterns
• Cut-out animation uses flat materials like paper, fabric, or photographs to create characters and scenes (The Adventures of Prince Achmed)
• Pixilation is a stop-motion technique where live actors are used as puppets, creating surreal and jerky movements (Neighbours by Norman McLaren)
• Rotoscoping traces over live-action footage frame by frame, creating a realistic yet stylized look (Waking Life)
  • Can be used to combine live-action with animation or to create dream-like sequences
• Collage animation incorporates various materials, images, and found objects into a single frame, often resulting in a chaotic or surreal aesthetic
• Abstract animation focuses on non-representational shapes, colors, and forms, often synchronized with music or sound (Fantasia)
• Algorithmic and generative animation uses computer code to create patterns, fractals, and complex motion graphics (Electric Sheep)

Notable Works & Films

• A Colour Box (1935) by Len Lye, an early example of direct animation set to jazz music
• Begone Dull Care (1949) by Norman McLaren, a drawn-on-film animation synchronized with improvisational jazz
• Neighbours (1952) by Norman McLaren, a pixilation film that explores the absurdity of human conflict
• Blazes (1961) by Robert Breer, a rapid-fire collage animation that challenges perception and narrative conventions
• Belladonna of Sadness (1973) by Eiichi Yamamoto, a Japanese experimental feature that combines watercolor paintings with psychedelic and erotic themes
• Asparagus (1979) by Suzan Pitt, a surreal and symbolic animated short exploring female sexuality and creativity
• Rejected (2000) by Don Hertzfeldt, a comedic and existential series of "rejected" animated commercials
• Ryan (2004) by Chris Landreth, a 3D animated documentary about Canadian animator Ryan Larkin, using non-photorealistic rendering to depict psychological states

Impact on Mainstream Animation

• Experimental techniques and styles have been adopted by mainstream animators, leading to more diverse and creative approaches
• UPA (United Productions of America) studio incorporated modern art influences and limited animation techniques in their 1950s cartoons (Gerald McBoing-Boing)
• Yellow Submarine (1968), an animated Beatles film, featured psychedelic and surreal sequences inspired by experimental animation
• The Thief and the Cobbler (1993) by Richard Williams showcased complex and intricate animation techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional character animation
  • The film's production spanned nearly three decades and faced numerous challenges, becoming a legendary example of ambitious independent animation
• MTV's Liquid Television (1991-1995) showcased experimental and underground animators, introducing their work to a wider audience
• Mainstream feature films like Waking Life (2001) and Loving Vincent (2017) have used rotoscoping and oil painting animation to create unique visual styles
• Music videos and commercials often incorporate experimental animation techniques to create eye-catching and memorable visuals

Cultural & Artistic Significance

• Experimental animation has been recognized as a legitimate art form, with works exhibited in museums, galleries, and film festivals worldwide
• Animators like Oskar Fischinger and Norman McLaren were influential in the development of visual music and abstract art
• Experimental films have addressed social, political, and philosophical themes, using animation as a means of critical expression and commentary
  • Examples include Neighbours (1952) by Norman McLaren, which critiques the futility of war, and Asparagus (1979) by Suzan Pitt, which explores gender roles and sexuality
• Experimental animation has fostered a community of independent artists who challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of the medium
• The International Animated Film Association (ASIFA) was founded in 1960 to support and promote the art of animation, including experimental and independent works
• Festivals like Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Ottawa International Animation Festival showcase experimental films and provide a platform for emerging artists

Modern Experimental Animation

• The rise of digital tools and platforms has made experimental animation more accessible and diverse than ever before
• Software like Adobe After Effects, Blender, and Processing have enabled artists to create complex animations without the need for traditional materials or equipment
• Online platforms like Vimeo and YouTube have provided new avenues for experimental animators to share their work and connect with audiences
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies have opened up new possibilities for immersive and interactive experimental animations
  • Examples include "Notes on Blindness" (2016), a VR experience based on the audio diaries of writer John Hull, and "Battlescar" (2018), an AR animation that explores the 1970s punk scene in New York City
• Experimental animators continue to explore new techniques, such as 3D printing, projection mapping, and real-time generative animation
• Contemporary experimental films often blend animation with live-action, documentary, and interactive elements, blurring the lines between different media
• The rise of social media has allowed experimental animators to engage directly with their audience, fostering a sense of community and collaboration

Try It Yourself

• Start by exploring the work of pioneering experimental animators like Oskar Fischinger, Norman McLaren, and Len Lye to gain inspiration and understanding of the medium
• Experiment with different techniques and materials, such as drawing directly on film stock, creating cut-out animations, or using found objects in your work
• Use everyday materials like paper, ink, sand, or paint to create unique textures and visuals in your animations
• Collaborate with musicians or sound artists to create animations that are synchronized with or inspired by music
  • Consider using free online resources like the Internet Archive or Creative Commons to find public domain music and sounds
• Explore open-source software like Blender or Processing to create digital animations and interactive experiences
• Participate in local or online animation workshops, classes, or meetups to learn new skills and connect with other experimental animators
• Share your work on social media or online platforms like Vimeo and YouTube to get feedback and build an audience for your experimental animations
• Submit your films to festivals and competitions that focus on experimental or independent animation to gain exposure and recognition for your work