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The Phenakistoscope
The phenakistoscope was the first widespread device used to create animations. It could only make something like a GIF; A short, looped animation. The name for the device came from Greek root words meaning 'to trick' and 'eye'. The device itself is a wheel that is decorated with several frames displayed in a circle. When spun, the rapid shift between the painted frames on the wheel creates the illusion of movement. -
The Silent Age of Animation
The Silent of Animation was a period from 1900-1928 where most animation was totally silent. The era of animation history saw the birth of classics like Gertie the Dinosaur (the first animated character with a distinct personality) and Felix the Cat. -
The Enchanted Drawing
The Enchanted Drawing was a very early 2 minute live action / drawn animation / stop motion film created by J. Stuart Blackton. It was the first of its kind, and thus lead to Blackton being considered father of animation in America. The film itself is relatively short and simple, but it is praised for the use of a multitude of facial expressions on the drawn character. The film was produced in 1900 by Edison Manufacturing Co. The original is now located in the Library of Congress. -
Little Nemo
Little Nemo was a character created by Winsor McCay. Originally, he was used in comic strips, but he was eventually used in an 11 minute animation. Because of this film and a handful of others he created, McCoy declared himself the first man to create animated films (though this is untrue). The film has no backgrounds, but the expressive characters make up for that. It was shown in theaters prior to McCoy's other films, 'How a Mosquito Operates' and 'Gertie the Dinosaur'. -
Gertie the Dinosaur
Gertie the Dinosaur was a 12 minute silent film created by Winsor McCay. It was the first animated film to feature a dinosaur. It is often thought to be the first animated film, though McCay had made other animated film before Gertie. Gertie, though, was an appealing character and set the film apart from McCay's other works. This film is important in animation history because it was the first to use several techniques still commonly used today, such as keyframes and animation loops. -
Cut-Out Animations
Cut-out animation is a form of stop motion animation. It is used in several well known pieces, such as the music video for the popular song 'Nothing On You' by B.o.B. and Bruno Mars. An even more popular example of this style is the popular TV show 'South Park'. The techniques involves the use of 2D physical props moved by hand between frames to create something similar to animation when the frames are played in rapid succession. It can also be used in 3D animation by using 3D props. -
The Golden Age of Animation
The Golden Age of American Animation began with Disney releasing Steamboat Willie. The era continued with the rise of several well-known animation companies such as Warner and MGM. Most famous classic cartoon characters came about around this time (Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop, etc.). Disney also released the first few of their full-length animated moves during this time. The era began to fade away in the 50s and 60s with the fall of theatrical animation and rise of television animation. -
Steamboat Willie
Steamboat Willie was a Disney animation directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks and was the official debut of Mickey and Minnie Mouse as the company's new mascot, as Walt Disney had lost the rights to the original mascot, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The reason it is so well-known is because it was the first animation with fully synchronized sound. The budget for the roughly 8 minute film was about $4,986. The music for the film was performed by the Green Brothers Novelty Band.
