The economic principle I’m exploring is “Because of scarcity, people choose. All choices have an opportunity
cost.”
cost.”
My research question to help me study the economic principle is “How has the animation industry changed since its
start in the early 20th century? How is it a growing field?”
start in the early 20th century? How is it a growing field?”
The entry published in Encyclopedia Britannica titled “Animation - Motion Picture” demonstrates this economic principle
because it shows how the industry for animated films has taken various turns to appeal to audiences
throughout time.
because it shows how the industry for animated films has taken various turns to appeal to audiences
throughout time.
First, the earliest forms of animation began during the 1800s with the phenakistoscope (a spinning disk with various
drawn images on the edges, created by 1832 Belgian experimenter Joseph Plateau). Variations to this contraption
included the zoetrope (Reynaud, 1876). Short animations were popular forms of entertainment at this time. Wealthy
socialites would display animations for visitors in their home.
drawn images on the edges, created by 1832 Belgian experimenter Joseph Plateau). Variations to this contraption
included the zoetrope (Reynaud, 1876). Short animations were popular forms of entertainment at this time. Wealthy
socialites would display animations for visitors in their home.
The first animated “film”, at around 3 minutes long, is the Humorous Phases of Funny Faces by Blackton. An
illustrator by profession, Blackton set a trend for many illustrators at the time by turning to animation. The first
animated film to set the momentum for the industry was McCay’s 1914 film “Gertie the Dinosaur”, inspiring
animators to focus on creating the illusion of fluid movement in characters or nature. At this point around the early
nineteenth century, the age of capitalism intersecting with public entertainment, animated films would play in
vaudeville shows (like those in Coney Island).
illustrator by profession, Blackton set a trend for many illustrators at the time by turning to animation. The first
animated film to set the momentum for the industry was McCay’s 1914 film “Gertie the Dinosaur”, inspiring
animators to focus on creating the illusion of fluid movement in characters or nature. At this point around the early
nineteenth century, the age of capitalism intersecting with public entertainment, animated films would play in
vaudeville shows (like those in Coney Island).
Around the same time, animation took an experimental turn in Europe (specifically Russia and France). Rather than
traditional hand-drawn animation with fluid movement, stop motion and puppetry prevailed. By the 80s, Japanese
manga turned to animation with the popularization of anime. Outside of the US, animation was not restricted by
themes or only for young audiences; abroad, there were some animations with more sexual or darker themes
(ex. Animal Farm adaptation done in the UK).
traditional hand-drawn animation with fluid movement, stop motion and puppetry prevailed. By the 80s, Japanese
manga turned to animation with the popularization of anime. Outside of the US, animation was not restricted by
themes or only for young audiences; abroad, there were some animations with more sexual or darker themes
(ex. Animal Farm adaptation done in the UK).
Second, artists set the trends for character design in animation to make the best use of time of drawing out characters.
Otto Messmer created first general prototype for animated cartoon characters via Felix the Cat, described as “a rubber
ball on legs who required a minimum of effort to draw and could be kept in constant motion”. Unknown to many,
Walt Disney directly stole this, and after losing rights he designed Mickey Mouse (who was almost identical in
appearance). At this time, animated films had a young target audience.
Otto Messmer created first general prototype for animated cartoon characters via Felix the Cat, described as “a rubber
ball on legs who required a minimum of effort to draw and could be kept in constant motion”. Unknown to many,
Walt Disney directly stole this, and after losing rights he designed Mickey Mouse (who was almost identical in
appearance). At this time, animated films had a young target audience.
Walt Disney further revolutionized animation by pairing it with synchronized sound and color, furthering realism with
the drawings, and increasing visual depth. This decision allowed for cinematic seriousness to animation, starting with
the release of Snow White. This did slow down the progress of the animation industry; animated filmmaking went
downhill by pushing too far with realism.
the drawings, and increasing visual depth. This decision allowed for cinematic seriousness to animation, starting with
the release of Snow White. This did slow down the progress of the animation industry; animated filmmaking went
downhill by pushing too far with realism.
Third, animation regained momentum in US with two important decisions. For one, movie musicals (popular in the
80s and 90s) took animated form, as we see for example with The Little Mermaid. Another major advancement was the
development of computer animation, which reduced cost greatly and increased the speed of producing films - for
example, Toy Story. The animation industry has been growing ever since.
80s and 90s) took animated form, as we see for example with The Little Mermaid. Another major advancement was the
development of computer animation, which reduced cost greatly and increased the speed of producing films - for
example, Toy Story. The animation industry has been growing ever since.
Most recently, animated TV shows have begun to take on more adult themes, as we see with shows like Rick and
Morty and Family Guy - in turn broadening the horizon for animators.
Morty and Family Guy - in turn broadening the horizon for animators.
In my next blog post I will synthesize my research on animation and opportunity cost.
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