Intro to 2D Animation (Discussion #4)

The animated production/motion picture ADUMU employed several principles of animation. Below is a condensation of the principles that were observed.

1. Squash and stretch

The squash and stretch principle was observed at (0:22s - 0:27s) when one of the individuals travelling on the motorcycle fell and bounced in somewhat of a realistic manner just like a normal human being would.  After observing the mentioned principle I certainly believe it was appropriately executed. This is attributed to the fact that squash and stretch represents giving the weight and volume to a character as it  move.

2. Slow in Slow out

One other key principle  that was observed was Slow-In and Slow-out. This principle occurred at (0:43s) when the frames eased in (slow-in) to place some amount of life like  emphasis and attention on the lion who seemed threatened by the individual and after which the frames eased out(slow-out). No doubt that the Slow-in and Slow-out principle was appropriately executed. This is because more frames/drawings were used to make the actions of the lion slower.

3. Staging

Staging was observed throughout the entire production. This is in consonance with the fact that different frames displayed poses and actions which communicates to the audience/viewer a distinct mood, reaction, and idea as it relates to what the story is about and what to expect. Staging was appropriately manipulated as specific actions and moods exude by the different characters provides the audience/viewer with the opportunity to tell what is coming next and what the production is about.  

4. Anticipation

The principle Anticipation was identified at (1:48s) after the character with the gun violently pushed the character with the spear the ground. By this time the lion starred in aw and prepared himself to attack the gunman. So with all that being observed by the audience, they can tell what action is going to be performed by the different characters. Hence the principle was used in  the the manner it should be used.

5. Secondary Action

This particular principle was identified at (2:10s) when the character with the spear in a primary action angrily ran toward the spear, and that primary action was reinforced with a secondary action when the character forcefully threw the spear in the direction of the lion  in a bid to slew him with it. I believe the correct principle was utilized being that ,secondary action speaks to supplementing actions or movements that add to and reinforce the main/primary character animation to cast more dimension and depth.

6. Appeal

The next principle that I identified was solid drawing. This principle was observed many times in the production. The drawing of the character with the spear was quite distinct. This is attributed to the fact that the audience can identify with the character as it relates to the characters gender, built, ethnicity and to some extent cultural background. Appeal was appropriately executed being that the audience can identify with the pleasant, simple, communicable and strong design of the characters featured in the production.

7. Timing

Another principle discovered was timing. This principle was played out at (2:05s) when the gunman resorted to firing shots at the lion who was chasing him down. Timing was used to change the illustration/ poses of the frames to facilitate the illusion that the lion is running faster than the shots being fired at him. I believe this principle was effectively outlined in the production.  

8. Follow through and Overlapping action

Follow through is the next principle that I detected. This principle comes in at (2:01s) when the gunman while running for his life from the attacking lion tried to slow down by making  sudden stop while his feet could be seen skating in the dirt in an effort to break his run. It is clearly outlined therefore my reason for believing the principle was executed in the correct manner.

9. Straight ahead and pose to pose animation

This principle was used right throughout the entire animation. This is conjunction with the fact that some level of spontaneity and zaniness were observed which are  mostly used to depict to the viewer/audience a production that entails wild and scrambling actions. I do  believe this principle was efficiently executed being that the spontaneity and zaniness are associated with straight ahead pose to pose animation.

10. Solid drawing

The solid drawing principle was recognized throughout the production. This is quite evident  as all the characters as well as the background images had balance in their volume and weight so as to give the characters a and background a more realistic lifelike appearance. In animation, solid drawing basically deals with being able to develop a character/animatied production from angles in a believable way for the character to appear life like. Hence I beleive the principle was appropriately used.

11. Arcs

This particular principle was observed at (0:21s) when the motocycle performed a up and over like motion. I beleive this principle was correctly utilized as arcs in animation speaks to giving the animated character a natural action and realistic flow as was seen at the time mentioned.

12. Exaggeration  

Another principle that was identifies is exaggeration. At (0:36s - 0:57s) the character who fell from the motorcycle could clearly be seen displaying a few facila expressions, attitudes, and poses associated with fright/fear. I'm positively sure that exaggeration was used in the correct capacity, as exaggeration in animation speaks to animations which exude facial features, expressions, attitudes and actions.