Daily Archives: May 2, 2023

11 posts

Kenneth Diaz Journal Entry 13

“Princess Mononoke” (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is one of the Studio Ghibli films that examine the topic of the struggle between man and nature. The woodland spirits symbolize the natural environment in this video, while people represent the forces of industrialization and progress. Ashitaka, the main character, becomes embroiled in this struggle after being cursed by a demon while protecting his community from a marauding boar god. He travels to the forest searching for a cure and becomes engaged in a battle between humans and forest spirits led by the ferocious and enigmatic Princess Mononoke.

Kenneth Diaz Journal Entry 12

While the decision to close their 2D animation divisions was understandable, it was also contentious, drawing criticism from many animators and animation enthusiasts who believed that 2D animation still had a place in modern cinema. Aside from feature films, 2D animation is flourishing in television shows, web series, and video games. Popular TV series such as “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Gravity Falls” employ 2D animation effectively, while video-game firms such as Studio MDHR have had significant success with their 2D-animated game “Cuphead.” Overall, while Disney and other major studios’ decision to close their 2D animation divisions was comprehensible, it was perhaps not an ideal one. Today, 2D animation thrives, with many independent animators and studios producing outstanding and profitable works using traditional techniques.

Kenneth Diaz – Long Paper Outline

Into the Spiderverse directed by Rodney Rothman, Peter Ramsey, and Bob Persichetti (2021)

I chose this Animated film simply because of the huge fan base Spider-Man has and the use of strong composition and simplified design.

I. Introduction A. Brief overview of the selected animated piece B. Explanation of why the piece was chosen C. Thesis statement

II. Description of the Film A. Overview of story B. Introduction of the main characters and their roles C. Description of the visual and audio elements of the film D. Analysis of the tone of the piece and its impact on the story

III. Analysis of the Themes and Messages A. Identification of the primary themes and messages of the piece B. Analysis of how the themes and messages are presented in the story C. Discussion of the relevance and importance of the themes and messages in contemporary society

IV. Evaluation of the Piece A. Assessment of the overall quality of the piece B. Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the story, characters, visual and audio elements, and tone C. Comparison to other animated pieces in the same genre or category

V. Conclusion A. Restatement of thesis statement B. Summary of the main points discussed in the essay C. Final evaluation and recommendation for the piece D. Call to action or final thoughts

Kenneth Diaz Journal Entry 10

Yes, there are several instances of product placement in modern animated television shows. The usage of real-life brands in “The Simpsons” is one example. In one episode, for example, the protagonists visit a KFC restaurant and discuss the fast-food chain’s menu choices. The episode was chastised for its obvious product placement, but it indicates the continuous usage of this marketing approach in modern animated TV series. Social media influencers and content producers regularly collaborate with marketers to advertise items on their platforms, in addition to traditional product placement. This is frequently accomplished through sponsored content or influencer marketing campaigns, in which the influencer develops and distributes material highlighting the product to their audience.

Kenneth Diaz Journal Entry 9

“Rooty Tooty Toot” is a 1952 short animated film made by United Productions of America (UPA). The film is about a little kid who learns the joy of music and the transformational influence it has on people around him. Color, patterns, sketching, and restricted movement are used to establish a distinct visual style and express the film’s message. Color is used in “Rooty Tooty Toot” in a bright and vibrant manner. The backdrops are frequently a single, brilliant hue, such as a deep blue night sky or the bright red of the boy’s trumpet. The characters are also drawn in bright colors, with basic forms and little features. Color is used throughout the film to generate a sense of energy and excitement, and it underscores the essential role that music plays in the tale.

Kenneth Diaz Journal Entry 8

The short film “The Hand” (1965) by Ji Trnka is a stop-motion animation about a struggling artist whose creative aspirations are frequently hampered by a disembodied hand. The hand is represented to be more strong than the artist, symbolizing the oppressive and censorious powers that existed in Czechoslovakia during the Communist era. The film is subversive because it criticizes the harsh dictatorship that was in power at the time. The disembodied hand might be viewed as a metaphor of the Communist regime’s attempt to regulate all aspects of creative expression and silence any dissident voices.

Kenneth Diaz Journal Entry 7

Both “Bust the Axis” and “Momotar no Umiwashi” are World War II propaganda films that attempted to promote morale and condemn the enemy. In “Bust the Axis,” the antagonist is depicted as a faceless, terrifying force with no distinct traits. They are portrayed as robotic, machine-like entities with no feeling or compassion who exist just to harm the Allies. This presentation perpetuates the negative impression of the opponent as cold and cruel, devoid of personality or uniqueness.

Kenneth Diaz Journal Entry 5

“Steamboat Willie” is notable not just for having Mickey Mouse’s premiere, but also for employing fully synced sound, which was innovative at the time. The film’s sound is employed to accentuate the action and enhance the film’s comic effect. For example, in the moment where Mickey is piloting the steamboat, the sound of the engine and the slapping of water against the boat are timed with the movement of the boat, giving the spectator a more immersive experience. Similarly, as Mickey utilizes various things on the boat as musical instruments, the sound of each object is timed with his movements, making the song more engaging and interesting.

Cristina Reaboi LP Outline

The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse (short film) 2022.

The film is directed by Peter Baynton and Charlie Mackesy and written by Jon Croker and Mackesy. It is based on Mackesy’s 2019 picture book of the same name.

Unusual characters are brought together where they explore the meaning of kindness, courage and hope, while looking for home.

It drawn me for its theme. It touches a deep subject in a light, playful way. Kindling an adventurous spirit to explore positively important matters of life.

Carol Mui — W11

Long Essay Outline:

Wolfwalkers (2020) Directed by Tomm Moore & Ross Stewart

Reason of attraction: hand animated art style (TV Paint software), use of woodcut style, coloring, visual design, contrasts, Irish mythology themes, friendship themes, anti-authoritarian-colonialism & pro-nature messaging. Tomm Moore’s final film in the Irish Folklore trilogy [The Secret of Kells (2009) & Song of the Sea (2014)]. Film is concerned with telling a story, not a jumbled mess one might see on Spongebob.

Vague outline:

Wolfwalkers summary/plot (runtime?)

Princess Kaguya (2013)/101 Dalmatians (1961)/art inspiration.

Something about TV Paint software maybe. Oh god the software. So many. Re: 101 Dalmatians Xerox method parallel.

Distribution. Big awards. (COVID interference to profits?) €10 million to produce.

Folklore (how it evolves) / modern parallels (politics/environmental/treatment of indigenous peoples)

Maybe further inspired The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022)?

Christian Mayellus Week 10

The Most Popular Japanese Animated TV show In the US is Attack on Titan, which is the most world-demanded anime Japanese series. The genre of Attack on Titan is action-dark fantasy post-apocalyptic. The general storyline is that Titans that were no longer among them had come back to brick their kind to extinction but a young boy named Eran Jaeger who the Titans ate his entire family wanted vengeance for his parent’s death. The series is mainly on Netflix, Funimation, Crunchyroll, and many more that I’m not familiar with.