Study Task 3 - Research (Article 2 - Technique)

For this article, I am focusing on the techniques behind mixed media animation.


Article 2

The combination of 2D and 3D animation is called Hybrid animation. Many films have utilised the benefits of this technique.

Some issues may arise with this particular method however; especially among students. Certain animators may be skilled in one medium, but not in another which could cause issues for the project, "If you do not have a production schedule that allows for training […] it will ultimately sway the medium choice." (What-When-How, no date).

For trained professionals however, this shouldn't be an issue. Experimental animation such as this has been developed for years, as animators search for more sustainable, inventive ways of animating particular shots, "The use of 2D/3D at Disney predates The Black Cauldron […] There have been many combinations of media." (What-When-How, no date).

As technology continues to advance, so do the techniques used to provide a more flawless result.

'Gorillaz', for example, continued to develop their visual style as technology advanced, "the integration of computer-generated imagery with two-dimensional animation is more seamless than in previous Gorillaz videos, creating a more textured, layered effect." (Passion Animation Studios, no date). This can be seen in Figure 1.

While some hybrid film's results are made to look seamless, such as 'The Iron Giant' (1999), as seen in Figure 2, others made the difference noticeable such as in the film 'Mary Poppins' (1964) in Figure 3, as the use of mixed media plays an important role to the narrative here. Similarly in my own group's short film, we use mixed media to add another layer to the narrative.


Figures List:

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3


Bibliography:

Desowitz, B. (2019) 'The Iron Giant' Is a Classic, But Brad Bird Still Accepts Some Blame For Its Box Office. Available at: https://www.indiewire.com/2019/08/the-iron-giant-is-a-classic-but-brad-bird-still-accepts-some-blame-for-its-box-office-1202163624/ (Accessed: 21 December 2019).

IAD. (no date) Mary Poppins. Available at: https://www.intanibase.com/shorts.aspx?shortID=24419#page=general_info (Accessed: 21 December 2019).

Passion Animation Studios. (no date) Gorillaz 'Feel Good Inc.'. Available at: http://www.passion-pictures.com/uk/animation-studios/project/gorillaz-feel-good-inc/?fbclid=IwAR0ayXXZ2Ya96wCkB1ZInJlA5j8VOKUlE0p96qt_B7nTLqYQDe3p1q-oxEg (Accessed: 21 December 2019).

Wallpaper Memory. (no date) Gorillaz wallpaper ID: 273523 for hd 1080p desktop. Available at: https://wallpapermemory.com/273523 (Accessed: 21 December 2019).

What-When-How. (no date) Hybrid Animation: The Main Problems (Hybrid Animation - Integrating 2D and 3D Assets) Part 1. Available at: http://what-when-how.com/hybrid-animation-integrating-2d-and-3d-assets/hybrid-animation-the-main-problems-hybrid-animation-integrating-2d-and-3d-assets-part-1/ (Accessed: 21 December 2019).

What-When-How. (no date) Hybrid Animation: The Main Problems (Hybrid Animation - Integrating 2D and 3D Assets) Part 2. Available at: http://what-when-how.com/hybrid-animation-integrating-2d-and-3d-assets/hybrid-animation-the-main-problems-hybrid-animation-integrating-2d-and-3d-assets-part-2/ (Accessed: 21 December 2019).

What-When-How. (no date) Hybrid Animation: The Main Problems (Hybrid Animation - Integrating 2D and 3D Assets) Part 3. Available at: http://what-when-how.com/hybrid-animation-integrating-2d-and-3d-assets/hybrid-animation-the-main-problems-hybrid-animation-integrating-2d-and-3d-assets-part-3/ (Accessed: 21 December 2019).


I struggled again with this article. I couldn't find a way to talk about the potentials, the limitations, the main processes and alternate processes of my chosen medium, in depth, while referencing throughout, and relating theories back to images without going over the 150 word limit.