Tangled
Genre: Film 3D Animation |
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Structure:
The movie first started off with concept arts of the characters. Multiple drawings of characters were drawn in order to decide the final look of the character. An example is the character Flynn Rider, he had multiple drawings drawn of him, the initial idea was that he would have blue 'sensitive eyes' and a 'bulky' / 'heroic' body. The artists and producers wanted to draw Flynn in a way that he was portrayed as strong but not intimidating, dreamy yet still adventurous. In order for the concept artists to draw him out right, they held a meeting where a room full of women would analyse the different drawings of Flynn and pick out what they like and don't look; a focus group. After the focus group, the team were able to narrow it down to one drawing of the character and were able to base the animated design on it. |
After the concept art, the script and the storyboard were created. The storyboard would be created, of each scene and from there would be some colours in it to give the animation but not a lot. After those were created, the actors came in to record their voices and the background music/songs were also created before the animation process. When recording the voices and songs, the director and producer would go back and forth with actors and composes and make suggestion on how they should and how the music should sound. They would also explain the scene to them so they are aware of how to act and how the music should be composed. Once that stage has finished then the animation process would start.
In order to do all of these editing and animation a lot of specialists were brought in, in order to make Tangled the best it can look. An example is that a hair specialist was brought in, they brought her in because they wanted the hair in the film to look and move as realistically as possible.
The entire film took about 6 years to make with over 3,00 CG figures in. The animation process was the longest stage in the production, mainly because the characters had to move in a specific way (such as the hair) and that the facial expressions needed to match with the dialogue. |
There was also some concept art for the scenery, all of the locations in Tangled was inspired by Fantasy Land in Disney World. The directors wanted the location in Tangled to have a romanticised look.
A lot of time was spent on the animation stage, however when that was done the movie was edited together such as adding in the voices, the songs, the background in order to produce the final product
Techniques:
Because the entire film was made in 3D, it took a lot of stages in order for the movie to end up in the final stage. The first stage is where the animation was first made into a 2D animation, just to see how everything will initially look like. When happy with that another team will come in and have the initial layout be in 3D, the layout won't have much detail such as character expression, it will initially show how everything is played out in 3D. Another team will come in and sort things out such as blocking and spine process. Where expression and hair details will be added in, the next stage would be adding in lights (lighting the scene properly) and then rendering it. |
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Spongebob Squarepants
Genre: TV show 2D Animation |
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Structure:
Like the movie Tangled, Spongebob was first started off by concept art of the characters. The creator, Stephen Hillenbrug wanted to have goofy characters that lived under the sea. He wanted a sponge for the main character. Many artists, including Stephen himself will draw the characters and based on that it is Stephen who will decide what the character will look like. |
After the initial character was decided, the next stage was brainstorming for an idea, when an idea was made they went to one of the producers and the producers would decide whether or not the idea should be created and aired. After the idea was agreed a storyboard was made; the animation was mainly storyboard driven, a script was never made. The dialogue, how the scene should look, sound effects etc. are all on the storyboard. The storyboard is then pitched again to one of the co producers who are whether or not they like the ideas on the storyboard and can add in remove some ideas. Because there is no script it leaves the voice actors to take free rein of their dialogue and allowing them to add in some other dialogue.
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After the dialogue, background music and the animation is made it is then sent back to the US, where everything is edited together in order to finish off the product.
Because Spongebob Squarepants is such a big and popular TV show, it was adapted into multiple movies. The movies themselves didn't stick to 2D, they explored to other animations such as stop motion (clay animation), and recently 3D.
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After the storyboard has been completed and approved off it is then sent to Korea where they will animate the episode. Whilst they are animating the episode, voice actors will record their dialogue and background music will be created. Before they record their dialogue, they all sit around a table and read the dialogue together, so everyone knows how it will sound like. It also allows the actors to add in some other dialogue that is relevant to the episode and would be able to make the episode even more funny. When recording the dialogue, the creator and director is there to give in some more suggestions to the characters.
Techniques:
When the storyboards are sent to Korea, they use it as templates to create the animation, where they first start off by drawing it out by hand and then colouring the images in on the computer. Every season, character designs are updated or modified to solve technical issues in the animation, because of this the animation process changed to Wacom clips in 2008 instead of drawing in pencil. Because it is now being animated on a computer the animation looks a bit clearer and better. It also allows mistakes to happen as they can easily rub out those mistakes, which couldn't be done when they drew the animation by hand. |
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Tangled:
Plot: Tangled is based on the fairy tale of Rupunzel, where a girl is held captive in tower and a handsome prince comes and saves her. However in Tangled, the main plot is about the protagonist Rupunzel, who is stuck in a tower all her life without exploring the world. With Flynn Rider, a thief who comes into the tower, they both go on an adventure to help Rupunzel see what the world is like. The use of characters:
Describe the main protagonists and antagonists in your chosen mediums: There are arguably 2 protagonists in Tangled. The first is of Rupunzel, she is a naive girl who longs to go and explore the world. She is the Kingdoms princess, however she is kidnapped by the antagonist as a baby, and has spent her entire life held captive in a tower longing to go out. The next protagonist is Flynn Rider, who is essentially a wanted thief. He is guilty of crimes such as stealing the Princesses crown. He runs away and finds himself in the same tower as Rupunzel, he is the one that helps Rupunzel get out of the tower and explore the outside world she so wants to see. Flynn is the character that narrates the film as it goes on. The antagonist in the movie is Mother Gothel. She is the women who kidnaps Rupunzel as a baby, as Rupunzel has magic hair that allows Mother Gothel to stay and look young. She is greedy and selfish, as she wants to stay young forever, no matter the cost. Even if it means that she has to keep Rupunzel confined in a tower from the outside world. The movie also has some animal sidekicks, Pascal (a chameleon) and Maximus a place horse. This is very conventional as Disney is known for having animal sidekicks. What links can you find between the character and the narrative themes within the mediums?
The main narrative theme in Tangled is essentially about dreams. This links to the characters mainly because all of the characters in the movie have a dream, no matter how absurd they are, even the villains have a dream. Mother Gothels sidekicks dream that they could be rich. The narrative theme is also further reinstated by the song they have "I have a dream". All characters also tend to day dream in the movie, and it also mainly focusses on how Rupunzel tries and chases her dream of seeing the floating lanterns. Another narrative theme that is in the movie is family. Family is a big narrative them in all of Disney's movies such as Finding Nemo, The Incredibles act. In the movie Tangled, the characters link to the narrative theme family mainly because it focuses on how the Royal family lost their child and how they wished shed come back. It goes back a lot to Rupunzels real family, it also focuses on Mother gothic and how she has adopted Rupunzel and bright her up herself. The movie focuses a lot of Rupunzels and Gothels relationship; the mother daughter relationship. The use of environments and themes in the global culture context of animations
Describe the environment used in the animations you are studying - how is this environment represented? Is it a true representation of the global culture you live in? The environment looks very fairy tale like and very welcoming. The environment is realistic in the Global culture, however it romantises the environment. The nvrioment looks very dreamy, for example the forrest in the movie doesn't look terrifying and intimidating, which is typically what forests do look like in real life. The forrest in the movie looks very enchanting and fairy tale like. It is even said in the behind the scenes video that the entire environment is inspired by Disney land. Disney land itself is very tranquil and magical. Because of this it isn't a true representation of the culture in real life, mainly because the environment in the movie looks more idealistic than realistic. Are they realistic or idealistic? Why?
The ending of the narrative themes in the movie are very idealistic. This is because the movie ends up in happily ever after, something that Disney is famous of doing. All of Disney films end up in the happily ever after stage, this is because the audience watching to it reaping it better. One main reason why Disney has a lot of idealistic endings is because the western world is very used to films having an idealistic ending and the western audience respond to it better. Compared to far east films, the western film don't really challenge the audience morals and views and try to change their views. the western world would rather sugar coat the narrative themes, however of a western film does touch upon a serious narrative like mental health then it will do it but it won't explore the narrative theme in depth .This is because the western don't really eat to focus or acknowledge on the bigger problems in the world, they would rather escape into a world were happily ever afters happen because it makes them feel better. |
Analyse - What journey do they go through in the plot?
The movie starts off with Flynn narrating the main backstory of how and why Rupunzel was kidnapped by Mother Gothel. The movie is probably opened like this to give the audience some background information they need to know, so that they won't be confused for the entire film. The beginning also shows Rupunzel and Mother Gothel doing their everyday life and how they are doing. It also shows how Rupunzel is now 18, and how she asks her mother to allow her to go outside to see the floating lights. Mother Gothel refuses as always and Rupunzel is left longing to go out. It the transitions into Flynn, and how he manages to get to the tower and why he went to the tower in the first place. Once he is at the tower that is where he meets Rupunzel, where they both make an agreement on him taking Rupunzel to see the floating lights in exchange for Rupunzel returning the crown she took from him. From this point it shows the adventures Rupunzel and Flynn go through together to see Rupunzels dream, along the way they both make some new friends. Whilst this is happening, Mother Gothel has discovered that Rupunzel has escaped the tower, so she then goes on a hunt to look for her. Whilst picking up some minions to help her bring Rupunzel home. Meanwhile, Flynn and Rupunzel go see the floating lights together, and some form of romance starts to develop between the tower, However that romance is killed off when Mother Gothels plan takes place, leaving Flynn getting arrested and Rupunzel going back to the tower. When Rupunzel is in the tower she finds out that she is the missing Princess, and tries to escape however in doing so Mother Gothel gets angry. Flynn manages to escape his punishment and whilst doing so he discovers who Mother Gothel is. He then proceeds to go to Rupunzle and tries to save her. Whilst doing so he gets stabbed by Mother Gothel. Rupinzel then manages to make a promise to mother Gothel where she will never escape her again and leave at the tower in exchange for saving Flynn. Before Rupunzel has a chance to save Flynn, he cuts off her hair stopping how powers. Mother Gothel goes crazy and falls out of the tower, essentially killing her. Rupunzel manages to save Flynn and she is returned home to become the Princess Flynn is also dropped of all charges. Throughout the journey, the main protagonists are developing and changing. Rupunzel slowly starts to become less naive and Flynn is slowly changing his attitude towards life. How do these characters represent either: the views of the writer / studio they come from / the place they come from in the world?
Rupunzel represents everything good in the world, she also represents how the Disney brand is slowly change to fit into todays world. This is because she is now one of the few Princesses in Disney that don't need rescuing by a Prince. This is because she is the one that essentially finds she is the lost princess, without needing any help from Flynn and she is also the one that ends up rescuing Flynn from death; normally that is the other way round. Disney also try and show how it is good and ok to be curious and adventurous through RupUnzel, Rupunzel does this because her personality is naturally like that. Also, the narrative theme in the movie is about dreams, Disney is practically saying that having drama is ok no matter what age you are, they do this through the characters. All of the characters have dreams, even the antagonist mother Gothel. Flynn Rider also represent how everyone can change and become better, this is because he starts off as a bad guy but he slowly changes into a good person throughout the film, This means that Disney is saying that it is never too late to improve and become a better person. How do the narrative themes match the character and the environment?
The narrative them of dreams matches the environment, mainly because the environment in the movie is very dreamlike and fairy tale like. The environment looks like something you would imagine or dream of. The characters themselves also match the narrative theme of dream mainly because all of the characters show how they are trying to chase their dreams. Rupunzels dream was to see the floating lights, so the movie focuses on how she is achieving and chasing her dream. It also focusses on Flynn area, on how he wishes to live alone on a island with a lot of money and how he is achieving that by helping Rupunzel on achieving her dream. The narrative them of family also matches the characters in the movie mainly because the movie themselves looks on Rupunzels bond with her mother gothic. and their relationship with them. in the move also Rupunzel also makes various comments on her Gothel and the type of mother she is. The use of storyline based on a situation or series of events, or storyline based on a character
Is it plot driven or is the plot driven by the actions of the character? If it is a situation or series of events - what problems occur? How do the characters react/cope? What messages are sent to the target audience? The movie is mainly plot based because it focuses on Rupunzels dream and how she will achieve it. one of the problems that do occur in the film is how Mother Gothic will try and stop Rupunzel and keep her locked up in a tower and how Mother gothic will do everything she can to make sure no one will know about Rupunzels secret ability. The main character, Rupunzel reacts o Mother Gothels schemes in different ways, for example in the start of the film Rupunzel was very naive and just did whatever mother Gothel said to do without really questioning her. But as the movie progresses, Rupunzel starts to develop and she also starts to challenge Mother Gothel. The messages sent to the audience is mainly how it is ok to question things and question people motives, the way Rupunzel did. Another message sent os that it is ok and good to chase their dream, no matter how absurd it may be. This is shown through how Rupunzel is chasing her dream. |
Spongebob Squarepants:
Plot: Because Spongebob is a TV series there isn't one specific plot. Each episode has a different plot, it mainly just focuses on Sponegbob and what he gets up to day to day. The use of characters :
Describe the main protagonists and antagonists in your chosen mediums: The main protagonist in the TV series is Spongebob, he is essentially a naive, overly happy Spongebob who lives under the sea.He is very friendly and acts very child like, he has a job at the Krusty Krab where he makes Crabby patties for a living. The other characters that are in every episode include Patrick Star, who is Spongebobs dopey and oblivious best friend. Squidward who is Spongebobs neighbour and co-worker, he is very cranky and doesn't really like Spongebob even though Spongebob likes him. And there is finally Mr.Krabs, who is the boss of Spongebob and Squidward, he is very obsessed with money. There isn't always an antagonist in the episodes, however the main antagonist that appears the most is Plankton. He has a restaurant that is rivals withe the Crabby Patties and he always tries to steal the secret Crabby patties recipe in order to be more successful than Mr. Krabs. Bothe Mr.Karbs and Plankton hate each other and will do anything to one up each other. How do these characters represent either: the views of the writer / studio they come from / the place they come from in the world?
The character Spongebob represent Nickoldeons main brand and what they are known for; being fun and friendly. Nickelodeon is a studio that has built up their brand for producing fun and interactive programs for kids, they've done this through their logo, which is a bright orange na d the TV programs they have aired on their TV channel. All of the TV programs on Nickelodeon is very fun, has comedy and interactive, by airing Spongebob on their TV channel suggest that Spongebob fits into their brand and beliefs, If looking at all of Nickelodeons programs all the programs have the same concept meaning that Nickelodeons view is that everyone should be having fun. Spongebob also represents the creator view on life, how everything shouldn't be taken so seriously, this is because Spongebobs personality is frilly and fun. Also, because of all the characters are bright coloured connotes the fact that they are all fun and intriguing. Sponegbob also represents the creators view that it is still ok to think like a child sometimes and to have fun and be happy. SpongeBob represents this because of the way he acts and the way he interacts with others, he is very friendly and open to others. What narrative themes are explored in your chosen animations?
There aren't a lot of serious narrative themes in the TV show, the show itself is very upbeat, lively and fun. However, a common narrative theme is friendship in the TV show, which is shown through the characters. Also, in some episodes there are some morals and ethics that are lightly talked/touched about in the show. People problems, for example sharing or honestly. There are some life experiences in the TV show that is shown to kids, however it doesn't necessarily focus on the narrative theme. If it is, then it is normally covered up by the humour, so the lesson itself in the episode doesn't directly go to the kids that are watching it. There are also some narrative themes that are relevant to the topics and problems in todays world such as global warming and pollution. Even though these narrative theme are in the TV show, it isn't explored deep enough and it is again normally covered up by humour, so it doesn't necessarily focus on the narrative theme. Are they realistic or idealistic? Why?
The narrative themes are very idealistic, mainly because all of the narrative theme end up in a happy ending, even when it isn't necessarily true in todays world. For example, when Spongebob did a Global Warming episode it ended with everyone not polluting ever again, which is very unrealistic in the real world. Because in the real world everyone will continue to pollute the world, the ending of SpongeBob is a very idealistic ending. This is because the western world, especially in America, they like to have happy endings or idealistic endings, no matter if it isn't realistic. This is because they don't want to acknowledge the bigger picture and try and solve it, they don't want to focus on the flaws of the human race, mainly because people in the Western grew up in a idealistic way, meaning that if they see a realistic TV show such as anime they wouldn't like it and respond it. |
Analyse - What journey do they go through in the plot?
Again, because it is a TV series there isn't a specific main plot that each episode has, all episodes are very different. However, it does focus on Spongebob and what he does day to day. The main structure of each episode is that everything is normal calm, so Sponegbon has either started his day or he is doing something normal such as working at the Crabby patties. Then a funny problem occurs such as Spongebob makes Mr.Krabs lose a lot of money, it then results in Spongebob trying to make it better but essentially ends up making it worse. After that it then returns beck to normal. What links can you find between the character and the narrative themes within the mediums?
The main narrative theme in Spongebob is friendship, one link between the characters and the narrative theme is the fact that Spongebob is overly friendly. In each episode of SpongeBob the main link is the way Spongebob interacts with his friends and strangers and how those links often cause funny situations for the character. The characters represent the theme of friendship based on their personalities and the way they act. For example, the main chapter Spongebob is very friendly and openly affectionate to everyone, no matter of it is a friend of his or someone he doesn't know. Another character that represent the theme is Squidward, he is the opposite of Sponegbob, in a way that he is very cold, isolated and detached from the other characters. He himself finds it hard to be social and make friends, if anything when he is talking to someone it is either in a broad or annoyed tone, making him unwelcoming. However, in some episodes Squidward does show some friendly parts, this is mainly caused by Spongebob. The use of environments and themes in the global culture context of animations
Describe the environment used in the animations you are studying - how is this environment represented? Is it a true representation of the global culture you live in? The environment in Spongebob is very colourful and bright. The environment also indicates that it is under water, however majority of the elements in the environment looks a lot of what you would find in the world, for example the meadows. The environment is very easily relatable and recognisable as it has these elements.The environment is represented in a way that is very welcoming and visually pleasing to he viewers as it uses a lot of bright colours and looks very fun to them. I don't think this is a true representation of the global culture as many of the elements in Spongebob is very fantasy and something you wouldn't typically find in the real world. How do the narrative themes match the character and the environment?
The narrative theme match the characters mainly because of the characters personalities. The characters themselves act very human like, they have human traits that everyone can recognise such as selfishness, or honestly. The characters personalities match the narrative theme in the TV show mainly because it is easy to create a narrative that is relevant to the character. For example on the character Mr.Krabs, it is very easy to think of a narrative theme such as selfishness for him mainly because his personality and traits are very selfish. There it is easy to develop a narrative theme for him. The environment itself in the tV show matches the narrative theme because again, it is very human like. It has things in their that irrelevant and relatable to the human world. For example, in the environment in Spongebob it has cars, therefore a narrative them that can be touched on from that is polluting and global warming, a topic that is very relevant right now. The use of storyline based on a situation or series of events, or storyline based on a character
Is it plot driven or is the plot driven by the actions of the character? If it is character driven then what decisions do the characters have to make, what problems are they faced with? What are their moral values and ethics and what messages do they send to the target audience? The TV show is mainly character driven, it deist really focus on the narrative. The decisions the characters make are purely based on their personality, for example SpongeBob when he is faced with a problem will do everything he can to make the problem become better and he will try and solve it. The decisions the characters ,ask and the way they act are purely based on their personalities and the way they act to the problem,. They all make a different decision because they are all different and have different personalities. For example when comparing Patrick and Squidward, Squidward is more likely to solve the problem unlike Patrick because patrick is more likely to not know there is a problem in the first place.The morals and ethical messages sent to the audience are mainly things that the human race should have, such s the ability to tell the truth or the ability to forgive.There aren't any serious and challenging messages sent to the audience mainly because the narrative themes in the TV show are very light and don't necessarily challenge the audience. |