Animation History Timeline.
1824:
Peter Roget presented his paper 'The persistence of vision with regard to moving
objects' to the British Royal Society.
1831:
Dr. Joseph Antoine Plateau (a Belgian scientist) and Dr. Simon Rittrer
constructed a machine called a phenakitstoscope. This machine produced an
illusion of movement by allowing a viewer to gaze at a rotating disk containing
small windows; behind the windows was another disk containing a sequence of
images. When the disks were rotated at the correct speed, the synchronization of
the windows with the images created an animated effect.
1872:
Eadweard Muybridge started his photographic gathering of animals in motion.
1887:
Thomas Edison started his research work into motion pictures.
1889:
Thomas Edison announced his creation of the kinetoscope which projected a 50ft
length of film in approximately 13 seconds.
1889:
George Eastman began the manufacture of photographic film strips using a
nitro-cellulose base.
1892:
Emile Renynaud, combining his earlier invention of the praxinoscope with a
projector, opens the Theatre Optique in the Musee Grevin. It displays an
animation of images painted on long strips of celluloid.
1895:
Louis and Augustine Lumiere issued a patent for a device called a cinematograph
capable of projecting moving pictures.
1896:
Thomas Armat designed the vitascope which projected the films of Thomas Edison.
This machine had a major influence on all sub-sequent projectors.
1906:
J. Stuart Blackton made the first animated film which he called "Humorous phases
of funny faces." His method was to draw comical faces on a blackboard and film
them. He would stop the film, erase one face to draw another, and then film the
newly drawn face. The Ôstop-motionÕ provided a starting effect as the facial
expressions changed be fore the viewerÕs eyes.
1908:
In France Emile Cohl produced a film, Phantasmagorie which was the first
depicting white figures on a black background.
1910:
Emile Cohl makes En Route the first paper cutout animation. This technique saves
time by not having to redraw each new cell, only reposition the paper.
1911:
Winsor McCay produced an animation sequence using his comic strip character
"Little Nemo."
1913:
J.R.
Bray devised "Colonel Heeza Liar," and Sidney Smith created "Old Doc Yak."
1914:
John R Bray applies for a patent on numerous techniques for animation. One of
the most revolutionary being the process of printing the backgrounds of the
animation.
1914:
Winsor McCay produced a cartoon called "Gertie, The Trained Dinosaur" which
amazingly consisted of 10,000 drawings.
1914:
Earl Hurd applies for a patent for the technique of drawing the animated portion
of an animation on a clear celluloid sheet and later photographing it with its
matching background. [Cel animation]
1917:
The International Feature Syndicate released many titles including "Silk Hat
Harry","Bringing Up Father", and "Krazy Kat".
1919:
Pat Sullivan created an American cartoon "Felix the Cat."
1926:
The first feature-length animated film called "El Apostol" is created in
Argentina.
1923:
Walt and Roy Disney found Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio.
1923:
Walt Disney extended Max Fleischer's technique of combining live action with
cartoon characters in the film "Alice's Wonderland".
1927:
Warner Brothers released "The Jazz Singer" which introduced combined sound and
images.
1928:
Walt Disney created the first cartoon with synchronized sound called "Steam Boat
Willy".
1930:
The King of Jazz is produced by Universal. In it is a short animated sequence
done by Walter Lantz. It is the first animation done with the two strip
technicolor process
1934:
Urb Irwek creates a multi-plane camera. This camera is capable of filming
several separate layers of cels giving the final frame a truly three dimensional
look.
1943:
John and James Whitney produced "Five Abstract Film Exercises."
1945:
Harry Smith produced animation by drawing directly onto film.
1957:
John Whitney used 17 Bodine motors, 8 Selsyns, 9 different gear units and 5 ball
integrators to create analog computer graphics.
1961:
John Whitney used differential gear mechanisms to create film and television
title sequences.
1963:
Ivan Sutherland and SKETCHPAD at MIT/Lincoln Labs
1964:
Ken Knowlton, working at Bell Laboratories, started developing computer
techniques for producing animated movies.
1972:
University of Utah, Ed Catmull develops an animation scripting language and
creates an animation of a smooth shaded hand. Ref: E. Catmull, "A System for
Computer Generated Movies", Proceedings of the ACM National Conference, 1972.
(In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1972:
University
of Utah, Fred Parke creates first computer generated facial animation. >Ref:
F. Parke, "Computer Generated Animation of Faces", Proceedings of the ACM
National Conference, 1972. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics
collection.)
1974:
National Research Council of Canada releases Hunger/La Faim directed by Peter
Foldes and featuring Burtnyk and Wein interactive keyframing techniques. Ref:
N. Burtnyk and M. Wein, "Interactive Skeleton Techniques for Enhancing Motion
Dynamics in Key Frame Animation", Communications of the ACM, 19(10), October
1976. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1982:
Tron, MAGI, movie with CG premise
1983:
Bill Reeves at Lucasfilm publishes techniques for modeling particle systems.
"Demo" is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. The paper also promotes motion blur.
Ref: W. Reeves, "Particle Systems -- A Technique for Modeling a Class of Fuzzy
Objects", Computer Graphics, 17(3), July 1983. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal
Graphics collection.)
1984:
The Last Starfighter, CG is used in place of models
1984:
Porter and Duff at Lucusfilm publish paper on digital compositing using an alpha
channel. Ref: T. Porter and T. Duff, "Compositing Digital Images", Computer
Graphics, 18(3), July 1984. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics
collection.)
1985:
Girard and Maciejewski at OSU publish a paper describing the use of inverse
kinematics and dynamics for animation. Their techniques are used in the
animation "Eurythmy." Ref: M. Girard and A. A. Maciejewski, "Computational
Modeling for the Computer Animation of Legged Figures", Computer Graphics,
19(3), July 1985. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1985:
Ken Perlin at NYU publishes a paper on noise functions for textures. He later
applied this technique to add realism to character animations. Ref: K. Perlin,
"An Image Synthesizer", Computer Graphics, 19(3), July 1985. (In the SIGGRAPH
98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1987:
John Lasseter at Pixar publishes a paper describing traditional animation
principles. "Demos" are Andre and Wally B and Luxo Jr. Ref: J. Lasseter,
"Principles of Traditional Animation Applied to 3D Computer Animation", Computer
Graphics, 21(4), July 1987. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics
collection.)
1987:
Craig Reynolds then at Symbolics (now at Dreamworks SKG) publishes a paper on
self-organizing behavior for groups. "Demos" are Stanley and Stella and Batman
Returns. Ref: C. W. Reynolds, "Flocks, Herds, and Schools: A Distributed
Behavioral Model", Computer Graphics, 21(4), July 1987. (In the SIGGRAPH 98
Seminal Graphics collection.)
1988:
Willow uses morphing in live action film
1992:
Beier and Neely, at SGI and PDI respectively publish an algorithm where line
correspondences guide morphing between 2D images. "Demo" is Michael Jackson
video Black and White. Ref: T. Beier and S. Neely, "Feature-Based Image
Metamorphosis", Computer Graphics, 26(2), July 1992. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal
Graphics collection.) v
1993:
Chen and Williams at Apple publish a paper on view interpolation for 3D
walkthroughs. Ref: S. E. Chen and L. Williams, "View Interpolation for Image
Synthesis", Computer Graphics Proceedings, Annual Conference Series, 1993. (In
the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1993:
Jurassic Park use of CG for realistic living creatures
1995:
Toy Story first full-length 3D CG feature film
Peter Roget presented his paper 'The persistence of vision with regard to moving
objects' to the British Royal Society.
1831:
Dr. Joseph Antoine Plateau (a Belgian scientist) and Dr. Simon Rittrer
constructed a machine called a phenakitstoscope. This machine produced an
illusion of movement by allowing a viewer to gaze at a rotating disk containing
small windows; behind the windows was another disk containing a sequence of
images. When the disks were rotated at the correct speed, the synchronization of
the windows with the images created an animated effect.
1872:
Eadweard Muybridge started his photographic gathering of animals in motion.
1887:
Thomas Edison started his research work into motion pictures.
1889:
Thomas Edison announced his creation of the kinetoscope which projected a 50ft
length of film in approximately 13 seconds.
1889:
George Eastman began the manufacture of photographic film strips using a
nitro-cellulose base.
1892:
Emile Renynaud, combining his earlier invention of the praxinoscope with a
projector, opens the Theatre Optique in the Musee Grevin. It displays an
animation of images painted on long strips of celluloid.
1895:
Louis and Augustine Lumiere issued a patent for a device called a cinematograph
capable of projecting moving pictures.
1896:
Thomas Armat designed the vitascope which projected the films of Thomas Edison.
This machine had a major influence on all sub-sequent projectors.
1906:
J. Stuart Blackton made the first animated film which he called "Humorous phases
of funny faces." His method was to draw comical faces on a blackboard and film
them. He would stop the film, erase one face to draw another, and then film the
newly drawn face. The Ôstop-motionÕ provided a starting effect as the facial
expressions changed be fore the viewerÕs eyes.
1908:
In France Emile Cohl produced a film, Phantasmagorie which was the first
depicting white figures on a black background.
1910:
Emile Cohl makes En Route the first paper cutout animation. This technique saves
time by not having to redraw each new cell, only reposition the paper.
1911:
Winsor McCay produced an animation sequence using his comic strip character
"Little Nemo."
1913:
J.R.
Bray devised "Colonel Heeza Liar," and Sidney Smith created "Old Doc Yak."
1914:
John R Bray applies for a patent on numerous techniques for animation. One of
the most revolutionary being the process of printing the backgrounds of the
animation.
1914:
Winsor McCay produced a cartoon called "Gertie, The Trained Dinosaur" which
amazingly consisted of 10,000 drawings.
1914:
Earl Hurd applies for a patent for the technique of drawing the animated portion
of an animation on a clear celluloid sheet and later photographing it with its
matching background. [Cel animation]
1917:
The International Feature Syndicate released many titles including "Silk Hat
Harry","Bringing Up Father", and "Krazy Kat".
1919:
Pat Sullivan created an American cartoon "Felix the Cat."
1926:
The first feature-length animated film called "El Apostol" is created in
Argentina.
1923:
Walt and Roy Disney found Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio.
1923:
Walt Disney extended Max Fleischer's technique of combining live action with
cartoon characters in the film "Alice's Wonderland".
1927:
Warner Brothers released "The Jazz Singer" which introduced combined sound and
images.
1928:
Walt Disney created the first cartoon with synchronized sound called "Steam Boat
Willy".
1930:
The King of Jazz is produced by Universal. In it is a short animated sequence
done by Walter Lantz. It is the first animation done with the two strip
technicolor process
1934:
Urb Irwek creates a multi-plane camera. This camera is capable of filming
several separate layers of cels giving the final frame a truly three dimensional
look.
1943:
John and James Whitney produced "Five Abstract Film Exercises."
1945:
Harry Smith produced animation by drawing directly onto film.
1957:
John Whitney used 17 Bodine motors, 8 Selsyns, 9 different gear units and 5 ball
integrators to create analog computer graphics.
1961:
John Whitney used differential gear mechanisms to create film and television
title sequences.
1963:
Ivan Sutherland and SKETCHPAD at MIT/Lincoln Labs
1964:
Ken Knowlton, working at Bell Laboratories, started developing computer
techniques for producing animated movies.
1972:
University of Utah, Ed Catmull develops an animation scripting language and
creates an animation of a smooth shaded hand. Ref: E. Catmull, "A System for
Computer Generated Movies", Proceedings of the ACM National Conference, 1972.
(In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1972:
University
of Utah, Fred Parke creates first computer generated facial animation. >Ref:
F. Parke, "Computer Generated Animation of Faces", Proceedings of the ACM
National Conference, 1972. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics
collection.)
1974:
National Research Council of Canada releases Hunger/La Faim directed by Peter
Foldes and featuring Burtnyk and Wein interactive keyframing techniques. Ref:
N. Burtnyk and M. Wein, "Interactive Skeleton Techniques for Enhancing Motion
Dynamics in Key Frame Animation", Communications of the ACM, 19(10), October
1976. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1982:
Tron, MAGI, movie with CG premise
1983:
Bill Reeves at Lucasfilm publishes techniques for modeling particle systems.
"Demo" is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. The paper also promotes motion blur.
Ref: W. Reeves, "Particle Systems -- A Technique for Modeling a Class of Fuzzy
Objects", Computer Graphics, 17(3), July 1983. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal
Graphics collection.)
1984:
The Last Starfighter, CG is used in place of models
1984:
Porter and Duff at Lucusfilm publish paper on digital compositing using an alpha
channel. Ref: T. Porter and T. Duff, "Compositing Digital Images", Computer
Graphics, 18(3), July 1984. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics
collection.)
1985:
Girard and Maciejewski at OSU publish a paper describing the use of inverse
kinematics and dynamics for animation. Their techniques are used in the
animation "Eurythmy." Ref: M. Girard and A. A. Maciejewski, "Computational
Modeling for the Computer Animation of Legged Figures", Computer Graphics,
19(3), July 1985. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1985:
Ken Perlin at NYU publishes a paper on noise functions for textures. He later
applied this technique to add realism to character animations. Ref: K. Perlin,
"An Image Synthesizer", Computer Graphics, 19(3), July 1985. (In the SIGGRAPH
98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1987:
John Lasseter at Pixar publishes a paper describing traditional animation
principles. "Demos" are Andre and Wally B and Luxo Jr. Ref: J. Lasseter,
"Principles of Traditional Animation Applied to 3D Computer Animation", Computer
Graphics, 21(4), July 1987. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics
collection.)
1987:
Craig Reynolds then at Symbolics (now at Dreamworks SKG) publishes a paper on
self-organizing behavior for groups. "Demos" are Stanley and Stella and Batman
Returns. Ref: C. W. Reynolds, "Flocks, Herds, and Schools: A Distributed
Behavioral Model", Computer Graphics, 21(4), July 1987. (In the SIGGRAPH 98
Seminal Graphics collection.)
1988:
Willow uses morphing in live action film
1992:
Beier and Neely, at SGI and PDI respectively publish an algorithm where line
correspondences guide morphing between 2D images. "Demo" is Michael Jackson
video Black and White. Ref: T. Beier and S. Neely, "Feature-Based Image
Metamorphosis", Computer Graphics, 26(2), July 1992. (In the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal
Graphics collection.) v
1993:
Chen and Williams at Apple publish a paper on view interpolation for 3D
walkthroughs. Ref: S. E. Chen and L. Williams, "View Interpolation for Image
Synthesis", Computer Graphics Proceedings, Annual Conference Series, 1993. (In
the SIGGRAPH 98 Seminal Graphics collection.)
1993:
Jurassic Park use of CG for realistic living creatures
1995:
Toy Story first full-length 3D CG feature film