History of Animation

Phenakistoscope

Oct 10, 1831

Invented by Belgian Joseph Plateau, this invention was a spnning disk that created the illusion of moving when observed in a mirror. It was the first attempt at animation and became a successful commercial device

Kinetoscope

Oct 10, 1889

Invented by Thomas Edison and William Dickson. Though only one person could view at a time, these viewers would look through the peephole and see moving images. This invention set the stage for the soon to come projector.

Rotoscope

Oct 10, 1915

This practice involves tracing over the drawings used to be animated, especially for live action films. By creating a matte, the desired image can be composited over another image.

Felix the Cat

Jul 10, 1920

A funny, popular animated figure in the Silent Film Era. He was the first animated character to draw in audiences to see his films.

Steamboat Willie

Oct 10, 1928

Created by Disney, this short animated film was made in black and white. This was one of the first cartoon films with synchronized sound and debuted Mickey Mouse.

Warner Bros.

Oct 10, 1930

Company founded by Sam and Albert Warner, it has become very successful in the production of film, music, and tv entertainment. Popular cartoons such as Looney Tunes are produced by this company.

Donald Duck

Jun 9, 1934

A popular cartoon character created by Disney. His humorous voice and personality has drawn audiences since his first debute, "The Wise Little Hen."

Bambi

Oct 10, 1942

This was Disney's 5th animated film. It won several awards for both its music and animation works.

Aladdin

Nov 25, 1992

Another successful film made by Disney, this was their 31st animated feature. It was based on the Arab folk tales, "One Thousand and One Nights" and "Aladdin."

Shrek

May 18, 2001

This was a successful computer animated film that featured the voices Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy. It won several awards for its hilarious story and earned its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.