History of Animation

Birth of flipbook animation

Sep 1, 1868

The flipbook, or kineograph which was it's original name, is a book with a serious of pictures, each picture with a small amount of change between the prior one. When flipped in rapid succession, the pictures appear to move.

Creation of the Praxinoscope

Jan 1, 1877

In 1877, the Praxinoscope was invented by Charles-Émile Reynaud. This was made using pieces of paper along the inside of a circle that were reflected by a mirrors on a circle inside, the other circle. Once the wheel was turned, the images created the illusion of animation. This invention could be classified as an upgraded Zoetrope, regardless of the huge difference in time between the 2.

Invention of the Cinematograph

Feb 12, 1892

The cinematograph was the world's first motion picture film camera. It was invented by french inventor, Leon Bouly on February 12, 1892.

Stop Motion Animation

Jan 1, 1898

Albert E. Smith and J. Stuart Blackton started using stop motion animation when they were making "Humpty Dumpty's circus".

Alice in Wonderland

Jan 1, 1923

This was Disney's first animated movie that featured Alice in Wonderland. This was in black and white and was silent as well.

Walt Disney Studios

Mar 17, 1923

In 1923, this wonderful little company was created, responsible for creating some of the biggest hits around the world, such as Mickey Mouse or Toy Story.

Mickey Mouse enters

Mar 15, 1928

Mickey Mouse enters with full sound but still lacking colour.

Steamboat Willie

Mar 17, 1928

This animation marked an important milestone in the history of animation as it was the first ever film to have both sound and a completely produced soundtrack.

Multiplane Camera Invented

Mar 17, 1930

The multiplane camera was a motion picture camera capable of capturing images in 3 dimensions. This was invented by Lotte Reiniger in 1930.

Tom and Jerry enter

Aug 1, 1931

Shortly after Mickey Mouse's entrance, the first installment of Tom and Jerry came in. They came in a film known as "Wot a night" that ran for 8 minutes and 12 seconds.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Dec 21, 1937

Finally in full colour and with good length, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves become the full length animated movie. This is produced by Waltz Disney and is one of the reasons why Disney is so popular today.

Enter, the Smurfs

Oct 23, 1958

The smurfs first came from simple comic strips by Pierre Culliford but later was translated into english publish into cartoons made for children by Hanna-Barbera Productions.

Star Wars

May 25, 1977

Written and directed by George Lucas, Star Wars was revoloutionary at the time, it contained extremely high special effects and with such revoloutionary technology, resulted in huge popularity and everlasting respect for the animation, movie and characters.

Jurassic Park

Jun 11, 1993

Known for the realism and detail in the animals, Jurassic Park was also praised for its extreme special effects and realism.

Toy Story

Nov 22, 1995

An absoloute classic and huge hit with both kids and adults, today, Toy Story has modern technology and animation and is also made completely using the computer.

Toy Story 2

Jan 1, 1999

Sequel to Toy Story 1, another Disney/ Pixar animation once again hits it large with fans and becomes largely popular to all.