Watch 12 Principles of Animation

The movie "12 Principles of Animation" is a documentary about the revolutionary principles that were developed by the famous animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston in the early days of animation. The film takes a look at the history of animation and how these principles have been used to create some of the most beloved and celebrated animated films of all time.

The documentary is broken up into chapters based on each of the principles, which include squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, straight ahead action and pose to pose, follow through and overlapping action, slow in and slow out, arcs, timing, exaggeration, solid drawing, appeal, and secondary action. Each point is explained clearly with examples and demonstrations from animators who have used the principles in their own work.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the look at the development of animation as an art form. The documentary discusses how, in the early days of animation, there was no real method to the madness. Animators would simply draw funny faces and characters, with little thought to things like character development and story structure. It wasn't until the arrival of Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" that animation began to be taken seriously as an art form.

The film explores how Thomas and Johnston developed their principles by analyzing the work of early animators and studying how the human body moves. One of the key points of their principles is the idea of creating the illusion of weight and gravity in animated characters. By using squash and stretch, for example, animators can make a character appear more solid and three-dimensional onscreen.

Throughout the documentary, we hear from some of the biggest names in animation, including John Lasseter, Brad Bird, and Glen Keane, as they discuss the impact that the 12 principles have had on their own work. It's clear that these principles have become the foundation for all modern animation, and it's fascinating to see just how much of an impact they have had on the industry as a whole.

Another interesting aspect of the film is the exploration of how these principles have evolved over time, as animation technology has advanced. The documentary looks at how the principles have been used in everything from traditional hand-drawn animation to 3D computer-generated animation, and how they have adapted to fit the needs of each new technology.

Overall, "12 Principles of Animation" is a must-see for anyone interested in animation, whether as a fan or as a professional. It's a fascinating look at the history and evolution of animation as an art form, and an in-depth exploration of the techniques and principles that have made it such a beloved medium. Even those who aren't particularly interested in animation may find themselves drawn in by the passion and dedication of the animators interviewed in the film, and the stunning examples of their work.