Staging and Appeal

Staging- the way an idea is presented.

An animator would want good staging so the action during that time is seen clearly by the audience and be the focus at that time. This can be applied to the mood and setting also. If an animator wants the setting to be happy, they would use bright colors or upbeat music to add the animation.

"Staging, anticipation, and timing direct the audience to the focus at that time frame." [1]

For example:

Warner Brothers Pictures 1965 ©

In the video A Go Go the animation starts with an establishing shot leading the viewer to a still shot where a trail of smoke enters the shot from the mid left side which then leads the viewer to the next shot. The camera pans right and shows the trail of smoke and cuts to a shot of Road Runner running. The animator set up the scene to lead the audience to the main character.

Appeal –a design or action an audience will like.

Appeal on the other hand adds likability to an object or character. Either it be by design, personality or actions.

For example:

Pixar Animation Studio 2008 ©

The character Wall-E is designed with big eyes and small in body size making him look childlike and cute in appearance.  Along with that he has a gentle and caring personality, making the audience have a connection to Wall-E and like him.

Even the villains need to appeal to the audience. Little children can tell who the villains are by their appearance when they come into screen. Maleficent's character design in Sleeping Beauty depicts her with her hair up looking like horns. She has a very angular, and sharp face which makes her look dangerous. The color of her clothing is black and purple and her skin has a green shade.

Walt Disney Productions 1959 ©

“Appeal is the pleasing and fascinating quality that makes a person enjoy looking at any drawing.” [3]

"You want the stage to match the feelings you want to portray." [4]

 Lesseter, J. (1987). Principles of animation applied to 3d computer animation. Proceedings of the Siggraph 87 (pp. 35 - 44). Anahiem:

[1] (Lesseter, 1987) P 38

[4] (Lesseter, 1987) P 38

"Pixar Wall-E Movie Trailer ." Web. 22 Apr 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e16U8UsT4I>.

[2] (Pixar Animation Studio, 2008) 

Thomas, F, & Johnston, O. (1981). Disney animation the illusion of life. New York: Abbeville Press.

[3] (Thomas, & Johnston, 1981) P 68