"Animation had been done before, but stories were never told"

Marc Davis, one of Disney's famous "9 Old Guys" and a critical figure in the history of animation, made an extensive observation when he stated, "Animation had been done previously, but stories were never told." This quote succinctly records a considerable shift in the development of animation from a mere novelty or technical accomplishment to an effective storytelling medium.

Before the age Davis mentions, animation was often viewed as a series of disconnected vignettes or brief films-- basically moving curiosities that showcased the marvels of motion without always weaving a cohesive narrative. The early days of animation were filled with brief, amusing sketches-- often reliant on slapstick funny-- that prioritized visual gags over plot or character development. Animators such as Winsor McCay and Max Fleischer developed groundbreaking works that displayed amazing technical skill and creativity, but these pieces were mostly episodic or anecdotal.

The shift Davis highlights can be associated largely to the pioneering work of Walt Disney and his team, who reinvented the market by concentrating on story-driven animation. The production of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937 marked a turning point, as it was the first full-length animated function film that captivated audiences not just with its visual elegance however also with its compelling narrative and emotional depth. Disney and his group demonstrated that animation might evoke a complete spectrum of feelings, tell complex, engaging stories, and develop abundant, multi-dimensional characters that resonated with audiences of all ages.

Davis's quote highlights the transformative power of storytelling within animation. By prioritizing narrative together with technical development, Disney and his contemporaries raised animation to an art kind efficient in moving, inspiring, and connecting individuals worldwide. Through stories, animation accomplished a timeless quality, permitting audiences to engage with universal styles and experiences in a way that simple technical expertise alone never ever could.