"What we were in on, really, was the invention of animation"

Marc Davis, among Disney's fabled "9 Old Guys," uttered the expression, "What we were in on, really, was the invention of animation," recording the pioneering spirit and groundbreaking achievements of the early days of animation. This quote encapsulates the transformative era in which Davis and his contemporaries ran, a time when the foundational principles and methods of modern animation were being invented, defined, and fine-tuned.

Throughout this duration, Davis and his peers were working not simply as artists, but as developers of a totally new medium of storytelling. Animation as an art type was in its infancy, and leaders like Davis were improvising and innovating in real-time, frequently without a clear roadmap. Their work included explore unique strategies, from the complexities of character motion and expressiveness to the intricacies of multi-plane cinematography. In doing so, they set the rules and best practices for future generations of animators.

The quote also reflects the enjoyment and innovative interest that specified the early animation market. It talks to the sense of experience and discovery that surrounded their work; they were literally developing something out of absolutely nothing. As early animators, they were exploring uncharted areas, not constrained by existing standards and formats, but rather freed by the lack of limits. This liberty permitted innovation that not just defined their period however also set the stage for the technological and artistic developments that followed.

Furthermore, the declaration highlights Davis's humility and the collective effort needed for such a significant job. It acknowledges that the creation of animation was a collaborative journey, a symphony of talents merging technical ability, creative vision, and large ingenuity, ultimately causing the production of timeless works that still mesmerize audiences today. In essence, Davis's words underscore the historical significance and tradition of what he and his coworkers contributed to the world of animation.