Animation revolution discussion

Although I acknowledge certain new shows that are legitimately good, there's time when the good is out numbered by the bad and medicore. The reason western animation is barely taken seriously is due to restraint. Adult show shouldn't have a overarching story and a kid show shouldn't have depth. And if any show shows this sort of thing, it's either cancelled or given a shifty schedule.

Now I'm beginning to see this trend with movies that are seen as obnoxious or annoying to those intellectuals who were expecting a more heart warming movie. Or in animation, where a show relies on offensive humor and the like. Now western animation ain't all that bad, as I've mentioned there are many shows out there that are really good and shouldn't get the shaft. But I'm satisfied. I want to see art styles that less round and simple and more angled and detailed. Heck, more styles that don't rely on either.

I want to see more shows getting away with love between the same gender, other gender identities, as well exploring themes that were taboo. There has been, Steven universe comes to mind but it would be will nice if there was more of that. So what animation revolution are you suggesting? Something that goes against the norm, something that is well written, impacts just like any other life action movie, but it's animated.

So tell me, how can we go about changing the perception of western animation?

edited 9th Jul '17 10:48:00 AM by ewolf2015

By taking it seriously. No matter the demographic.

In the West, it can be a bit of a mobius strip, in that the perception is that animation is for kids shows, and, for the most part, animated projects in the West are in fact aimed at kids. That's obviously not always the case, but it's the case enough of the time to make it seem like the status quo for most people.

It's a hard sell to do serious adult animation in the US, I expect at least partially because some executive would be likely to look at the script and ask "Why not just do it in live action?" Shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy and Bojack Horseman actually have a definite reason to be animated; it provides them with a sense of unreality that's necessary to them.

The only way to change perceptions is to do enough high-profile projects that fit the parameters you mention that people become familiar and comfortable with them. Even then, though, people are likely to keep their prejudices about animation and what it's good for. The best, really the only, way to deal with the Animation Age Ghetto is to resolve not to worry about what other people think.

edited 9th Jul '17 5:03:35 PM by Robbery

While I do hate that way of thinking from the excutives, even some animation fans make that argument. I feel animators should be able to tell any stories they want to tell, even if it doesnt "justify" the use of animation.

Yeah I think this nearly killed thread.

edited 10th Jul '17 5:43:04 AM by ewolf2015

But then it ends up being niche like anime. But even then the anime medium proved that it can be mature like any other medium.

edited 10th Jul '17 5:45:05 AM by ewolf2015

We need two things: a) good shows that are examples of alternatives, and b) good publicity. Unfortunately the major networks tend to be afraid of conservative backlash. The best option are places like Nextflix; its success with shows like Samurai Jack is showing other networks that it pays to take risks.

Netflix would indeed be a good place to experiment. They're not as dependent on ratings and seem much more willing to take risks on what might be considered niche projects by other networks. Part of the problem though is that animation, at least really good animation, tends to be expensive.

Netflix didn't do Samurai Jack.

In fact, Netflix removed Samurai Jack from its streaming years before Season 5 was even announced.

Also, how many threads have we had about the Comedy Ghetto / Animation Age Ghetto / All Adult Animation Is South Park? This subject could have its own generalized thread.

I agree that Neftlix would be a pretty good outlet, not just for cartoons, but well any kind of television and film, what with their relative lack of censorship and Executive Meddling.

edited 11th Jul '17 6:19:43 PM by AHI-3000

But how people who only have cable these shows? Order a smart tv or something? Get they're poor.