Animation Fundamentals- Donald Duck

Zippy C
Zippy C
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

I believe that this short film from Disney about Donald, his nephews, and a witch with a magical broom incorporate many if not all of the 12 principles of animation. I chose this because I believe that when animation was in its primary stages, the animators exaggerated these 12 principles in order to see how far they could take them.

In the opening scene, at 41 seconds, we are introduced to the witch who showcases the principle of anticipation. Before she scares the bats inside the bell tower she looks at them then draws her head back and then abruptly forward in a mocking motion.

At around 50 seconds, the witch displays the animation principle of squash and stretch. She is seen bouncing up and down on her broom as it “walks” across a fence. This is indicated by her body stretching and shrinking with each bounce and by the broom’s handle and tail moving up and down with it. This principle is also displayed when she scares the cat. She even uses her hat to help emphasize the stretching. Moreover, the cat’s whole body is stretched out to help emphasize its fear.

The witch’s broom also helps with secondary action. Whenever the witch is scared or moving, the broom follows and acts almost like her shadow. Also, when the boys are sad and see the witch for the first time at 2:15, the center duck is wearing a ghost costume. When he moves, the top of his costume follows they way that real fabric would.

Nearly everything in the short is an example of exaggeration. When Donald’s feet are bewitched, all these principles come out. From the wind up his feet give to his head reacting and stretching with each kick.

I believe that this clip exemplifies the fundamentals of animation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpqB00-HGk

BetweenTheFrames

Animated analysis from UMBC's Intro to Animation class

Zippy C

Written by

Zippy C

BetweenTheFrames

Animated analysis from UMBC's Intro to Animation class

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