Animation Companies in South Africa: Xerography
Animation has gone through countless transformations over the years, with each new technique shaping the way films are created and experienced. One such shift happened in the 1960s when Disney adopted xerography, a process that changed the look of its animated films entirely. This cost-effective method allowed animators to skip the time-consuming inking process and instead transfer their raw sketches directly onto animation cels. The result? A scratchier, more textured style that became the signature look of films like 101 Dalmatians and The Jungle Book. While xerography played a major role in animation history, it was eventually replaced by newer, more refined technologies. But what exactly made this process so appealing at the time? How did it differ from traditional hand-inked animation? And why is it no longer in use today? This article will explore the rise and fall of xerography, its impact on animation, and how modern advancements—including those embraced by animation companies in South Africa—have built upon the innovations of the past.
Origins of Xerography: From Photocopies to Animation
Xerography, the process of using a photocopying machine to transfer images onto a surface, was invented by Chester Carlson in 1938. Originally designed for office use, this technology was soon applied to various industries. Disney, always keen on improving efficiency in animation, took notice and adapted it to streamline the process of transferring animator drawings onto cels.
Traditionally, animators would create their drawings on paper, and then those drawings would be painstakingly traced onto cels with ink. This method, while effective, was slow and expensive. When Disney began using xerography, it allowed animators to bypass the traditional inking process, transferring the drawings directly onto cels. This method saved both time and money, making it an appealing option, especially during a period of financial strain for the studio.
Ub Iwerks, a legendary animator and close collaborator of Walt Disney, is credited with adapting xerography for animation. With xerography, Disney could now produce more animation more quickly, but it came with a distinct visual difference—something that would later define a new era of Disney films.
The Technique in Action: From 101 Dalmatians to The Jungle Book
The first film to fully embrace xerography was 101 Dalmatians (1961). For the first time, the pencil lines of animators were photocopied directly onto the cels, resulting in a rougher, more textured look than what audiences had seen in previous Disney films. This style was markedly different from the smooth, refined visuals of earlier classics like Sleeping Beauty (1959). The result was a more energetic and lively aesthetic that fit perfectly with the story of a mischievous group of puppies.
Following 101 Dalmatians, Disney continued to use xerography in films such as The Jungle Book (1967) and The Aristocats (1970). In these films, the technique helped to reduce production costs, but it also gave them a distinct visual identity. Instead of clean, uniform lines, the characters had rougher, scratchier outlines, which lent a raw and spontaneous feel to the animation.
For animation companies in South Africa, understanding the historical evolution of animation techniques like xerography is essential. It helps to appreciate how innovations in the industry can transform not only the production process but also the final product.
Visual and Aesthetic Impact: The “Scratchy” Style
The transition to xerography created a visual aesthetic that was immediately noticeable. Whereas traditional animation featured crisp, clean lines, xerography resulted in visible pencil marks that made the animation appear more unfinished. Some saw this as a more expressive, lively approach, while others felt that it lacked the polish of traditional animation.
This rougher, more textured look became synonymous with the films of the early 1960s, especially 101 Dalmatians. The film’s energetic pacing and lively character designs were enhanced by the scratchy lines that gave the impression of movement and spontaneity. The animation felt looser, reflecting the chaotic and adventurous nature of the plot.
For animation companies in South Africa that are exploring how to balance efficiency and style in their own animation processes, understanding the role of these visual choices can be insightful. The balance between speed and aesthetic quality is something that animators and studios continue to grapple with today.
Advantages and Limitations: Efficiency at a Cost
Xerography provided numerous benefits, particularly in terms of time and cost savings. By eliminating the need for hand-inking each frame, Disney could produce films more quickly, cutting down on production time and expenses. This efficiency was essential, especially as the studio began to face increased competition and financial pressures.
However, the technique was not without its downsides. The rough, imperfect lines created by xerography were not always well-received by all animators and audiences. Many missed the smooth, refined look of hand-inked animation, which was seen as more polished and sophisticated. The shift toward a more “raw” style was met with mixed reactions, with some preferring the newer, more energetic aesthetic, while others longed for the pristine quality of earlier Disney works.
For animation companies in South Africa, understanding both the pros and cons of different techniques can be essential when working with clients to set expectations about what is achievable within a given budget and timeline. The choice between style and efficiency is often a balancing act.
The Decline of Xerography: Enter Digital Animation
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, xerography began to fall out of favour. The growing use of computers in animation production made the xerographic technique seem outdated. With the rise of digital tools, it became easier to achieve cleaner, more polished lines without the need for the “rough” texture that defined xerography. The precision of digital inking offered a level of control and consistency that was not possible with the photocopying process.
By the time Disney produced The Little Mermaid (1989) and the films that followed, digital tools had become an essential part of the animation process. Digital inking allowed animators to create crisp, clean lines while still maintaining the hand-drawn look that Disney was famous for. This transition marked the end of xerography as a significant part of the animation process.
Animation companies in South Africa, like those worldwide, are now focused on integrating the best of both worlds: traditional animation techniques and modern digital tools. The combination of hand-drawn art with digital efficiency allows for the creation of both visually stunning and cost-effective animations.
Legacy and Influence: A Step Toward Modern Animation
Although xerography is no longer in widespread use, its influence can still be felt in the world of animation. The rough, energetic style it created has left an imprint on films from that era. 101 Dalmatians, in particular, remains a beloved classic, partly because of its unique visual style, which would not have been possible without xerography.
For animation companies in South Africa, reflecting on the history of techniques like xerography can be a valuable exercise. It offers insight into how animation styles and processes have changed over time, and how the choices made in the past continue to shape the medium today.
Conclusion: The End of an Era, But Not the End of Innovation
Xerography’s time in the spotlight may have been short-lived, but its impact on animation cannot be denied. It marked a significant shift in how animated films were produced, offering both efficiency and a distinct aesthetic that defined the look of several key Disney films. New technologies and techniques are always on the horizon, but the lessons from the era of xerography still resonate today.
For animation companies in South Africa and globally, understanding the history of animation techniques, including xerography, provides valuable context for creating the next generation of animated works. Whether it is a classic hand-drawn look or cutting-edge digital tools, every advancement in animation is influenced by the innovations that came before.
In the end, it is not just about the tools or techniques used, it is about telling a story through animation. And while xerography may no longer be the go-to method, its role in animation history will always be remembered.
While xerography might be a thing of the past, your animation future is looking bright! Get in touch with Sound Idea Digital and let’s get started on your next animated project.
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
Contact us for a quote. | enquiries@soundidea.co.za | https://www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za| +27 82 491 5824 |