Flash animation

Definition and Format of Flash Animation - Flash animation is created using Adobe Animate or similar software. - It is often distributed in the SWF file format. - Flash animation refers to both the file format and the medium in which the animation is produced. - It has been popular since the mid-2000s, with many animated TV series, commercials, and online shorts being produced. - Limited animation or cutout animation was used in the late 1990s for web distribution due to limited bandwidth. Distribution and Characteristics of Flash Animation - Flash animations are typically distributed on the World Wide Web. - They are often referred to as Internet cartoons, online cartoons, or web cartoons. - Flash animations can be interactive and are often created in a series. - They are different from webcomics, which are static comic strips. - Flash animations can integrate bitmaps, video, and vector-based drawings. History and Impact of Flash Animation - The first prominent use of Flash animation was by John Kricfalusi, creator of Ren & Stimpy. - The Goddamn George Liquor Program was the first cartoon series produced specifically for the Internet. - WhirlGirl became the first regularly scheduled Flash animated web series on Showtime in 1999. - Flash cartoons gained popularity during the dot-com boom of the late 1990s. - Some Flash cartoons made the transition to traditional media, including Queer Duck and Happy Tree Friends. - Flash animation allowed for the creation of animated TV series, commercials, and marketing campaigns. - Flash animation was used in music videos by artists like Madonna, Beastie Boys, and Tenacious D. - The first broadcast-quality Flash animation aired on television in 2000. - Several popular online series, such as Off-Mikes and Gotham Girls, were produced using Flash animation. - Flash animation was used in the Emmy Award-winning series Homestar Runner. Challenges and Controversies of Flash Animation - Poorly produced Flash animations can have jerky movements and abrupt changes. - Flash animations faced controversies due to potentially controversial subject matter. - Lil Pimp was an ill-fated Flash-animated feature film that faced challenges in its release. - Flash animated music videos faced challenges in finding successful financial models. - The trend of Flash animated works dissipated due to a lack of viable micropayment systems. Production and Software for Flash Animation - Macromedia Flash used for production. - Low cost of production. - Unique animation styles achievable. - Examples of animated shows produced using Flash: Metalocalypse, Being Ian, Fosters Home For Imaginary Friends, Kappa Mikey, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi. - Other examples: Happy Tree Friends, The Buzz on Maggie, Astroblast!, Odd Job Jack, Little Einsteins. - Internet distribution is easier and less expensive than television broadcasting. - Many Flash animations created by independent artists. - Some web animations became popular enough to be broadcast on TV networks like MTV and G4. - Examples of TV shows that switched to Flash animation: Home Movies, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, Ballmastrz: 9009, Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil. - Major animation studios worldwide use Adobe Flash animation production. - Flash software organizes a large number of assets for re-use. - Flash files can be transferred to 35mm film without compromising image quality. - Examples of independent animators using Flash: Phil Nibbelink, who made Romeo & Juliet: Sealed with a Kiss, Nina Paley, who made Sita Sings the Blues. - The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie! used Flash animation instead of traditional animation. - Other software packages available for creating Flash animations: Vyond, Toon Boom, Xara Photo & Graphic Designer, Serif DrawPlus, Toufee. - Additional support and tools tailored to traditionally trained animators. - Rigging for characters can speed up animation process. - Moho and CelAction 2D are also used for Flash animation.