Celebrate and explore the rich history of animation in a relaxed, social screening environment. This combination lecture and curated film showcase takes you on an entertaining journey through the origins of the medium, tracing the throughlines, creative rivalries, and technological breakthroughs that shaped modern visual storytelling.
In this inaugural session, we dive into the birth of animation from the early 1900s through the 1930s. From the very first hand-drawn film Fantasmagorie (1908) and Winsor McCay’s vaudeville performance with Gertie the Dinosaur, to Max Fleischer’s invention of the rotoscope, Disney’s multiplane camera innovation, and the chaotic birth of Warner Bros' Looney Tunes, discover how early pioneers built the art form from the ground up.
Event Rundown
Format: Screening & Interactive History Lecture (2 Hours)
Phase 1: Silent Origins & Vaudeville Breakthroughs (1908–1920s)
Explore Fantasmagorie (1908), Winsor McCay's How a Mosquito Operates, and Gertie the Dinosaur. Learn how early artists established distinct character personalities, performance timing, and the foundational principles of animation.
Phase 2: The Fleischer Genius & Sound Revolution
Discover Max Fleischer's rotoscope invention (Out of the Inkwell), Betty Boop, Popeye, early 3D turntable background techniques, and the transition into synchronized sound and music.
Phase 3: The Rise of Disney & Looney Tunes Chaos
Trace Walt Disney's journey from Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie. Compare Disney's approach with the birth of Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes under Tex Avery, Friz Freleng, and Bob Clampett (featuring early Porky Pig and Daffy Duck).
Phase 4: Depth, Cels & Feature Animation
Examine the invention of the multiplane camera (The Old Mill) and the leap into cel-animated features with Snow White (1937). Conclude with a Q&A, social discussion, and drinks or cereal bowl lattes from AHHH! Coffee / The Booj.
By The End Of This Session, You Will:
- Understand the foundational history, technical innovations, and key figures of early animation (1900s–1930s).
- Trace historical throughlines between early pioneers like Winsor McCay, Max Fleischer, Walt Disney, and Tex Avery.
- Discover how rotoscoping, synchronized sound, and multiplane camera depth transformed screen storytelling.
- Connect with local animation enthusiasts in an interactive, social screening setting.
What to Bring & Requirements
-
No Experience Required: Open to animation fans, film buffs, students, and curious newcomers alike.
-
Optional: Bring a notebook if you wish to jot down film references and historical notes.
Event Details
Dates: To be announced
Format: 1 single session · 2 hours
Location: Urban Art Collective Art Hub, 50 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa
Instructor: Brennen Bova
Level: All Levels
Maximum Capacity: 12 attendees
Minimum Enrolment: 6 attendees required
