COLLECTION NAME:
Graduate Thesis Collection
Record
Title:
A Moment of Silence: The importance of Ma in animation to add texture and create believability
Creator:
Freihofer, Chris
Subject:
Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Animation
Subject:
Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Animation
Rights:
Copyright is retained by the authors or artists of items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Abstract:
"Animated film director Hayao Miyazaki is a master of pacing. His films are filled with Ma, or 'Emptiness,' which builds tension and gives the stories texture. The same can be said for animation. Action can be exciting, but without moments of silence, the audience becomes numb to it. Both the audience and the characters need time to breathe. The intent of this thesis is to explore the importance of Ma. Since animators are storytellers, and each scene is their story, it will explore it through different forms of storytelling, starting with where a story comes from, followed by film, comics, video games, effects, and culminating with animation. Contrary to popular belief, animation is not the art of making things move, but the art of creating life. Movement, in itself, does not create life. Ma gives animation the texture and pacing required to create it. Just as in any form of storytelling, Animation is a balancing act. It needs to be paced well, between exaggerated movement, and pauses. Too much in either direction and the animation falls apart."
Abstract:
Includes short animated film "edating" / by Chris Freihofer, featuring two contrasting scenes: "eDating With Ma" and "eDating Without Ma".
Abstract:
Keywords: pacing, ma, emptiness, animation, action, silence, audience, character, film, comics, video games, effects, movement, life, story, balance
Publisher:
Savannah, Georgia : Savannah College of Art and Design
Date:
2017-03
Format:
PDF : 43 pages, color illustrations + WMV (3:04 min.) : sound, color