Animation

Lotte Reiniger

Charlotte "Lotte" Reiniger (born 1899) was a German film director. She pioneered silhouette animation in which she created the oldest surviving feature-length animated film (The Adventures of Prince Achmed - 1926). To create her films she pain painstakingly cut card, which she then animated by hand. Although her work was revolutionary, rather than fighting for her place in the studio she instead worked around the limitations of being a women in the film industry at the time. 

There is a clear influence from the Chinese art of shadow puppetry. She then developed this into her signature style. The silhouettes are often backed with jewel tones which creates a visually appealing picture. Reiniger's films have influenced the world of animation into the modern age. 





Don Hertzfeldt 

Don Hertzfeldt is an American animator who proved that it doesn't take a big budget to created a meaningful film. His work often includes stick figures, including existential and philosophical themes, as well as tragicomedy and slapstick humour. Hertzfeldt often work with minimal digital aid, opting for a more hand drawn route. 

Hertzfeldt used 16mm or 35mm-film cameras to photography his drawing, as well as using old special effect techniques multiple exposure and in-camera mattes. He has also worked on television shows such as The Simpsons.