Task 1: Traditional Principles of Animation

Anticipation
This is when the audience expects that something is going to happen; whilst witnessing an unfolding event. Example: In a traditional cartoon one character could be chasing another and the camera would move to a fraying rope that is holding an object in place.


Squash & Stretch
Typically used in cartoons to create unrealistic situations but present them in an acceptable way to the viewer. Example: A heavy object falling onto a character would cause him to be flattened.


Exaggeration
This is when you make something more noticeable than usual to draw the audiences attention to that certain feature or scene. Example: In a cartoon if a character had a ridiculously large facial feature, such as a giant moustache a la 'Yosemite Sam.'



Secondary Action
These are actions caused by a primary action. Example: If a gun is fired then the secondary action could be the chamber of the gun moves back to show the force of the bullet coming out.


Weight
This is an important technique in animation. It would enable characters and objects to look appealing to the audience whilst not being unrealistic or lifeless. Example: A heavy animal would find it harder to lift its legs than a lighter animal which would be much more agile and quick on its feet. This also applies to objects. A heavy object would fall straight and could even crack the ground, whereas a lighter object might glide to the floor.