The Misunderstood Art of Animation: Why Hollywood Underestimates a Powerful Medium

In Hollywood, the animation industry is often treated as a lesser medium, despite its significant impact on the entertainment industry. This perception is unfortunately misguided, as animation often serves as a vital force in the industry, particularly in the era of streaming media. However, the way animation is treated varies widely, and this article aims to explore why this art form is undervalued in Hollywood.

The Reality of Animation in Hollywood

It is often believed that animation is seen as a second-class citizen in Hollywood, inferior to live-action films. However, this is a misconception. The budgets for animation films, talent, and pay scales are on par with those of live-action films. This indicates that animation is recognized for its high production value and creative importance.

Ubisoft, as an example, has consistently underlined how pivotal animation is in the creation of blockbuster superhero movies and shows. As part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), animation plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall entertainment experience. Without animated films, the box office would see a significant downturn, as these are the only movies currently making substantial revenue in theaters. This underscores the critical importance of animation in the modern film industry.

Disrespectful Treatment of Animation Talent

Despite the value of animation, the industry often faces issues of disrespect and lack of patience. The sequential and often lengthy process of creating an animated film can lead to unrealistic expectations. Devoid of the instant gratification associated with live-action films, animation is frequently perceived as susceptible to failure. This attitude often leads to the punishment of creators who strive for non-traditional storytelling and character development. As a result, there is a noticeable underrepresentation of shows created by BIPOC, LGBT, Latine, and AAPI creators.

The way studios handle residuals is another issue. Animated series are often purged without due reason, removing creators from payments they are entitled to. This is particularly disheartening when considering that non-union, non-scripted shows are not subject to the same scrutiny. Furthermore, the favor given to non-American animation production, while admirable, can be seen as insulting when Hollywood creators are actively seeking opportunities to showcase their expertise. In many cases, these efforts are stymied long before they can be realized, due to tax incentives that favor other productions.

The Residential and International Perception of Animation

Hollywood's view of animation is not the only issue. Other countries also exhibit a lack of respect for this art form. Canada, for instance, produces numerous animated shows each year with little regard for quality, often driven by tax incentives. Similarly, British animation tends to target preschoolers, showing a lack of appreciation for the complexities and nuances of animation. Only countries like France and Japan are consistently delivering high-quality content that rivals or even surpasses American animation.

France is renowned for its distinctive animated productions, including Totally Spies, Code Lyoko, and Wakfu. While the character designs in Wakfu may not be universally acclaimed, the show itself is criminally underrated, offering a rich and engaging storyline. In contrast, Japan is known for its innovative and high-quality animation, a trend that could soon surpass the United States, echoing the success Japan achieved in the video game industry after the Crash of '83. This push from Japan is a significant challenge to the dominance of American animation.

Japan's influence is evident in the ongoing Animation Crash of '22 or '23, driven by both the desire to enforce the “animation is a genre for kids” stereotype and the view of animation as a disposable medium. Warner Bros. Discovery exemplifies this viewpoint, as evidenced by their decision to write Final Space off as a loss for tax purposes. Even adult animation, a segment that once enjoyed more respect, is now facing the brunt of such decisions, seen in the recent disregard for Final Space.

The dismissive attitude towards American animation is distressing. However, there are glimmers of hope. France and Japan, with their rich history of high-quality animation, are leading the way in innovative storytelling and character development. These nations are poised to redefine the future of animation, potentially leading to a future where the medium is no longer undervalued or underestimated.

Ultimately, the art of animation deserves recognition and respect on par with live-action films. The industry's current challenges should not overshadow the potential for growth and innovation. By acknowledging the value of animation, Hollywood and other key players in the entertainment industry can work towards a more inclusive and respectful approach to this powerful and dynamic medium.