Study Task 4 - Introduction

In my essay, I will explore Western and Eastern animation, and I will be focusing on American and Japanese productions, in the light of current technological and social advances. My aim is to discover how American and Japanese productions have been influenced by technology and social media. Firstly, I will provide historical and contextual information, I will then go on to explore themes and trends within the animation industry. My essay will take a historical and contemporary approach and I will make reference to Japanese Anime, which has been imported into America. I will be looking at what has influenced American animation and Japanese anime. My research for the essay will specifically include Astro Boy, Beserk, Toy Story and RWBY and this will be presented as short case studies. I will establish at what points in time American and Japanese productions were similar in terms of technological advancement and at what points they diverged, in an attempt to answer my question.