Squigglevision

Squigglevision is a patented [ [http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6252604.PN.&OS=PN/6252604&RS=PN/6252604 Squigglevision patent] ] method of computer animation in which the outlines of shapes are made to wiggle and undulate. Tom Snyder of Tom Snyder Productions invented the technique, which his animation production company Soup2Nuts subsequently popularized in several successful animated series.

Compared with traditional animation, Squigglevision is relatively fast and easy to produce. The non-stop motion of the “squiggling” outlines reduces the need for more complex animations in order to make a scene feel dynamic. Tom Snyder describes the result as “economy of motion.” “There are almost no disadvantages,” Snyder asserts. “It costs just as much to do a helicopter scene as it does to do a living room scene.” However, some viewers have described Squigglevision as distracting and annoying, and some even claim Squigglevision gives them headaches [ [http://forums.toonzone.net/archive/index.php/t-46378.html "Did Home Movies get "better" after they dropped the Squigglevision"] ] . The animated series "Home Movies" used Squigglevision in its first season, but dropped it from later seasons due to criticism from viewers and critics.

In order to create the line oscillation effects that characterize Squigglevision, Tom Snyder Productions’ animators loop five slightly different drawings in a sequence called a "flick". The animators then operate software from Avid Technology to merge the flicks into the scene, and synchronize them with the soundtrack.

Animated series produced in Squigglevision

*"Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist"
*"Science Court" (later retitled "Squigglevision")
*"Home Movies" (first season only)
*"Dick and Paula Celebrity Special"

Other series animated in a similar style

*"BB3B"
*"Roobarb"
*"Ed, Edd n Eddy"

References

ources

*Wagner, Keith. [http://www.newenglandfilm.com/news/archives/98december/squigglevision.htm “Funny and Good for You: ‘Squigglevision’ Makes Learning a Laughing Matter.”] [http://www.newenglandfilm.com/ NewEnglandFilm.com] , 1998.

ee also

*Animated cartoon
*Animation

External links

* [http://www.tomsnyder.com/aboutus/tom.asp Tom Snyder Productions: Meet Tom Snyder]