AWN: ParaNorman Reblog

Exciting news!

I recently had the opportunity to write for the Animation World Network. In the article, ParaNorman’s Mitch: The First Family-Friendly Gay Animated Character, I look at the changes that have taken place in American animated theatrical releases in the past twenty years to allow for the first out animated character. This has been a wonderful experience, and I’m so thankful for all the feedback I received from Dan Sarto while writing. The article was just published today : ) 

Check it out HERE.

Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse

Is the Brave Redesign Sexist?

If you wander through the parts of the interweb where gender in animation is discussed (or any Disney Princess forums), you probably already heard about this before the Huffington Post wrote about it.

Merida, from Brave, got a marketing makeover and it's making some people very mad. So, what's the big deal?

 

Well, the picture above is one I modified to prove a point, here is the real design:

 



She has more adult facial proportions, less vibrant hair, a thinner waist, a larger bust, more defined curves, and a sexier outfit that is lower cut and slides down her shoulders.

I have a lot to discuss about this, but currently am short on time (so this is just a teaser), but in the next couple days I will post an article looking at Brave, the Disney Princesses and marketing to little girls.

Gender Ratio 2008-2012

Study: Gender Ratio in Family Targeting American Theatrical Animation

Year: 2008 - 2012

Looking at only American, or American/Foreign Coproduced Animated Films Rated G or PG that were released in at least 500 theaters in the U.S.

 53 Movies Released

Gender Ratio (part 5)

Study: Gender Ratio in Family Targeting American Theatrical Animation

 Year: 2012

 Looking at only American, or American/Foreign Coproduced Animated Films Rated G or PG that were released in at least 500 theaters in the U.S.

 10 Movies Released:

 Dr. Suess’ the Lorax, The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted , Brave, Ice Age: Continental Drift, ParaNorman, Hotel Transylvania, Frankenweenie, Wreck-it Ralph! , Rise of the Guardians

Gender Ratio (part 4)

Study: Gender Ratio in Family Targeting American Theatrical Animation

Year: 2011

 

Looking at only American, or American/Foreign Coproduced Animated Films Rated G or PG that were released in at least 500 theaters in the U.S.  

12 Movies Released:  

Gnomeo & Juliet, Rango, Mars Needs Moms, Rio, Hoodwinked Too, Kung Fu Panda 2, Cars 2, Winnie the Pooh, Puss in Boots, Happy Feet Two, Arthur Christmas, Tintin, 

Fact Check: Only 13 Female Protagonists

"Between 1937 and 2005 there were only 13 female protagonists in animated movies."

I stumbled upon this quote that's been floating around, originating from Miss Representation, though I can no longer find it on their site. There doesn't seem to be any source material backing it up. I feel like this is why it is so important to get some raw data out there about gender statistics in animation, because there isn't a lot to go off of at the moment.