Research into animated feature films about autism.

Funnily enough I could not find many. In my dissertation, I focused on Disney like many of the major companies, including Disney they have not been brave enough.

I have included some research on some of the information I have found.

1) The transporters “Animation DVD to help children with autism recognise human emotions.”
2) A is for Autism.
3) Creature discomforts.
4) Simon Mc Keown: motion disabled.
5) John Stienback “Of Mice and Men.”

Rough Animatic

This is the first rough animatic for my animation. The timing and a few sounds effects are on it, but not the voice over.

The improvments that I need to for the finald animatic would be to do two versions of it, one with subtitles, and one with none. The reason why I'm making two is becasue I wanted to experement to see which one would be better to view, and if it works right i could be using either one or the other.

Character Designs amd Reseach

Date: Done on 19/07/09.

Copyright.

My final scenes were to include a small scene by Walt Disney’s “Steamboat Willie.”

The reason behind this, is I have been influenced by Disney’s work, his drive, ambitions and work have inspired me to be an animator. I was hopeful that I could use this image to promote autism.

I wrote a letter. Their response was disappointing and I was unable to use this image. So I had to think of another way to finish the film positively. My response is to create a character of myself, based on the character of that era.

I have placed myself on a boat similar to Mickey Mouse, however this boat represents my own particular journey into “Life and hopeful employment” as an animator.

Steamboat Willie Character

Because of the disappointment from Walt Disney Studios I am unable to use Mickey Mouse and/or Walt Disney, so I had to come up with a character similar but different.

I have kept the character in mono-chrome to look as similar to the characters of the 1930’s of which influenced the world of animation.

I have focused my work on a disability as seen in my dissertation, this topic does not like to be tackled by major animation companies which again supports my argument that Disney does not reflect today’s society.

Story Board

Date: Done the 05/09/09

Story Ideas

Introduction.

After looking at a specific subject/project I could focus on, I believed I could deliver an educational animation based on my own specific learning difficulty.

My intention and aim is to educate others in what is autism, how it affects people and more importantly how we can enable people with autism to accepted into our often critical and judgemental society.

Personally I feel I have been able to look at me, how I work, what affected that has had and then change to enable me to succeed. Colleagues will tell you I can get easily side tracked into other areas, I rarely accept criticisms positively, and I sometimes have traits which some people refuse to accept.

I can come across as eccentric. By putting my own experiences down I am hopeful it will enable others to come forward for help, advice and support.

Professionally I am hopeful this tool will help others to accept people like me. Lets face it the world would be a very dull place if we were all the same, wouldn’t it?

“Acceptance. It is the true thing everyone longs for. The one thing everyone craves. To walk in a room and to be greeted by everyone with hugs and smiles. And in that small passing moment, you truly know you're loved, needed, and accepted.” by Rena Harmon.

I have named the project ACCEPTANCE.

Acceptance of all of us who are different.
Acceptance of Autism.
Acceptance of me.
Acceptance by me.

Research into animated feature films about autism.

Funnily enough I could not find many. In my dissertation, I focused on Disney like many of the major companies, including Disney they have not been brave enough.

I have included some research on some of the information I have found.

• The transporters “Animation DVD to help children with autism recognise human emotions.”
• A is for Autism.
• Creature discomforts.
• Simon Mc Keown: motion disabled.
• John Stienback “Of Mice and Men.”

A For Acceptance

Date: 09/10/09
I have decided to focus my project this year on Autisim.
I have included a short DVD to describe why and how I have chosen this very emotive subject.



What is Autism?

I often get very confused by people’s misconceptions of what autism is? If I had a £1 for every time someone said to me “isn’t that about The Rain Man and been able to count vast numbers?” I would be very rich.

Some autistic people have qualities like Dustin Hoffman in The Rain Man film, but many others do not.

I have included some detailed information to clarify certain points. How it particularly affects me will be highlighted in my animated feature.