I chose an iconic scene from Dreamworks’s Animation Studio.
The Prince of Egypt released in 1998, and was a pivotal part in the technological advancements of animation. The movie was made to be a grand masterpiece with an epic sense of scale. A primary goal was expand the aesthetic boundaries of animation, as stated in the production documentary. Animators traveled to Egypt to study, and background artists went to Death Valley to paint. Many famous actors were cast such as Jeff Goldblum and Patrick Stewart. Direct inspiration was taken from painters Gustav Doré and Claude Monet to shape the feel of the film. Much of the process was taking from the best art has to offer.

https://youtu.be/GJleW4TCQM0?si=np4ybywxx0TW8LsN

The characters are animated in the traditional 2D dimensional fashion, but placed in 3D environments. The crew was able to do this thanks to a tool called the Exposure Camera.
You can watch the interview with Doug Keller, the Plague Sequence Lead at 1:43 below.
https://youtu.be/_EHP5eVkH6Y?si=RVjFRQ4-9KPDYrJO



IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY: The Prince of Egypt’s production enabled 2D characters to move around in digital 3d environments, and have the camera follow those characters.


UNIQUENESS: It’s a climatic scene, but it’s a montage. The two main combatants never duke it out with their fists. It’s a plea for freedom, with the main antagonist constantly choosing to deny it, holding out until he can’t anymore. There’s also a great use of red and blue color contrast. Normally red is used for the side of evil, but in this movie, I believe it symbolized the power and terror brought upon Egypt.



PERSONAL IMPORTANCE: The movie holds many core values that animated films seem to be dismissing. A sense of grand scale, a proper balance of serious, joyous, and comedic tone all make this one of the greatest 2d animated films.

Animators

Plague sequence
Sequence leads – Doug Ikeler, Rosana Lyons

Animators – John Huey, Jane Smethurst

Digital effects – Bob Lyss

Assistants – Mark Asai, Noe Garcia, Helen Javan, Susan B. Keane, Chris Kurshbaum, Chance Lane, John Mc.Farlane, Juile Penman. Chris Trorey

WORKS CITED

‘The Prince of Egypt’ Directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells DreamWorks Animation Dec. 16 1998


https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120794/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0594883/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk