Development // Look back at Research and Influences

I took two approaches to my research and development into this project. The first focused on artistic influences, such as films that had used themes of segregation based on character identity or racism. The second focused on Civil Rights movements and past examples of stereotypes reenforced by prejudices from the media.

Here's a break down of the research I found useful to this projects script development:

Artistic Influences 

Before I began writing the script for the animation or even thinking about a storyline, I began looking at animations that included themes of racism, segregation and prejudices against minorities. I was particularly interested in exploring the way these themes were represented within animations aimed at younger audiences as well as animations that focused on the story from the perspective of the minority character. I also looked into films that dealt with the theme of 'us and them', as I found this reoccurring theme very interesting when introduced to a younger audience.

'Zootopia' focuses on a utopia full of anthropomorphic animals, however the original plot of the theme wasn't such a 'utopia'. The early concept focused on predator characters being forced to wear 'tame collars' (shock collars) which prevented them from demonstrating what is seen as unacceptable behavior by society, such as becoming too excited or angry.  In order live with the minority within their society which is in this story are the predators, pray animals have forced them to wear a collar which hurts them if they become too 'emotional'. Taking the predictors rights to express themselves, because of prejudices against them that all predators are violent and dangerous, segregation forms. The collars were removed because of early criticisms that it prevented the audience from loving the setting of the film and prevented them from finding the film enjoyable. Instead the writers focused on animal stereotypes. I loved the original concept for this movie however completely understand it wouldn't of been an enjoyable animation, considering it was aimed at children. In the final cut this film remains an allegory for segregation and hate towards minority groups, despite having the shock collars removed. The main character being a rabbit which battles with stereotyping against her, that she can't accomplish the same things that a larger animal can because she's a 'bunny'. There's a scene in which she explains to another animal that calling her a 'bunny' is offensive, if said by someone who isn't a bunny. Throughout the film this character proves she's more than a 'bunny' and accomplishes her goals. What I got from this movie was the inspiration to represent stereotyping and prejudices against others, written for a younger audience.

 'Cats Don't Dance' is similar animated film aimed at a younger audience which focuses on the same theme of 'us and them' however unlike 'Zootopia' the minorities are all animals and the segregation is within the art industry - which is hugely similar to what my concept ended up settling on as a basic idea. The film focuses on animals being unable to be anything more than stereotypes of themselves in the film industry, because that's the only parts written for them. In the end the animals re-take to their dreams and have an opportunity to show they are more than their stereotypes, in which they are successful in achieving their goals. 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' and 'Fantastic Mr Fox' are films I also looked into and found inspirational, however instead of challenging stereotyping the film deals with the theme of 'us and them'. These films also see characters with prejudices against them successfully achieving their goals whilst remaining proud and honest about their identities as 'others'.

I also found several animations I found on YouTube had an influence on what I ended up writing. 'One Sweet World' is a Ben and Jerrys AD which has an obvious relation to Trumps election in 2016, where a character (a lemon) promotes a sour world in which berries and sweeter things aren't welcome and should leave. Characters form an equal world in the end, after accepting each others differences and working together for a 'sweeter world'. The AD all over promotes the acceptance of others and a better future together, despite differences. Another animation on Youtube 'Rainbow Connections' is a music video animated by Lindsay and Alex Small-Butera, which promotes the normalisation/acceptance of same sex marriage, at a time where same sex marriage was still being fought for in the US. The animation focuses on the developing relationship between two characters who are both male. The promotion of same-sex relationship acceptance is promoted by the characters and their relationship not being treated as any different than a heterosexual relationship. 'Aquarium' is another animated film (this time a student film) which focuses on the relationship between two male characters and their experience with each other out in public. What's unique about this story is that it focuses on homophobia yet doesn't contain any, besides mentions. No characters off screen act homophonically towards the two characters, however one acts nervous and distant about being 'public' in their relationship - this character also expresses shame over feeling this way, admitting he can't be 'out' just yet to this boyfriend. The film ends with the pair showing public affection towards one another as a cuddle. This animation took me by surprise as I already knew it focused on LGBT themes, but instead of focusing on homophobia towards characters - the story focused on gay characters acting shamefully about being gay and wanting to be normal, because of homophobia they're aware of. 

Over all, the animated films I found most influential focused on themes of homophobia and racism, leading to segregation of a character or that character experiencing a struggle to active goals because of their identity. Homophobic was shown within the animation not within an scene where a character was treated differently or abused because of their sexually but with the characters reaction to expressing their sexuality, fearing it'll end in abuse from others; shown well in the 'Aquarium' animation. Stereotyping from characters towards a group of others, such as the stereotyping of the 'toons' in Who Framed Rodger Rabbit, as a lower group is a perfect metaphor for racism that's more appropriate for younger audiences than a more realistic depiction of the theme; such as 12 Years A Slave, which contains on screen abuse, torture, racist slurs and enslavement of a man because of the colour of his skin - which is of course inappropriate for younger audiences.  So films that communicate racism and the wrongness of it to children, in a way that is appropriate considering their age within animation is a wonderful thing. Of course children should know the reality of current social issues, however it's one thing talking about equality to children and another writing for children about the subject in a way that understand.

I've also found a number of live action films influential to this project which I've discovered quite recently. 'A United Country' is a film that focuses on the historical relationship between Seretse Khama and Ruth Kahama who sparked controversy after marrying in the 1940's. The film focuses on the pairs relationship, as a black man and a white woman. Seretse Khama being next in line for king in a region in South Africa during the segregation in the south of blacks and whites. The pair fight for equality and in the end active freedom for their kingdom and their relationship as a mixed race couple. 'Hidden Figures' focuses on black women working within NASA and fighting to active their goals, despite living in a time where segregation was still present. The film focuses on three historical women who achieved land marks for equal treatment of women and of people of colour. Both films present historical moments of the equal rights movement to audiences in order to educate as well as entertain. These films are of course important, as they present historical moments that are important to keep in circulation of knowledge however aren't very appealing to younger audiences. The BBC series 'In The Flesh' focused on a post-zombie apocalyptic setting, where zombies are 'cured' and remain undead. This creates an 'us' and 'them' setting, which can be compared to the two films I've mentioned above as it creates a setting where characters are abused, segregated from others and treated with hate because of their identity. This series was aimed at an older teen audience and it's story setting is the perfect interest for that age group. The show also features LGBT themes and references to the main characters experiences with homophobia in the part and now prejudices with him being 'other'. 

It's also worth mentioning as well as a countless number of online comics I've found on social media that feature themes about representation of minorities and it's importance, one of the most influential to this project can be found here - How I learned To Draw Black People Like Me. The comic is featured on Buzz feed, created for the website by illustrator Nicole Miles. The article features her comic, where she speaks about the representation of black people in anime and her struggle with enjoying the art style but realising it's lack of black characters that didn't fall under stereotypes. It's an interesting read, from the perspective of a black creative about representation within a Japanese art form and her relationship with that.