As an extra part of my research, I decided to buy an copy of old Tom & Jerry cartoons that I used to watch when I was younger as reference material for the style I wanted to go for. My plan being to study part of each episode and take down notes on the animation, environment and slapstick to gain a better understanding of what I want for Snatch & Screech.
The DVD in question being the one below:
Below are several examples of notes I had taken down whilst watching the episodes featured in the Classic Collection:
- “MGM Cartoon” Opening
- Film Grain (Can add in Post-Production)
- Tom grabs Jerry with his tail a lot (Can do this with Screech)
- Music matches character movement (Need to find music that can be animated to)
- Exaggerated emotions with the characters. Surprise, gulping, excitement
- Cymbal crash sound effects
- Dust clouds used for fast motion
- Many panning shots with the environment
- All Character movement and emotion is exaggerated.
- Many props are kinetic to the characters and pace of the episode
- Characters can break anatomy for a fun motion
- Slapstick is characterised by Establishment, Timing, Buildup and Pay off.
- Gags don’t need to flow continuously, they can be done in sections.
- Character positioning in the setting is always established before a gag
In addition, below are pictures I have taken of certain frames in these episodes for further inspiration and study.
