These three drawings are used in sequence and repeated as long as the particular effect that they give is desired.
But bits of dramatic business like these should be used in moderation and in their proper places and always at the right time. Besides, being easily drawn, their accomplishment on the film presents no difficulties.
The several methods by which they can be produced are: (1) To arrange their components in cycles; (2) drawing them in their order under the camera and photographing progressively; (3) have little cut-out pieces to move about under the camera and photographed at each place that they have been moved to.
A CONSTELLATION.
The four simple elements above give on the screen the lively animation indicated by the lower sketch.
Take for instance such a nonsensical conceit as that of having a constellation of stars encircling a dazed man’s head. This could be made by having (1) a cycle of drawings for the effect; or (2) drawing it progressively under the camera over a piece of celluloid; or, again, (3) by having a number of little stars cut out of paper and moved around and manipulated the same as other cut-out models.
The simple elements, 1, 2, and 3, are used with sketch B to give the screen effect shown in A.
One can see from all these particulars that making animated cartoons is not always a matter of drawing, pure and simple. The animator would make very little progress if he were to refuse to take advantage of any proper expedients or tricks to accelerate his work.