SUBMITTED BY uruseiranma

February 19, 2003 — A world where Disney fazes out the once enchanting medium of traditional animation? A world where one of the world's most recognized studios finally lays down their pencils, turns off their light tables, and turns on their computer workstations?

That is the scenario that seems to be summed up best by people in the industry and in an article by Olivier from 'animated-movies.net.'

After the release of 'Brother Bear' in 2003, 'Home on the Range' will seemingly mark the end of Disney's traditionally animated features in 2004. After this, the studios will turn their focus toward the 3D medium, and relegate traditional animation as a tool used primarily overseas in the production of the shamelessly cheap direct-to-video sequels.

A primary reason for this is the amount of money used to create animation here as opposed to overseas. Whereas animated films like 'Lilo & Stitch' and 'Treasure Planet' can cost between $40-100 million+ here, films such as 'Return to Neverland' and 'Jungle Book 2' can be made for $20-30 million in foreign animation costs. The result? Either learn 3D or end up going the way of the dinosaur.

A sad turn of events for those of us who grew up yearning to animate like Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Marc Davis, and many others. The dream of animating for Disney is slowly dying in many people who considered animation as a career.