September theme: The Sound of Animation

Deadline: September 2nd, 2019

Since when, with Steamboat Willie (1928, by Ub Iwerks), the Walt Disney Studios introduced audiences to animation with synchronized sound, the employment of and the functions fulfilled by sound and music within animated films have evolved greatly and the role of the sound editor has grown significantly. Our September theme wishes to map the breadth and variety of uses that can be and have been done of sound and music within animated films, with particular attention to voice. Indeed, while we invite posts exploring the aural dimension of animation from any perspective, particularly welcome are contributions dealing with the vocal component of animated films.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • The approach to sound of a specific animation studio (e.g., Aardman Animation, Disney, DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, Studio Ghibli, and so on);
  • The historical developments of sound in animated works;
  • Voice-over and animation;
  • Voice performance in animated films;
  • Music, songs and animation;
  • Sound effects and animation;
  • Gender, race, nationalism and the voices of animated films;
  • Comedy, animation, and sound;
  • Sound and the animated documentary;
  • The role of the sound editor in animated films and its evolution across time;
  • Contemporary sound design for animated films.

Posts of between 600 and 900 words, which discuss any aspect of the above topic are welcome. Contributors are encouraged to include clips and at least one image to support their posts. Please also include a short bio and 3 keywords. All permissions are the responsibility of the contributor. Please contact the managing editor Cristina Formenti (cristina.formenti@unimi.it) with submissions or questions.