Television animation: an exploration of the contemporary, adult-oriented animation series with a specific study of Drawn Together
Date
2012-08-27
Authors
Barrett, Dean Anthony
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Abstract
This research report aims to identify and explore the various aesthetic, narrative and ideological techniques employed by a specific style of contemporary television animation series, through a close case study of the series Drawn Together. I shall define this animation as the contemporary adult-oriented style, one which has found particular favour with a young, media savvy adult audience and enjoys a mostly cult success in many parts of the world. This style is one which works just as much as a social commentary on various contemporary issues as it does a comedic animated show. The report will provide a historical exploration of this specific style of television animation series by looking at specific other examples, including The Simpsons, Beavis and Butthead and South Park,to create a basis of understanding through which to explore the formulation of Drawn Together. In discussing Drawn Together, the report will also provide a history of Drawn Together’s broadcast channel, Comedy Central, in order to understand the show’s entry into commercial markets and the mass media at large.
Description
M.A. University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities (Digital Arts), 2012