FDA Media Practice

Research Proposal

Topic: Propaganda Animation

By Tara Peak

My aim is to explore why propaganda created a dramatic change within the representation of anthropomorphic characters during the 2nd world war? Objectives:
1. To Explore the role of the animation industry thriving during the 2nd World War, with reference to the effects of propaganda and the changes it caused within the industry. 2. To Analyse the role of Anthropomorphic characters within Propaganda including an in-depth exploration into Disneys Donald Duck, and assessing his success within animated propaganda films . 3. To discuss and analyse the affects of Speciesism on a national scale, as a result of the anthropomorphic figures used in propaganda. 4. To evaluate the overall success of anthropomorphic characters within propaganda and its affects on society, discussing the impact this still has within the Wars of today.

Relevance of Research
Target for this research: Year 3 dissertation. Aimed at other animation/film degree students.

Relevance of topic: The interest of anthropomorphism. Can animated characters likability affect society? Can animation reflect a society.
Relevance of time period: A focused example. obtainable research material.

Behind this strategy is the idea that to depict someone as an animal is to strip away their humanness, their humanity. (LaMarre, 2008, p75)

Informing my Work
Knowledge: An improved academic view on animation. In-depth understanding of character design in animation. Apply this critical analysis and knowledge to Specialist Project.

Practical: Knowledge to produce more readable character designs.

Methodology
Qualitative Data:
Why not Quantitative data? Produces more in-depth, comprehensive information. (Key, 1997) Possibly too subjective? Naturalistic

Methods
Analysis of records and documentation Textual analysis Analysis on animated films/clips/images Case studies Personal and focused Interviews discussion groups

Secondary Research
Main source of research. Limited.

Primary Research
Supporting theories and research.

Management of Research
Schedule of work.
Action Plan (PDP). Helps keep a record of skills development. A clear and concise document to keep me on track. Regular progress reviews.
Weeks 1. To Analyse the role of Anthropomorphic characters within Propaganda. Research method Qualitative- Secondary Action Note making, drawing up drafts of findings From Journal of animation, 2008. From Doing their Bit War animation (book) Analysing animated films Donald Duck in Der Fuehrer's Face Beginning to produce a case study on specific animated character Donald duck.

Must not be vague!

2. To Analyse the role of Anthropomorphic characters within Propaganda including an in-depth exploration into Disneys Donald Duck, and assessing his success within animated propaganda films .

3- Exploring effects of Propaganda animation

Qualitative- Primary

Interview deadline. Progress review with tutor

Example of a schedule

In conclusion
To Recap Aim: Why propaganda created a dramatic change within the representation of anthropomorphic characters during the 2nd world war?

References
Lamarre, T. (2008) Speciesism, Part 1: Translating Races into Animals in Wartime Animation. Mechademia , 3 (1), p.75. Okstate.edu (1997) Qualitative. [online] Available at: http://www.okstate.edu/ag/agedcm4h/academic/aged5980a/5980/newpage21.h tm [Accessed: 24 Apr 2013].

Unknown. (2012) Ducknazi.jpg. [image online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ducknazi.jpg [Accessed: 17/04/2013].
Unknown. (2012) 7 Wise Dwarfs. [image online] Available at: http://drgrobsanimationreview.com/tag/wwii/ [Accessed: 17/04/2013].