Tuesdays, ANIMATED INSIGHTS BY SHANNON MUIR takes you inside Shannon’s latest reflections on writing, animation, and life in general. To catch up on all posts, check out the Animated Insights portion of the website! This installment shares her thoughts about heading into the holidays and the prevalence of animation.
Many people complain about how the environment here in the United States skips so quickly from Halloween to the December holiday season, even though its early November. Animation doesn’t quite seem to do this, probably due to a handful of “chestnut” Thanksgiving specials (I’m looking at you, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!)
However, as soon as that day itself passes, it’s all but a guarantee that the adds for Holiday-themed specials – and animated MARATHONS on some cable networks – will come our way. Also, while there don’t seem to be many new items added to the Thanksgiving animation repertoire, there always seems to be at least one new December “holiday” special EVERY year. Some are very specific to Christmas, either from the Christian or the Santa Claus perspective, while some more generically just capture “the spirit of the season”.
This trend doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. On the upside, the need for new December holiday specials means some possibilities for regular employment in the animation industry. The downside is choosing which of the many possibilities to watch, whether new or in re-run.
Enjoy, and until next week!