The Function of Visual Rules in “Limited Animation” Based on the Theories of Donald Crofton and Abdulqaher Jorjani (Case Study: Animations “The Spy * Family” and “The Apothecary Diaries”)

Amir-shahkarami, Sayed Najmedin; Shafiei, Frough-o-sadat

doi:10.22085/javm.2025.520032.2320

The Function of Visual Rules in “Limited Animation” Based on the Theories of Donald Crofton and Abdulqaher Jorjani (Case Study: Animations “The Spy * Family” and “The Apothecary Diaries”)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Sayed Najmedin Amir-shahkarami ¹

Frough-o-sadat Shafiei ²

¹ Animation &amp; Cinema Dep., Faculty of Art &amp; Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

² Animation and Cinema, Faculty of art and architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

10.22085/javm.2025.520032.2320

Abstract

Many Animated TV series have got the attention of viewers all over the world, and attention to these productions is increasing by the spreading communication on the web environment. Being in this lucrative market requires competing with other studios and utilizing suitable production methods for TV media and web environment. Therefore, in the limited animation method, filmmakers use tactics according to the features of the target media to produce animation faster and at a lower cost and the output attract the viewers well and communicate sustainably with them. One of these tactics is the use of visual conventions, which, in addition to reducing the cost and time of production, increases the attractiveness of the work. The purpose of this research, which was conducted with a qualitative method and a descriptive and analytical approach, is to cognize the visual conventions and their application in the limited animation method. Along with reviewing the origin of visual conventions and condition of creating them, to clarify the effectiveness of these tactics, the Spy x Family has been chosen as a successful example. The gestures and movements of the characters have displayed by applying visual conventions in this animated series. The findings of the research show how these tactics have implemented the animation strategies of this series and what effect their application has had on the attractiveness of the work. Artificial intelligence technology also has a critical role in developing limited animation strategies and tactics.

Keywords

Limited animation

TV and web series animation

visual tropes conventions

figurative performance

Spy X Family