Academic Journal
Animators and animals: john halas, joy batchelor, and george orwell's Animal Farm.
| Title: | Animators and animals: john halas, joy batchelor, and george orwell's Animal Farm. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Leab, Daniel J. (AUTHOR) danleab@earthlink.net |
| Source: | Historical Journal of Film, Radio & Television. Jun2005, Vol. 25 Issue 2, p231-249. 19p. |
| Abstract: | This article reports that the brouhaha over the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) funding of a cultural Cold War against the Soviet Union has obscured various projects that benefited from the infusion of those dollars. The CIA's interest in waging psychological warfare against the Soviets, in winning over the undecided, and reinforcing the commitment of allies led to the funding of Great Britain's first feature length cartoon. Using the agency's funds the noted American film producer Louis de Rochemont commissioned John Halas and Joy Batchelor to animate George Orwell's book titled "Animal Farm." In Great Britain, the main uses of animation film were for instruction in certain scientific and industrial fields, education, propaganda, and especially advertising. Both the commercial and official underwriters of animation who worked with Halas and Batchelor had commissioned propaganda of one sort or another, whether it was designed to sell a product or an idea. They had found Halas and Batchelor to be an effective husband and wife team, recognized as being clever, earnest, energetic, imaginative, and hard working. By the early 1950s, Halas and Batchelor had achieved a certain renown, both as a company and as individuals; in their own sphere they were highly regarded for their efficient and highly individual artistry. |
| Subject Terms: | Animated films, Caricatures & cartoons |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom |
| People: | Halas, John, Batchelor, Joy, Orwell, George, 1903-1950 |
| ISSN: | 01439685 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/01439680500138001 |
| Database: | Communication & Mass Media Complete |
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