United Productions of America (UPA)

The UPA, previously called The Screen Cartoonists Guild, was formed in 1938 by a group of animators who had previously quit Disney Studios as a result of a strike regarding the lengthy processes they had to go through to create their animations. However, their style was different to that of Disney's, namely it was more simple and stylised; often think-lined. They also used distorted perspectives and a strong use of story and voice. Limited animation is also used to reduce the amount of drawings used to make the animation, so therefore the cost reduced as well.

The Dover Boys of Pimento University (1942) is a Merry Melodies cartoon, directed by Chuck Jones. It is an example of how the UPA used limited animation in their cartoons. This is evident by the fact there are a number of places in the cartoon where backgrounds are shown with no moving character in front of them for a longer amount of time than would normally be used. It is also very noticeable when the woman, Dora Stanpipe, walk down the stairs in her house and just slides along the floor as opposed to having any kind of walk cycle, which I did find a little irritating, but it was still funny in a way. Despite the animating on the cheap, the cartoon still works as a whole because of its strong use of story and the humorous gags it pulls out; especially when Dora Stanpipe is screaming for help, but at the same time is quite ably beating up her kidnapper.

The Magic Fluke (1948) is another early example of UPA's limited animation. In this cartoon, the limited animation is far less evident than in The Dover Boys of Pimento University, however it is also less funny, although the story is still very strong.

Gerald McBoing Boing (1951) is a great example of how using limited animation can be very effective, and is one of UPA's most famous series. The characters are very simple and stylised, and the backgrounds are not fully drawn in, but I think it actually gives a really nice atmosphere and style to the cartoon. The story to the cartoon is pretty cute, which matches the simple, cute style of the characters and backgrounds. The limited pallet of colour also works great because the colours used are all mostly neutral and therefore they go together well; the fact that parts of the background and characters are not coloured in only adds to the charm.

Mr Magoo (1949) is another of UPA's most famous animated series. Like Gerald McBoing Boing, this cartoon has partly coloured-in backgrounds, again adding to this original style. This also has a very simple concept, which matches the simple style and makes it easy and light-hearted to watch.