Production, Distribution and Exhibition

Production-
The production of any type of animated short film is a very time consuming process. Animations used to only be completely hand drawn, meaning that each and every movement had to be drawn out, resulting in hundreds, often thousands of drawings. Most animations that are produced now tend to be more 3D and are made using special computer programs. This is still a very time consuming process though and is much more expensive. Financially, animated films can be expensive to make due to the amount of time they take to produce, and also the programs that they use to edit.

Distribution-
Many animated short film/ programs that are seen on TV are made by small independent companies. They are often just shown on TV however the more popular ones are now being released on DVD and are available to buy on sites such as i-tunes, along with a range of ancillary products. Short animated films are often produced by large film conglomerates such as Pixar and Disney. These are often distributed as an extra on a DVD with a relevant feature film. Some are also distributed to cinemas and are shown after or during the end credits of the film.

Exhibition-
Cartoons/ animations considered to only be for children however some appeal to adults as well. When cartoons such as Tom and Jerry were and Looney Tunes were on they appealed to a wide target audience as the were broadcast at a time which was suitable to most people. These cartoons were often shown at the end of the time when children's programs were shown, just before it changed to adult programs for instance the news. This meant that adults would often tune in just as the cartoon was on so that they didn't miss the start of their program. However the cartoons that were shown at this time were more appealing to adults as many had the combination of perhaps an every day task that working people carry out and also comical elements to appeal to the younger audience.