The Intersection of Animation and Curation: Exploring the Themes of "Zootopia" and the Importance of Human Curation in the Creator Economy

The Intersection of Animation and Curation: Exploring the Themes of "Zootopia" and the Importance of Human Curation in the Creator Economy

In the realm of animation, there are few who can match the creativity and storytelling prowess of Disney. One individual who has long been a fan of Disney's animated films is John Lasseter, the renowned animator and filmmaker. However, it had been quite some time since Disney had produced a film that fully embodied Lasseter's love for talking animals, bipedal locomotion, and animals dressed in human clothing, with the exception of the recent "Winnie the Pooh" remake. Since Lasseter's return to Disney in 2006, there had been a noticeable absence of "Lasseter's talking animals."

But then came "Zootopia," a film that not only captured Lasseter's vision but also delved into a profound theme - discrimination. Directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and co-directed by Jared Bush, "Zootopia" showcased a rare phenomenon in the world of animated filmmaking - multiple directors at the helm. While it may have been tempting to attribute this to Lasseter's creative influence, the film's development journey was far more complex.

Before diving into the creation of "Zootopia," it is worth mentioning a fascinating fact that emerged during extensive research for the film. It was discovered that 90% of mammals are prey animals, while only 10% are predators. This intriguing ratio provided the foundation for the creation of a diverse and inclusive narrative centered around the dynamics between the majority and minority in society.

With the voice cast and production team in place, "Zootopia" became an unstoppable force hurtling towards its release date in March 2016. The pressure was on for Disney to uphold its reputation, and there was no room for delay. At this stage, it seemed like there was no turning back, and everyone involved in the production believed as much.

However, in November 2013, a pivotal moment occurred during a screening with individuals from Pixar. Andrew Stanton made a profound statement, expressing his dissatisfaction with the world of "Zootopia" and the treatment of the character Nick. He questioned, "I don't like this world. It's too harsh on Nick. The audience sees everything through Nick's eyes. So, why wouldn't I want Nick to leave this city? Who would want to live in a world that makes Nick's life so difficult?"

Stanton's words sparked a realization among the filmmakers that the world they had created needed to be reevaluated. It was a wake-up call that emphasized the importance of empathy and the impact a character's experiences can have on the audience. Rich Moore echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that working in a studio requires a collective effort, where everyone must be willing to contribute to the next project, even if it means temporarily putting aside their current tasks.

This notion of collaboration and collective effort resonates with the concept of curation. In the realm of content creation, algorithms may be capable of curating vast amounts of information, but the future lies in human-to-human interaction. Human curators bridge the gap between creators and consumers, filtering through the overwhelming abundance of content to provide relevant and valuable information.

The creator economy has seen remarkable growth, with record funding of $1.3 billion in 2021 alone. As more creators emerge online, the cost of content creation continues to decrease. However, amidst this sea of content, the role of curators becomes increasingly crucial. Curation is one of the three pillars of information commerce, alongside creation and consumption. It requires time, attention, and a deep understanding of the audience's needs to curate content effectively.

Rishikesh Sreehari, founder of Glasp, emphasizes the significance of curation, stating, "The future lies in the intersection of Content Curation, Knowledge Management, and Community." In a world where information overload is a constant challenge, human curators provide a valuable service by curating content that is relevant, insightful, and tailored to the specific interests and needs of their audience.

In light of these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace the Power of Empathy: Just as "Zootopia" underwent a transformative journey by recognizing the importance of empathizing with its characters, content creators should strive to understand their audience's perspectives and experiences. By empathizing with their audience, creators can create content that resonates deeply and fosters a strong connection.

• 2. Invest in Human Curation: While algorithms can automate certain aspects of content curation, the human touch remains unparalleled. Consider incorporating human curation into your content strategy to provide a personalized and curated experience for your audience. This can involve collaborating with curators or taking on the role yourself, depending on the scale of your operation.

• 3. Prioritize Collaboration and Community: Just as the creators of "Zootopia" recognized the importance of collective effort, content creators should prioritize collaboration and community-building. Engage with your audience, seek feedback, and involve them in the content creation process. By fostering a sense of community, you can establish a loyal following and gain valuable insights that can enhance your content.

In conclusion, the creation of "Zootopia" and the rise of the curator economy highlight the significance of empathy, collaboration, and human curation. As content creators navigate the ever-expanding digital landscape, embracing these principles can elevate their work and forge meaningful connections with their audience. By curating content that is not only informative but also emotionally resonant, creators can make a lasting impact in the creator economy.