Early animation refers to the initial efforts to create moving images, primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Pioneers like Émile Cohl and J. Stuart Blackton used simple techniques such as hand-drawn images and stop-motion to produce short films. These early works laid the foundation for the animation industry. One of the first significant animated films was Gertie the Dinosaur, created by Winsor McCay in 1914. This film showcased the potential of animation as a storytelling medium. As technology advanced, animation evolved, leading to the development of more complex techniques and eventually the beloved animated features we know today.