John Bray is recognized for breaking down the animation process into distinct roles, which significantly contributed to the development of the animation industry. In the early 20th century, Bray introduced a more systematic approach to animation production, which included the establishment of a more organized studio environment.
By defining specific roles for animators, background artists, and in-betweeners, Bray's methods allowed for greater efficiency and specialization within the animation workflow. This division of labor not only streamlined the production process but also facilitated the growth of animation as a commercial enterprise. His pioneering work laid the groundwork for the studio systems that many animation studios would adopt in the following decades, including Disney.
In contrast, while other animators like Max Fleischer, Walt Disney, and Tex Avery made significant contributions to animation, their focus often centered on creativity, innovation in storytelling, or character design rather than the organizational structure of animation production itself. Thus, Bray's contributions in this area are distinctly marked and influential in the history of animation.