Which animator's work significantly influenced the animation industry prior to the mid-20th century?

John Bray was a pioneering figure in the animation industry and played a crucial role in its development long before the mid-20th century. His work in the 1910s and 1920s helped establish standard practices in animation production, such as the use of the cel animation technique, which allowed for more fluid and efficient animation. Bray was also instrumental in the business side of animation; he created one of the first animation studios, which set a precedent for how animated films could be produced commercially.

Bray not only developed techniques that improved the quality of animation but also emphasized the importance of distribution and marketing within the industry. His innovations laid the groundwork for future animators and studios, influencing subsequent generations, including those who would work in the later golden age of animation, such as Walt Disney and Max Fleischer. This historical context solidifies John Bray's impact on the animation industry before the mid-20th century, making him a vital figure in its early history.