How would bootlegging the current cartoonslop be any better? The closest I can think of to this happening already is the few people on YouTube making fanart of the beta version of Disney's Wish, when the star was still a cute boy that fell in love with Asha, but that's not exactly inspiring a giant movement afaik.
If Hollywood's animation studios decline, future animators should explore underground, independent avenues, free from corporate rules, toxicity, and exploitation. American animation's recovery seems unlikely through traditional means. One solution might be relocating animation production to countries where creators have greater autonomy. Alternatively, genuine, impactful protests are needed, going beyond superficial actions.
Illicit, independent creation offers another path. While major studios like Warner Bros., Disney, and Dreamworks might face bankruptcy, animators could self-educate and utilize open-source software like Blender, which has gained recognition for its animation capabilities, potentially inspiring new styles.
Although 3D modeling has been criticized, advancements in Blender allow for the creation of 3D animations that mimic 2D styles, offering a cost-effective and time-saving alternative. Talented individuals could recreate both 2D and 3D styles effectively. Better media can be produced independently.
This transition might take decades, occurring long after current generations are gone. However, future animators, whether descendants of established animators or independent artists, could find opportunities in underground studios, utilizing Blender (which also supports 2D art) for its reusable models and cel-shaded aesthetics, even simulating high-budget film scenes. Humanity has a history of rebuilding and innovating.
From my perspective, there is certainly a market for high-quality, illegal, underground bootleg media that surpasses official products. It's not a question of if, but when. One of these days, the Deep Web and piracy sites will start producing their own high-quality illegal bootlegs of anime and cartoons, which may lean towards either left or right-wing narratives. Additionally, the Public Domain might contribute to this trend in the future, but that's a topic for another discussion.
