Computer-Generated Animation in Feature Films

SIGGRAPH

Key event for organizing talent and research.

TRON (1982)

First film with significant CGI scenes.

Steven Lisberger

Conceptualized TRON inspired by PONG.

Ron Miller

Disney executive who distributed TRON.

MAGI

Studio recruited for TRON's CGI development.

Tripe-I

Studio involved in TRON's CGI production.

Mathematical Applications Group, Inc.

Specialized in outputting computer graphics.

Software standardization

1990s trend improving production efficiency.

1st-gen VFX

Used miniatures and animatronics in films.

Willis O'Brien

Pioneered early visual effects techniques.

Douglas Trumbull

Supervised VFX for 2001: A Space Odyssey.

John Dykstra

Developed motion-control system for Star Wars.

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)

Founded by George Lucas in 1975.

Dykstraflex

Motion-control system developed for Star Wars.

The Abyss

Pioneering digital effects film by ILM.

Dennis Muren

Worked on VFX for The Abyss.

Stan Winston Studio

Collaborated on effects for Terminator 2.

Koshechka (1968)

First CGI film depicting realistic cat movement.

David Zeltzer

Researched hierarchical programming for skeletal rigs.

Jumping George

Debuted at SIGGRAPH, showcasing early skeletal animation.

Rebecca Allen

Animator known for realistic human motion in CGI.

Swimmer (1981)

First realistic animation of swimming movements.

Musique Non Stop

Kraftwerk music video featuring early facial animation.

Neptune

Farthest planet from the Sun in our solar system.

80

Created by Gary Demos and others, showcasing motion-capture.

Motion-Capture

Technique capturing real juggler's movements for animation.

Raster Imagery

Image representation using pixels, superior to vector graphics.

Tony de Peltrie

1985 film demonstrating early inverse kinematics techniques.

Inverse Kinematics

Technique for simulating lifelike movement in animations.

Facial Animation

Based on 20 scanned photographs of human expressions.

3D Character Animation

Milestone showing digitized characters expressing emotions.

Brilliance

1985 animation aired during Super Bowl, by Robert Abel.

Custom Software

Used for nearly every component in Brilliance animation.

Motion Tracking

Technique filming real subjects to track movements.

Rotoshop

Technique interpolating between keyframes for animation.

Bob Sabiston

Inventor of Rotoshop, used in Waking Life.

Into the Uncanny Valley

Phenomenon where realistic characters appear unnatural.

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

First photorealistic animated feature film, directed by Sakaguchi.

Aki Ross

First photorealistic CGI actress, featured in multiple films.

Maxim's Hot 100

Aki Ross was the first digital character listed.

Weta Digital

VFX studio founded by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger.

Peter Jackson

Director collaborated with Weta Digital on various films.

Avatar

2009 film innovating facial data capture and virtual camera.

James Cameron

Directed Avatar, utilizing real-time virtual camera technology.

WAR IS OVER!

Animated short by Weta, moving beyond photo-realism.

John Lasseter

Pioneering animator, created award-winning films at CalArts.

Tron

1982 film that inspired Lasseter's interest in CGI.

MAGI Collaboration

Worked with Lasseter on CGI sequence for Wild Things.

John Lasseter

Pioneering animator and director at Pixar.

The Brave Little Toaster

1980 film pitched by Lasseter using CGI.

Termination in 1983

Lasseter was fired for not consulting supervisors.

Ed Catmull

Co-founder of Lucasfilm's Graphics Group.

Alvy Ray Smith

Co-founder of Lucasfilm's Graphics Group.

The Adventures of André & Wally B

First CGI film applying animation principles.

Squash and Stretch

Animation principle demonstrating flexibility and weight.

Smears and Motion-Blur

Techniques adding dynamic movement to animations.

Pixar

Company founded by Steve Jobs in 1986.

Luxo Jr.

1986 short film showcasing character design advancements.

Red's Dream

1987 short film highlighting CGI technology.

Tin Toy

1988 short film featuring early CGI character.

Knick Knack

1989 short film using procedural animation techniques.

Procedural Animation

Computer-driven animation for complex sequences.

REYES Algorithm

Shading algorithm developed in 1987 for CGI.

Menv

Fluid interpolation technique for character movement.

CAPS

Computer Animation Production System for digital cel-painting.

The Little Mermaid

First film using CAPS technology in 1989.

Toy Story

1995 film, Pixar's first fully CGI feature.

Hard Plastic Surfaces

Ideal materials for computer-generated rendering.

Digital Ink and Paint

Technique replacing traditional cel-painting in animation.

Procedural Texture

Technique for generating textures algorithmically.

RenderMan Shader

Software for rendering 3D graphics.

Soft Textures

Realistic materials that simulate softness and movement.

Varied Environments

Diverse settings enhancing visual storytelling.

Ensemble Cast

Large group of characters in a narrative.

Product-Placement

Marketing strategy integrating products into films.

Boomer Toys

Classic toys experiencing renewed sales post-film release.

Bugs as CGI Characters

Ideal due to their simple, hard-bodied structure.

Data Processing

Computational analysis required for complex animations.

Direct-to-Video Sequel

Film initially intended for home video release.

Theatrical Success

Film achieving significant box office revenue.

Texture Improvement

Enhanced visual detail in character design.

Award-Winning Shorts

Short films recognized for excellence in animation.

Disney Acquisition

Disney's purchase of Pixar in 2006.

Steve Jobs

Disney's largest individual shareholder post-acquisition.

Brenda Chapman

First female director at Pixar for Brave.

Domee Shi

Director of Pixar's Turning Red, first female director.

DreamWorks SKG

Animation studio co-founded by Spielberg, Katzenberg, Geffen.

Antz

Second all-3D CGI feature in U.S. history.

The Prince of Egypt

Brenda Chapman's directorial debut and DreamWorks' first 2D feature.

Aardman Collaboration

Partnership producing stop-motion and CGI films.

Pacific Data Images

Animation company known for visual effects and software.

Morphing Sequence

Visual effect used in Michael Jackson's music video.

PDI

Created CGI films like Gas Planet (1992).

DreamWorks

Acquired PDI in 2000 for CGI production.

Antz

First co-production between PDI and DreamWorks (1998).

Shrek

Won first Oscar for Best Animated Feature (2001).

The Gulag

Warehouse where animators worked on Shrek.

Katzenberg

Limited Shrek's budget and hired college graduates.

Fluid simulation

Technology for realistic water movement in animation.

Raytracing

Technique for simulating light bounce in CGI.