There are legends and there are legends. This guy’s both.
A physics and computer science graduate of University of Utah, Dr. Edwin Catmull is one of the true pioneers of modern computer generated imagery. His early work led to his appointment in 1979 as vice president of Lucasfilm’s nascent Computer Division. When Steve Jobs bought the division in 1986 to create Pixar, which was co-founded by Catmull and fellow computer scientist Alvy Ray Smith.
In 2019, Dr. Catmull received the $1 million Turing Award, which he shared with Dr. Pat Hanrahan. He’s the author of the book, “Creativity, Inc.,” which was shortlisted for the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award.
During his career to date, Catmull has received three Academy scientific and engineering and technical achievement awards, an Academy Award of Merit for significant advances to the field of motion picture rendering, and the Academy’s Gorden E. Sawyer Award for lifetime achievement in the field of computer graphics. He was awarded the IEEE John von Neumann Medal and is a fellow of both the Computer History Museum and the Visual Effects Society. He has received the VES Georges Méliès Award, the Annie Awards Ub IwerksAward for Technical Achievement and the PGA’s Vanguard Award, and has been inducted into the VES Hall of Fame.
“We are honored that Ed Catmull is participating in VIEW 2020,” said VIEW Conference director Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez. “He exemplifies the goal of this conference – to bring together scientists and artists who share their knowledge and inspire a new generation of creatives. Dr. Catmull has done that his entire career, from guiding the group of artists and scientists at Pixar Animation Studios to extending that leadership on to Disney Animation. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the VIEW family.”
Dr. Ed Catmull will deliver his keynote speech at the 21st international VIEW Conference, Italy’s premiere event for computer graphics, interactive and immersive storytelling, animation, visual effects, games, and virtual, augmented and mixed reality. VIEW Conference brings top professionals from these fields to Turin, Italy for a week of talks, presentations, and workshops. This year’s conference includes an extensive virtual offering, making it a truly global event.
“Because VIEW Conference will be online as well as onsite this year, we are taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity to include remarkable professionals from all over the globe,” said Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez. “VIEW 2020 will be amazing.”
The 21st International VIEW Conference takes place 18-23 October 2020 in Turin, Italy. Visit the VIEW Conference website for more details and to purchase tickets.
Graham Edwards 