Edwin Catmull is a name synonymous with innovation in computer graphics and animation. Born on March 31, 1945, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Catmull's journey from a young boy inspired by Disney films to a pioneering computer scientist is a remarkable story. His career spans decades, during which he co-founded Pixar and served as president of Walt Disney Animation Studios, leaving an indelible mark on the world of animation.
Early Inspirations and Education
Catmull's fascination
with animation began in his childhood, inspired by classic Disney films like "Peter Pan" and "Pinocchio." Despite his passion for animation, the lack of animation schools at the time led him to pursue a different path. He turned to his other interests, math and physics, which eventually guided him toward a career in computer science. Catmull attended the University of Utah, where he earned a B.S. in physics and computer science in 1969.
At the University of Utah, Catmull's career took a pivotal turn when he met Ivan Sutherland, a pioneer in computer graphics. Under Sutherland's mentorship, Catmull shifted his focus to digital imaging, a decision that would shape his future contributions to the field. His work at the university included groundbreaking discoveries in computer graphics, such as texture mapping and subdivision surfaces.
Breakthroughs in Computer Graphics
Catmull's early work in computer graphics laid the foundation for his future achievements. In 1972, he created a one-minute animated film titled "A Computer Animated Hand," which showcased his innovative techniques. This short film was later incorporated into the 1976 movie "Futureworld," marking the first use of 3D computer graphics in a feature film.
In 1974, Catmull earned his doctorate in computer science and began working at the New York Institute of Technology's Computer Graphics Lab. There, he developed Tween, a software for 2D animation that automated the creation of motion frames. His work caught the attention of George Lucas, leading to a position at Lucasfilm, where he further advanced computer graphics technology.
Founding Pixar and Legacy
In 1986, Steve Jobs acquired Lucasfilm's digital division and co-founded Pixar with Catmull and John Lasseter. Under Catmull's leadership, Pixar revolutionized the animation industry with films like "Toy Story," the first entirely computer-animated feature film. Pixar's success led to its acquisition by Disney in 2006, where Catmull continued to influence the animation world as president of both Pixar and Disney Animation Studios.
Catmull's contributions to computer graphics and animation have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards, including the ACM Turing Award in 2019. In 2018, Catmull announced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity that continues to inspire future generations in the field of animation.
