Lucasfilm-Computer-Division
The Lucasfilm-Computer-Division was a pioneering entity in the realm of computer graphics and visual effects, established by filmmaker George Lucas in 1979. Initially part of Lucasfilm Ltd., the division was set up to explore and develop new technologies for film production, particularly in the areas of computer animation and special effects.
History
- Formation: Following the success of Star Wars in 1977, Lucas saw the potential for computer graphics to revolutionize filmmaking. He established the division to push the boundaries of what was possible in cinema through technology.
- Early Projects: One of the first significant projects was the creation of the digital Genesis Demo for the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan in 1982, which showcased the division's capabilities in computer-generated imagery (CGI).
- Development of Pixar: In 1986, the division was sold to Steve Jobs, who renamed it Pixar. This transition marked the beginning of Pixar as a standalone company, although it continued to work on projects for Lucasfilm and other clients.
Notable Contributions
- RenderMan: The division developed RenderMan, a rendering software that became the standard in the film industry for CGI. RenderMan has been used in numerous films to create photorealistic visuals.
- Photorealistic Images: The division was responsible for creating some of the first photorealistic computer-generated images, significantly advancing the field of computer graphics.
- Short Films: Before its sale, the division produced short films like "The Adventures of André and Wally B." (1984), which was one of the first CGI films to receive wide recognition.
Legacy
The Lucasfilm-Computer-Division laid the groundwork for what would become the modern CGI industry. Its innovations and the talent it nurtured, including figures like Ed Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith, were crucial in shaping the future of digital animation and visual effects. The division's work influenced not only the film industry but also video games, television, and other forms of media that rely on computer graphics.
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