Pixar Animation Studios wasn’t founded by a single individual, but rather emerged from a collaborative effort spearheaded by Edwin Catmull, Alvy Ray Smith, and ultimately solidified with the vision and business acumen of Steve Jobs. This convergence of technological brilliance, artistic ambition, and entrepreneurial drive created the animation powerhouse we know today.
The Pioneering Spirits: Catmull and Smith
Edwin Catmull: The Computer Graphics Visionary
The seeds of Pixar were sown long before Woody and Buzz Lightyear graced the silver screen. It all began with Edwin Catmull, a computer scientist with a burning passion for animation. Catmull, who holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Utah, dreamed of creating the first computer-animated feature film. He joined the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in 1974 to pursue this vision, leading a team that developed pioneering computer animation techniques. While at NYIT, he and his team created several innovative short films and software, demonstrating the potential of the technology.
However, NYIT lacked the resources and commitment to create a feature-length film. Recognizing this limitation, Catmull sought a new environment where his vision could truly take flight.
Alvy Ray Smith: The Artistic Algorithmist
In 1979, Alvy Ray Smith, another computer graphics pioneer, joined Catmull at NYIT. Smith, also with a background in computer science, brought his own unique perspective and skills to the team. He was instrumental in developing key algorithms and software tools that would become essential for computer animation.
Together, Catmull and Smith formed a formidable partnership, driving the technological innovation that would underpin Pixar’s future success.
The Lucasfilm Chapter: The Graphics Group
Moving West: A New Home for Innovation
In 1979, George Lucas, the visionary behind Star Wars, recognized the potential of computer graphics for filmmaking and invited Catmull to join Lucasfilm’s Computer Division. Smith followed shortly after. This division, later known as the Graphics Group, was dedicated to developing cutting-edge computer graphics technologies for special effects and other applications.
Under Lucasfilm, the Graphics Group made significant advancements in computer animation, including the development of the REYES rendering architecture (Render Everything You Ever Saw), a revolutionary technique that allowed for incredibly detailed and realistic images. They also created the Pixar Image Computer, a powerful specialized computer designed for image processing.
The Pixar Image Computer: A Commercial Venture
While technologically impressive, the Pixar Image Computer struggled to find a market outside of specialized applications. Its high cost and limited user base made it a commercial failure for Lucasfilm.
The Steve Jobs Era: From Technology Company to Animation Studio
Acquisition and Transformation
In 1986, facing financial difficulties, George Lucas decided to sell the Graphics Group. Steve Jobs, fresh from his ouster from Apple, saw the potential in the technology and acquired the group for $5 million. He renamed it Pixar.
Jobs’s involvement was transformative. He brought not only financial resources but also his marketing genius and a relentless focus on design and innovation. He initially envisioned Pixar as a hardware company selling the Pixar Image Computer, but soon realized that the true potential lay in animation itself.
The Turning Point: Toy Story
Under Jobs’s leadership, Pixar shifted its focus to creating computer-animated films. In 1995, Pixar released Toy Story, the first entirely computer-animated feature film, in collaboration with Disney. This groundbreaking film was a critical and commercial success, revolutionizing the animation industry and catapulting Pixar to global fame.
Toy Story proved that computer animation could be not only visually stunning but also emotionally engaging, paving the way for a string of successful films that would solidify Pixar’s reputation as the leading animation studio in the world.
FAQs: Unpacking the Pixar Story
FAQ 1: So, was George Lucas a founder of Pixar?
No, George Lucas was not a founder of Pixar. He created the Lucasfilm Computer Division, which housed the group that would eventually become Pixar. He later sold the division to Steve Jobs. He was more of an incubator than a founder.
FAQ 2: What exactly did Steve Jobs contribute to Pixar’s success besides money?
Beyond financial investment, Steve Jobs provided invaluable leadership, a relentless focus on quality and design, and exceptional marketing expertise. His insistence on creative freedom and his belief in the power of storytelling were crucial to Pixar’s success. He was also heavily involved in the marketing and presentation of Pixar’s films.
FAQ 3: What was the Pixar Image Computer, and why did it fail?
The Pixar Image Computer was a specialized high-end computer designed for image processing and graphics rendering. It failed due to its high cost, limited market appeal, and the rapid advancements in general-purpose computing that made it less competitive. Its primary use was in fields like medicine (scanning biological images) and meteorology.
FAQ 4: Why did George Lucas sell the Graphics Group?
George Lucas sold the Graphics Group primarily because of financial difficulties within Lucasfilm. He needed to raise capital for other projects.
FAQ 5: What is REYES rendering, and why was it important?
REYES (Render Everything You Ever Saw) is a rendering architecture developed at Lucasfilm’s Graphics Group. It allowed for the creation of incredibly detailed and realistic images by breaking down complex scenes into smaller, manageable pieces. It was a major advancement in computer graphics and a cornerstone of Pixar’s early animation techniques.
FAQ 6: What happened to Alvy Ray Smith after leaving Pixar?
After leaving Pixar in 1991, Alvy Ray Smith continued to work in computer graphics. He co-founded Altamira Software, which was later acquired by Microsoft, and he became a prominent figure in the digital imaging industry. He has also written extensively on the history of computer graphics.
FAQ 7: What role did Disney play in Pixar’s early success?
Disney was a crucial partner in Pixar’s early success. They distributed Toy Story and subsequent Pixar films, providing access to a vast audience and established marketing infrastructure. The initial agreement gave Disney significant creative control, which evolved over time as Pixar proved its success.
FAQ 8: What were some of the early short films created by Pixar before Toy Story?
Pixar created several groundbreaking short films, including Luxo Jr., Red’s Dream, Tin Toy, and Knick Knack. These shorts showcased Pixar’s technological capabilities and storytelling prowess, setting the stage for their feature-length films.
FAQ 9: How did Pixar’s animation techniques evolve over time?
Pixar’s animation techniques evolved significantly over time, driven by advancements in computing power and software development. They transitioned from REYES rendering to more sophisticated global illumination and physically-based rendering techniques, allowing for increasingly realistic and nuanced animation.
FAQ 10: What is Pixar University, and what is its purpose?
Pixar University is Pixar’s internal training program designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning among its employees. It offers a wide range of courses, from animation techniques to storytelling principles, ensuring that Pixar remains at the forefront of innovation.
FAQ 11: Who is John Lasseter and what was his role at Pixar?
John Lasseter was a key figure at Pixar, serving as Chief Creative Officer for many years. He directed several of Pixar’s most successful films, including Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Cars, and Cars 2. While not one of the original founders in the strictest sense, his creative vision and direction were essential to Pixar’s artistic success.
FAQ 12: Does Pixar still operate independently after its acquisition by Disney?
While Pixar is now a subsidiary of Disney (acquired in 2006), it maintains a significant degree of creative autonomy. It operates as a separate studio with its own leadership and creative teams, ensuring that the unique Pixar culture and innovative spirit continue to thrive. They are located in Emeryville, California.