DreamWorks animation scientist to discuss tools for visual effects

The head of the FX Tools group at DreamWorks Animation will present a behind-the scenes view of how a large animation studio works and the challenges faced in creating great tools for animated visual effects in a lecture at Arizona State University.

“Art-Directed Reality: Tools for Animation and Visual Effects,” will be presented by Ron Henderson, manager of the FX Tools group, at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Global Institute of Sustainability, Room 101 (GIOS 101). The talk will cover how a large animation studio works, infrastructure, and staffing and approach to tool development. A case study will be presented on the challenges he and his team face in creating great tools for animation and visual effects.

Prior to joining DreamWorks Animation, Henderson was a senior scientist at Caltech with a joint appointment in the Department of Aeronautics and Applied Mathematics. He received his doctorate from Princeton in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

DreamWorks Animation is the worldwide producer of state of the art computer graphics in film production. Recent films include “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Megamind.” It is a major consumer of technology, and employs a skilled workforce of scientists and engineers, according to Henderson.

This colloquia series is sponsored by the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences in ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Science. It is free and open to the public. A reception with light refreshments will be held at 11:15 a.m. in the Physical Science Center, A-wing, Room 206. An abstract and more information on Henderson and his work are online at http://math.asu.edu/node/3494.

For more information on this and other colloquia presented by the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences visit http://math.asu.edu/event or contact 480-965-9792.

Caleen Canady, cali@asu.edu
480-965-9792
School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences