Pixar Animation Studios will be honored with the Producers Guild of America’s (PGA) inaugural Vanguard Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in new media and technology. The PGA cited Pixar’s significant contributions in the field of computer graphic imaging (CGI) technology since its inception 15 years ago. Pixar created the first full-length computer animated feature film, 1995’s TOY STORY and their RenderMan software propelled computer graphics into mainstream movie-making by allowing computer generated images to blend in seamlessly with live-action scenes. RenderMan has been used in 26 of the last 30 films nominated for a visual effects Oscar, including GLADIATOR, THE MATRIX, TITANIC and JURASSIC PARK. Ed Catmull, president of Pixar Animation Studios, said, "We are so thrilled to be the first recipient of the Vanguard Award, and we thank the Producers Guild for giving us this very special honor." Ed Catmull, John Lasseter and Steve Jobs will accept the award on behalf of Pixar at the annual PGA Awards on Sunday, March 3, 2002 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California.


AWN asked super genius Ed Catmull ten questions about technology, CGI and the animation industry, among other things.