Sixteen former Texas A&M University visualization students helped bring back to life some of cinema’s most beloved characters in “Toy Story 4,” the latest installment in the franchise.
The aggies contributed to the movie in shading, lighting, rendering, rigging and other specialized roles combining computer science know-how with artistic talent — skills initially honed as students at Texas A&M’s Visualization Laboratory.
Former viz students who worked on latest Pixar smash are:
Jean-Claude Kalache – director of photography: lighting
Jesse Weglein – interim lighting lead technical director
Austin Goddard – art production coordinator
Patrick James – technical director
Robert Graf – technical director
Chris Chapman – technical director
Gary Bruins – effects supervisor
David Verona – rendering technical director
Laura Murphy
Don Bui
Bob Moyer
Sajan Skaria
Kevin Singleton
Seth Freeman
Jon Reisch
Jonathan Kiker
Since 1989, the visualization program at Texas A&M has provided a home for aspirants in the burgeoning field of digital and electronic visualization. Over the years, many of the world’s most celebrated animation and special effects studios have partnered with the program, providing scholarships, academic advice and regularly supplying visiting industry professionals who work with students on special projects.
This summer, pros from Disney Animation Studios are working with graduate vizzers to create animated film shorts as part of the department’s annual summer industry course.
Visualization graduates have achieved success as creative directors, computer animators, university professors and software designers, with many working in the animation, visual effects and electronic gaming industries.
For almost 30 years, the Texas A&M visualization program has offered two Master of Visualization degrees, one in science and one in fine arts, and an undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Science in Visualization.
The programs are administered by the Department of Visualization in the Texas A&M College of Architecture combining academic rigor with creativity, fun, camaraderie and collaborative problem solving.
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Photo Credit: DISNEY/PIXAR
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