DreamWorks animation scientist to discuss tools for visual effects

<p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>“<a href="http://math.la.asu.edu/node/3494">Art-Directed Reality: Tools for Animation and Visual Effects</a>,” 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.</p><separator></separator><p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>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 <a href="http://math.asu.edu/node/3494">http://math.asu.edu/node/3494</a>.</p><s… more information on this and other colloquia presented by the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences visit <a href="http://math.asu.edu/event">http://math.asu.edu/event</a&gt; or contact 480-965-9792.</p><separator></separator><p>Caleen Canady, <a href="mailto:cali@asu.edu">cali@asu.edu</a><br />480-965-9792<br />School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences<br />College of Liberal Arts and Sciences</p>