When we think of Pixar, we often think of the groundbreaking stories that the studio has produced, including Toy Story, Up, and The Incredibles. Although the animation house does not exactly want us to focus on the visuals, the employees work tirelessly to capture the look they need to tell a story. Pixar licenses its rendering software, RenderMan, to other studios, who are then able to pull off breathtaking visual effects as well. The incredible aspect of the software is that for every leap forward that Pixar’s RenderMan undergoes, the entire industry benefits. Not part of the industry? You can now get the software for free!
Pixar’s RenderMan at SIGGRAPH 2010
Each year, Pixar’s RenderMan has a booth at SIGGRAPH (short for Special Interest Group on Graphics and Interactive Techniques), which is an annual conference and exhibition highlighting computer graphics. The conference allows computer professionals to display their work and to connect with others. Currently in its 37th iteration, this year’s show takes place from July 25-29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
It was at SIGGRAPH 1984 that John Lasseter debuted The Adventures of Andre & Wally B., the short that started it all for Pixar. The studio’s RenderMan, which renders 3D animation and visual effects, has a great looking booth this year: