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Pixar is Created
Ed Catmull is recruited by George Lucas from
The New York Institute of Technology to head
Lucasfilm's Computer Division, a group charged with
developing state-of-the-art computer technology for the film industry. -
John Lasseter Joins Pixar
John Lasseter is invited to join the graphics group at
Lucasfilm's Computer Division, and works on Thomas Porter's
1984 pool ball image as well as the short film
The Adventures of Andre & Wally B. -
First Short Film Produced
A partially completed version of The Adventures of
Andre & Wally B. premieres at SIGGRAPH. It is the first short
film created by the future animation studio. It features
ground breaking technology such as complex flexible
characters, hand painted textures, and motion blur. -
Steve Jobs Buys Computer Graphics Division
Steve Jobs purchases the Computer Graphics Division from
George Lucas and establishes an independent company
to be christened "Pixar." About 44
people are employed at this time. -
Short Story ''Red's Dream'' Completed
Red’s Dream is completed. The rain effect and complexity of lighting pose new technological challenges for the team and allow a study in creating mood and atmosphere. A portion of the film is rendered entirely on the Pixar Image Computer. -
Tin Toy is Completed
Tin Toy is completed. A partially completed version is screened for SIGGRAPH audiences in August, and the film receives its official premiere later that year at the Ottawa International Film Fest. Tin Toy will be the first computer animated film to receive an Academy Award when it is named Best Animated Short Film of 1988. -
Knick Knack is Completed
Knick Knack is completed. A work in progress version
is screened at that year’s SIGGRAPH. It is the first of the company's
animations to be produced in stereoscopic 3D. -
Toy Story is Created
Toy Story, the world’s first computer animated feature film,
is released in theaters on November 22. Toy Story also
becomes the highest grossing film of 1995, making $192 million
domestically and $362 million worldwide. Toy Story will be nominated for Best Original Song, Best Original Score, and Best Original Screenplay by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. -
Bugs Life is Created
A Bug's Life is released in theaters on November 25,
accompanied by the short film Geri’s Game.
A Bug's Life breaks all previous U.S. Thanksgiving weekend
box-office records. It will be nominated for the Best Original Musical
or Comedy Score Oscar. -
Toy Story 2 Created
Toy Story 2 is released in theaters on November 24. It is the first
film in history to be entirely created, mastered and exhibited
digitally, and is the first animated sequel to gross more than its original.
