Development of computer-generated animation (1972–present)

1. Ed Catmull creates early 3D animated hand

   Jan 1, 1972Labels: Ed Catmull, A Computer

   • LOC Essay
   • Hand Wiki

2. Utah Teapot becomes a shared test model

   Jan 1, 1975Labels: Utah Teapot, Martin Newell

   • Utah Lab
   • Teapot Wiki

3. SIGGRAPH 1976 popularizes the Utah Teapot

   Jan 1, 1976Labels: SIGGRAPH 1976, Utah Teapot

   • Utah Lab

4. Bump mapping adds detail without new geometry

   Aug 1, 1978Labels: Jim Blinn, Bump Mapping

   • Bump Wiki
   • SIGGRAPH Edu

5. Recursive ray tracing demonstrates reflections and refractions

   Aug 1, 1979Labels: Turner Whitted, Recursive Ray

   • Whitted Wiki

6. Genesis sequence brings all-CG imagery to a feature

   Jun 4, 1982Labels: Industrial Light, Genesis Sequence

   • ILM
   • ST II Wiki

7. Tron showcases extensive CGI in a major release

   Jul 9, 1982Labels: Tron, Disney

   • Tron Wiki
   • CG History

8. André and Wally B. advances character CGI timing

   Jul 25, 1984Labels: The Adventures, Lucasfilm

   • Andr Wiki

9. Pixar becomes independent under Steve Jobs

   Feb 3, 1986Labels: Pixar, Steve Jobs

   • Pixar Wiki
   • Jobs Wiki

10. RenderMan is released as a production renderer

    Jan 1, 1988Labels: RenderMan, Pixar

    • RenderMan Pixar
    • RenderMan Wiki

11. Toy Story proves CGI can sustain a full feature

    Nov 22, 1995Labels: Toy Story, Pixar

    • Toy Story Wiki
    • Turing Award

12. Best Animated Feature Oscar formalizes animation’s growth

    Mar 24, 2002Labels: Academy Awards, Best Animated

    • AMPAS Wiki

13. Blender becomes open-source, widening 3D access

    Oct 13, 2002Labels: Blender, Open-source

    • Blender History

14. Unreal Engine 5 accelerates real-time CG production

    Apr 5, 2022Labels: Unreal Engine, Epic Games

    • Epic News
    • UE5 Wiki