Pictured (left to right): Sergio Pablos, Amy Hennig, Ed Catmull, and Pat Hanrahan
Whether you’re most curious about the history of computer graphics and its ties to production in games and movies or you want the 4-1-1 on new media and innovations, the latest grouping of SIGGRAPH 2021 Featured Speakers has it all. Learn more about each of them below and check out some hand-picked bonus content as a sneak peek of what you can expect.
Sergio Pablos
“It has been almost 50 years that SIGGRAPH has been generously contributing to the world of computer graphics. I feel so privileged to be a part of it all.”
Speaking on “How to Build an Animation Studio”, Sergio Pablos — a Spanish director, writer, and producer who started his career at Walt Disney Animation Studios — will share the story behind launching The SPA Studios in 2004 and all that has happened since, including developing Netflix’s first original feature animated film “Klaus” and how the studio has moved on from that mammoth project. But first, hear Pablos talk about his work on “Klaus” in the feature from Cartoon Brew below.
Amy Hennig
“I’m excited to join the virtual stage at SIGGRAPH 2021, and look forward to sharing my passion for innovations in interactive narrative and my thoughts on the new media landscape at such a prestigious venue.”
With over 30 years in the gaming industry as an artist, animator, game designer, and acclaimed writer and director, Amy Hennig has been a pivotal figure at the forefront of some of the biggest games and industry trends of all time. She now leads Skydance’s New Media Division in an effort to create a whole new category of content. Joined by SIGGRAPH 2021 Games Focus Area Chair Carlos Gonzalez-Ochoa, Amy will discuss in a fireside-chat format session her career in interactive entertainment and offer her views on the future of gaming and where the industry is headed. Get to know Amy in a quick clip below, filmed during the 2019 D.I.C.E. Summit, or check out the full 2019 interview with IGN here.
Ed Catmull & Pat Hanrahan
“I have been attending SIGGRAPH since 1981. It is an honor to share stories about my computer graphics journey with so many close friends and colleagues.” —Pat Hanrahan
In a special session tied to this year’s Retrospective program, 2019 ACM A.M. Turing Award recipients Ed Catmull and Pat Hanrahan will open the 2021 conference and offer their perspectives on the events that advanced computer graphics, their careers, and future lessons for the industry. Before you join them for “Turing Award and Beyond: In Conversation With Ed Catmull and Pat Hanrahan”, check out a video from ACM on their “Nobel Prize in Computing” achievement below.
“RenderMan had far-reaching consequences which continue to this day. There is a very instructive story about the approaches used in its development and impact.” —Ed Catmull
Check out our other SIGGRAPH 2021 Featured Speakers and stay tuned for more announcements coming soon! Don’t forget to register for the conference, 9–13 August.
