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Robert Abel

American film director and animator

Robert Abel (March 10, 1937 – September 23, 2001) was an American pioneer in visual effects, computer animation and interactive media, best known for the work of his company, Robert Abel and Associates.2

From Wikipedia’s article on Robert Abel (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Mar 10, 1937, died Sep 23, 2001.1

About

Born in Cleveland, he received degrees in Design and Film from UCLA. He began his work in computer graphics in the 1950s, as an apprentice to John Whitney.

In the 1960s and early 1970s, Abel wrote or directed several films, including The Making of the President, 1968, Elvis on Tour and Let the Good Times Roll.

In 1971, Abel and Con Pederson founded Robert Abel and Associates (RA&A), creating slit-scan effects and using motion-controlled cameras for television commercials and films. RA&A began using Evans & Sutherland computers to previsualize their effects; this led to the creation of the trailer for The Black Hole, and the development of their own software for digitally animating films (including Tron).

Abel and Associates was contracted to provide Paramount Pictures the special effects for Star Trek: The Motion Picture, but was not able to deliver them, and its services were terminated by Paramount.

From Wikipedia’s article on Robert Abel, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

  • Date not recordedUniversity of California, Los Angeles3

Career

Occupation: computer scientist, director, engineer, film director, filmmaker, animator.5

Personal life

  • BornMar 10, 1937, Cleveland6
  • DiedSep 23, 2001, Los Angeles7
  • CitizenshipUnited States8

Sources

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