Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 325 | Alvy Ray Smith on Pixar, Pixels, and the Great Digital Convergence
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Aug 18, 2025 
In this intriguing discussion, Alvy Ray Smith, a computer scientist and co-founder of Pixar, delves into the pixelated future of our digital world. He shares captivating stories from the animation industry, including his collaborations with Hollywood legends and the journey to creating iconic characters. Smith discusses the 'Great Digital Convergence,' exploring how digital media transforms art and communication. With humor and insight, he reflects on the role of AI in creativity, pondering the future of artistic expression in an increasingly digital landscape.
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From Full-Body Cast To Color Pixels
- Alvy Ray Smith left academia after a full-body cast reflection and moved to Xerox PARC to pursue art with computers.
- He found color pixel paint programs there and teamed with artist David DeFrancisco to pursue digital art projects.
Mansions, Money, And The First 24‑Bit Pixels
- At the New York Institute of Technology, Alexander Schure funded massive pixel hardware and built an animation campus of mansions.
- That environment produced the first 24-bit pixels and sparked the group's plan to make a fully digital movie.
The Genesis Demo That Won Lucas's Attention
- A computer-graphics sequence for Star Trek II showcased camera moves no real camera could do and won George Lucas's attention.
- That demo led to Lucasfilm work and film-industry relationships which expanded opportunities for the team.
