Presto

The Computer Division completes the “Genesis Effect” sequence for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan . The scene, which shows an initially lifeless planet being rapidly transformed by lush vegetation, is the first completely computer animated sequence in a feature film. The Computer Division’s Graphics Group creates their first film-resolution image, “The Road to Point Reyes.” Near the end of the year, animator John Lasseter is invited to come up to the Bay Area to do some freelance work with the Graphics Group. Lasseter is hired full-time, joining the Computer Division as an “Interface Designer.” At SIGGRAPH, the Computer Division also shows off its prototype Pixar Image Computer. The Computer Division completes the Stained Glass Knight sequence that appears in the film Young Sherlock Holmes . Steve Jobs purchases the Computer Division from George Lucas and establishes the group as an independent company, “ Pixar. ” At this time about 40 people are employed. Pixar and Disney begin collaboration on CAPS, the Computer Animation Production System, which would revolutionize the creation of traditional animated films. The first check written to Pixar by a client after its incorporation is from Disney, for work on this project. Pixar’s proprietary animation system, identified to the outside world as Marionette but internally known as Menv (“men-vee”), short for “modeling environment,” comes online. Both pieces of software are used to produce “ Tin Toy ,” Pixar’s third short film.A partially completed version of “Tin Toy” is screened at SIGGRAPH, with the finished film premiering later that year at the Ottawa International Film Fest. “Tin Toy ” will go on to become the first computer animated film to receive an Academy Award® when it is named Best Short Film (Animated) the following year. By the end of the year, each animates a commercial – Andrew Stanton completes “Quite A Package” for Trident, and Pete Docter animates “Boxer” for Listerine. Pixar’s commercial work gives the company invaluable experience in pitching, storytelling, and working with clients, and allows it to develop and refine its production pipeline. Disney and Pixar announce an agreement “to make and distribute at least one computer-generated animated movie.” Pixar begins work on the project that will become Toy Story , while continuing to produce commercials and other short materials, including spots for public television. Pixar’s initial public offering takes place just days later, on November 28. It is the largest IPO of the year. Toy Story is recognized with Academy Award® nominations for Best Original Song, Best Original Score, and Best Original Screenplay—the first time an animated film is recognized for screenwriting. John Lasseter receives a Special Achievement Oscar® from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his “inspired leadership of the Pixar Toy Story Team resulting in the first feature-length computer animated film.” Pixar announces that it will stop making commercials in order to concentrate on longer-format and interactive entertainment. The Walt Disney Studios and Pixar Animation Studios announce an agreement to jointly produce five movies over 10 years. The Walt Disney Company announces that it has agreed to purchase Pixar Animation Studios. As part of the deal, Ed Catmull and John Lasseter also assume leadership of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Construction of the second new building on Pixar’s Emeryville campus is completed. Menv (“men-vee”), Pixar’s long-lived proprietary animation system, is officially retired in favor of a completely new proprietary system named Presto, after the studio’s 2008 short film. Brave is the first film animated using this new system—which is still referred to internally as “menv.” The holiday TV special " Toy Story That Time Forgot" airs on ABC. "Ratatouille: The Adventure" opens in Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris. "The Toy Story Hotel" and "Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue