History of CG
Computer graphics are pictures and movies created using computers – usually referring to image data created by a computer specifically with help from specialized graphic hardware and software. It is a subset of computer science and a recent CG field. The phrase was coined by computer graphics researcher William Fetter of Boeing in 1960. Another name for the field is computer-generated imagery, or simply CGI.
Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, films, television programs, commercials, videos, and simulators. The visual scenes may be dynamic or static, and may be two-dimensional (2D), though the term “CGI” is most commonly used to refer to 3D computer graphics used for creating scenes or special effects in films and television. They can also be used by a home user and edited together on programs such as Windows Movie Maker or iMovie.
In the early half of the 2010s, CGI was nearly ubiquitous in video production, pre-rendered graphics were nearly scientifically photorealistic, and real time graphics on a suitably high-end system simulated photorealism to the untrained eye.
In cinematic world, most animated movies are now created with CGI; a great many animated CGI films are made every year, few, if any, attempt photorealism due to continuing fears of the uncanny valley. Therefore, most are 3D cartoons.
In video games, the Xbox One by Microsoft, Sony Playstation 4, and Nintendo Wii U currently dominate the home space and are all capable of highly advanced 3D graphics; the Windows PC is still one of the most active gaming platforms as well.
Discussion topic:
What is the most memorable CG for you? Briefly describe your reason for choosing it.
+ Screening
A Brief History of Computer Animation: 1942-1963
A Brief History of Computer Animation: 1964-1982
A Brief History Computer Animation: 1983-1995
A Brief History of Computer Animation: 1996-2018
James Cameron: Before Avatar a curious boy(17:01)
+ Reading
https://www.creativebloq.com/features/the-future-of-animation
Additional Resources
Pixar Theory Timeline
How technology is driving the next wave of film animation