Robert Abel and Associates
Encyclopedia
Robert Abel and Associates (RA&A) was a pioneering production company specializing in TV commercials made with computer graphics. Robert Abel's company, RA&A was especially known for their art direction and won many Clio Awards
.
Abel and his team created some of the most advanced and impressive computer-animated works of their time, including full ray-traced renders and fluid character animation at a time when such things were largely unknown. A variety of high-profile television advertisements, graphics sequences for motion pictures (including The Andromeda Strain
and Tron
), and work on laserdisc videogames such as Cube Quest
, put Abel and his team on the map in the early 1980s.
Many people who worked at RA&A went on to other ground-breaking projects, including the founding of Wavefront Technologies
, Rhythm and Hues Studios
and other studios. Many RA&A people went on to win Academy Awards
.
RA&A was on the southwest corner of Highland Avenue and Romaine in the heart of Hollywood, CA. The company was also notable on its work for The Jacksons's 1981 music video for the single, "Can You Feel It
".
Clio Awards
The Clio Awards are annual awards bestowed to reward innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design and communication. The categories include work in nearly all types of media, and the judges are advertising professionals from around the world....
.
Abel and his team created some of the most advanced and impressive computer-animated works of their time, including full ray-traced renders and fluid character animation at a time when such things were largely unknown. A variety of high-profile television advertisements, graphics sequences for motion pictures (including The Andromeda Strain
The Andromeda Strain (film)
The Andromeda Strain is a 1971 American science-fiction film, based on the novel published in 1969 by Michael Crichton. The film is about a team of scientists who investigate a deadly organism of extraterrestrial origin that causes rapid, fatal blood clotting. Directed by Robert Wise, the film...
and Tron
Tron (film)
Tron is a 1982 American science fiction film written and directed by Steven Lisberger, and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It stars Jeff Bridges as the protagonist Kevin Flynn; Bruce Boxleitner in a dual role as security program Tron and Tron's "User", computer programmer Alan Bradley; Cindy...
), and work on laserdisc videogames such as Cube Quest
Cube Quest
Cube Quest is an arcade game released by Simutrek Inc. in 1983. It combines 3-D polygonal graphics with laserdisc-streamed, animated backgrounds -Gameplay:...
, put Abel and his team on the map in the early 1980s.
Many people who worked at RA&A went on to other ground-breaking projects, including the founding of Wavefront Technologies
Wavefront Technologies
Wavefront Technologies was a computer graphics company that developed and sold animation software used in Hollywood motion pictures and other industries. It was founded in 1984, in Santa Barbara, California, by Bill Kovacs, Larry Barels, Mark Sylvester...
, Rhythm and Hues Studios
Rhythm and Hues Studios
Rhythm & Hues Studios is a visual effects studio serving the major film studios. It is known for its computer-generated 3D character animation. Recognized as one of the top facilities of its kind in the world, Rhythm & Hues has contributed to more than 150 feature films...
and other studios. Many RA&A people went on to win Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
.
RA&A was on the southwest corner of Highland Avenue and Romaine in the heart of Hollywood, CA. The company was also notable on its work for The Jacksons's 1981 music video for the single, "Can You Feel It
Can You Feel It
"Can You Feel It" is a recording by funk and soul group The Jacksons, recorded in March 1980 and released on September 22, 1980 as the first track on their album Triumph....
".