Robert Abel

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

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).

He received numerous honors, including a Golden Globe Award (for Elvis on Tour), 2 Emmy Awards, and 33 Clios.

Abel died from complications following a heart attack at the age of 64.