"A Computer Animated Hand" (1972)

So this is where it started. Obviously, the framework is using structural dynamics for the hand, a carry-over from architecture and engineering. Bending the fingers is done with collapse mechanics, which are used to study structural failure scenarios. It was difficult then, and even today, to explain to Boolean computers how soft-body mechanics work. People are, structurally, molded Jell-O that can slosh our water around. By machine thinking, we shouldn't exist, much less stand upright.

However, this structural exercise would ultimately generate Luxo Junior and Tin Toy, which took the entertainment industry by storm.

Splendid research, Rollo. Good of you to share.

Ah, 1972! I was working in a small animation studio in London, making low-budget commercials. Nobody used computers, and films like this only confirmed our belief that computers were no threat to cel animation!

The promise of computer animation, however, excited the imagination of film producers, quickly followed by the advertising agencies, ever looking for the newest thing! So by the late 70s the animation industry was busy simulating computer imagery by traditional means (lots of glowing, backlit lines and strobing boxes created under the rostrum camera) for entertainment films and commercials.

Despite the advances in computer animation during the 80s, and the increased use of office computers, it wasn't until the end of the last decade of the 20th Century that small traditional animation companies finally adopted computerised image assembly (scanning and colouring artwork instead of tracing and painting on cel, and using animation assembly programs instead of shooting onto movie film).

But a new generation of animators had grown up using computer programs like Flash, and cel animation was pretty much put out to pasture - so those of us who couldn't adapt, retired!

Veeeery interesting and a great find. Thanks for sharing!