Hank Driskill is a highly distinguished figure in the field of computer graphics (CG) animation, with a career spanning over three decades marked by his innovative contributions to both visual effects and feature animation. His extensive experience at leading studios, coupled with his deep technical expertise, has solidified his reputation as a driving force in the industry.
Driskill’s academic foundation includes Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Astronomy from the University of Kansas, followed by a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Utah. This robust educational background provided the bedrock for his groundbreaking work in CG.
His professional journey began at Digital Domain, a renowned visual effects studio, where he played a pivotal role in the creation of visually stunning films such as Apollo 13, Dante’s Peak, The Fifth Element, and the cinematic epic Titanic.
Driskill then embarked on a remarkable 20-year tenure at Walt Disney Animation Studios, primarily serving as a Technical Supervisor. Here, he was instrumental in the technical development and execution of some of the studio’s most beloved animated features. His credits include Bolt (2008), and the Academy Award-winning Big Hero 6 (2014), where he was a key figure in the development of “San Fransokyo” and the “Facade” technique. He also significantly contributed to the visual triumphs of Moana (2016), pushing the boundaries of realism for elements like the vast ocean and intricate environments. A significant part of his legacy at Disney was his involvement in the development and evolution of Disney’s Hyperion renderer, a state-of-the-art path-traced global illumination renderer that revolutionized production workflows.
In January 2018, Driskill brought his considerable expertise to Blue Sky Studios, taking on the role of Chief Technology Officer. In late 2020, Driskill joined Cinesite as the Group Head of CG for Feature Animation. In this influential position, he leads CG supervisors and shapes the technical workflows and practices for Cinesite’s feature animation teams. He is a prominent voice in discussions about the future of VFX and feature animation, exploring advancements such as virtual production and machine learning, and has shared insights into optimising rendering processes for projects like The Addams Family 2.
Throughout his distinguished career, Hank Driskill has been consistently recognised for his exceptional abilities in technical supervision, his pioneering work in rendering technologies, and his unwavering commitment to pushing the creative and technological boundaries of computer-generated animation. His profound impact is evident in the visual richness and innovative production pipelines of some of the most iconic animated films of the past several decades.
