Infinite Animation: The Work of Adam Beckett

Presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Science and Technology Council and The iotaCenter

As one of a core group of animators in the early years of Cal Arts’ Experimental Animation program, Beckett had an inimitable style and often twisted vision of the world. He made only six films, began two more, and had a short but influential career in the visual effects industry. This included a credit as head of the Rotoscope and Animation Department on the film Star Wars (1977). Tragically, the completion of his films and the flourishing of his career were cut short by his tragic death in 1979.

In remembrance of a life well lived and artistic vision well realized, this special evening will feature a lineup of panels and screenings co-moderated by iota board member and Beckett biographer Pamela Turner, along with visual effects artist Richard Winn Taylor, with several of Beckett’s contemporaries speaking about his films, personality, and effects innovations. The program will also include the premiere of Beckett’s elusive unfinished work Life in the Atom, recently restored by the Academy Film Archive. In conjunction with the event, there will be an exhibit of Beckett’s artwork as well as artifacts from his estate.

Hosted by visual effects artist Richard Winn Taylor and Adam Beckett biographer Pamela Turner.

When: Monday, August 17, at 8 p.m.
Place: Linwood Dunn Theater, 1313 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028