Patrick Witting
About Patrick Witting
Patrick Witting is a Technical Director at Pixar Animation Studios, specializing in fluid dynamic simulations for visual effects. With extensive experience in the industry, he has supervised large FX teams and developed multiple systems for production facilities.
Work at Pixar Animation Studios
Patrick Witting has been serving as a Technical Director in the FX department at Pixar Animation Studios since 2020. In this role, he focuses on creating and supervising fluid dynamic simulations, including fire, explosions, and dust effects. His expertise contributes to the high-quality visual effects that Pixar is known for, enhancing the storytelling through realistic simulations.
Experience at Sony Pictures Imageworks
Prior to joining Pixar, Patrick Witting worked at Sony Pictures Imageworks for 14 years, from 2005 to 2019. As an FX Supervisor, he managed teams of over 40 artists across locations in Culver City and Vancouver. He played a significant role in developing fluid dynamics systems that were used in numerous FX shots, particularly for major productions like the Hotel Transylvania series and Smurf's: The Lost World.
Background in Animation and Visual Effects
Patrick Witting began his career in the animation industry at DreamWorks Animation, where he worked as a Digital Artist from 1995 to 1999. He later transitioned to Method Studios as an FX Artist for a brief period in 2019 before moving to Pixar. His extensive background in visual effects has equipped him with a diverse skill set in both 2D and 3D tasks.
Education and Expertise
Patrick Witting holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics and Computer Science from American University, which he completed from 1983 to 1987. He furthered his education at Stanford University, earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Scientific Computing and Computational Mathematics between 1989 and 1995. His academic background supports his technical expertise in programming and fluid dynamics.
Programming and Software Development
Patrick has a strong passion for programming, demonstrated by his development of various plugins and scripts for software such as Animo, Nuke, Houdini, and Maya. He has also created a ray tracer and written computer games from scratch. Additionally, he developed a complete animation system and proprietary real estate software in his spare time, showcasing his versatility in software development.