These logos date from the 1970s and were not done with computer animation, but with motion control systems.
Artwork was set up on a gimballed backlit fluorescent light box, and the camera was on a motorized dolly on a track. The effects were built up in camera with multiple frame-by-frame exposures. Everything was driven by stepper motors and Abel's own custom motion control systems.
I worked there from 1972-1977 and built the minicomputer motion control system used to make the TWA logo.
Actually, it's all digital computer animation, done with a Cray X-MP. Robert Abel was a real pioneer in this field. His company was the one who did all the CG animation work in the original Tron.
I remember a Starburst Fruit Chews commercial from 1976 that had this same psychedelic look. "A Burst Of Fruit Flavor From The Very First Chew" . It must have been done by the Robert Abel Company. I wish someone would post it.
These logos date from the 1970s and were not done with computer animation, but with motion control systems.
Artwork was set up on a gimballed backlit fluorescent light box, and the camera was on a motorized dolly on a track. The effects were built up in camera with multiple frame-by-frame exposures. Everything was driven by stepper motors and Abel's own custom motion control systems.
I worked there from 1972-1977 and built the minicomputer motion control system used to make the TWA logo.
w6wdh 2 days ago
cool animation ... keep it up
ashleetanksley 4 months ago
What's the music in this video? btw the logos are amazing!
Wiimaster206 6 months ago
@douro20 Actually Robert Abel worked with MAGI and Information International as well on the 1982 movie Tron.
LogicSmash 6 months ago
@scherfilms
Actually, it's all digital computer animation, done with a Cray X-MP. Robert Abel was a real pioneer in this field. His company was the one who did all the CG animation work in the original Tron.
douro20 6 months ago
I remember a Starburst Fruit Chews commercial from 1976 that had this same psychedelic look. "A Burst Of Fruit Flavor From The Very First Chew" . It must have been done by the Robert Abel Company. I wish someone would post it.
towringer 1 year ago
so awesome
TheComicfreak10 1 year ago
genius....
echoistboy9 1 year ago
too cool
tapthatt2012 1 year ago
Who's doing the music? Sounds like something Merv Griffin and Mort Lindsey would do, if you ask me...
Ian16545 1 year ago