Computers and entertainment

In response to a paper I wrote last year on computer technology and the movie industry, Dick Thompson, a special effects professional, commented, "There is much more involvement in computer technology in "show business" than anyone suspects. You are just beginning to turn over the rock---or is it a can of worms?" Dick's question remains to be answered because the relationship between the entertainment industry and the computer industry is yet in its infancy. I think entertainment is truly the last (earthly) frontier for automation and over the next decade we will see exciting results of this union. Indications of the importance of computers in entertainment are already surfacing: The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers devoted an entire day to computer applications at its 1979 Conference; several computer-based systems have been nominated for Technical Achievement Academy Awards in 1980. The entertainment industry is thus beginning to achknowledge the significant role of the computer. Appropriately, the computer industry also recognizes its current and potential contributions to entertainment through six technical paper and panel sessions at the 1980 NCC. The sessions will provide an overview of computer usage in movies and television, the performing arts, amusements, and home entertainment/services.