After graduating with a B.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin, JIM RYGIEL (Visual Effects Supervisor) moved to Los Angeles to pursue his studies in Fine Arts. With an M.F.A. from Otis Parsons School of Design, Rygiel joined Pacific Electric Pictures, one of the earliest companies to employ computer animation for the advertising and film markets. In 1983 Rygiel's work took him to Digital Productions, where he began work on "The Last Starfighter," a film notable for its pioneering use of digital imaging in place of models for the spaceships. While at Digital Productions, Rygiel was nominated for numerous awards for his commercial work and he won a prestigious CLIO award for the introduction of the Sony Walkman. From 1987 until 1989 Rygiel supervised many projects while at visual effects companies Pacific Data Images (PDI) and Metrolight. Rygiel was asked to form and head a computer animation department at Boss Film Studios in 1989. This department of one grew to more than 75 animators and 100 support staff within a few short years, winning another CLIO Award for the Geo Prism automobile commercial. While at Boss, Rygiel supervised many feature films, both as digital effects supervisor and visual effects supervisor. His credits there include "Starship Troopers," "Species," "Outbreak," "Air Force One," "The Scout," "The Last Action Hero," "Cliffhanger," "Batman Returns," "Alien III," and "Ghost." In 1997 Rygiel went on to supervise "The Parent Trap," "Star Trek Insurrection," and "Anna and the King."