Eddie special effects software
1991
software for creating special FX on video
In 1988 Chris Godfrey developed a computer program called Eddie, which could create special effects for movies, television and multimedia. The software was further developed by the Animal Logic company in Sydney and was first sold in 1991.
The program enables image dissolves, overlays, resizing, and morphing. (Morphing is the transposing of one image smoothly into another.) Godfrey's program is estimated to be 1/10 of the cost of rival products and up to 40% more efficient. Godfrey's innovation allowed a local software producer to export to the competitive international software market.
Until Eddie came out in 1991, film and video animators had to use a multitude of programs and computers to create the range of special effects they wanted. This was time consuming and expensive.
Animal Logic has won many awards for its part in producing amazing special effects for TV and films. Eddie was used by Animal Logic in the production of the film The Matrix. In 1999 the movie won four Oscars, including one for visual effects.
Chris Godfrey and Animal Logic continue research and development in visual effects and are expanding on their software business and production services.
Who Did It?
Key Organisations
Animal Logic : R&D, programming
Key People
Chris Godfrey : innovator
Further Reading
'That's just like Eddie'
Helen O'Neill
The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 February 1994, p 10.
Links
Animal Logic
Australia's
VFX Industry, Part 1: Animal Logic
Questions & Activities
Eddie special effects software
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