Maths Goes to the Oscars by Sue Rowe and Richard Lissaman In 2008, The Golden Compass won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects (beating Pirates of The Caribbean). What's less well known is that the team behind those effects worked for British company Cinesite, and that mathematicians played a crucial part. In this visually stunning presentation, Sue Rowe and Richard Lissaman of the FM Network talk about how an understanding of vectors, fractals and geometry all play a vital part in the role of the modern computer animator. And they'll throw in a few video clips to demonstrate the end result. Sue's Biog Sue Rowe qualified in animation and design before moving into the world of computer animation. She's one of the country's top visual effects supervisors, and has worked on films including Troy and The Hitchhikers' Guide. Richard's Biog Richard Lissaman is Deputy Programme Leader of the Further Mathematics Network. With a PhD in Algebra, Richard is searching for a mathematical formula to help Birmingham City stay in the Premier League.

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