Longtime Computer Graphics World contributing editor Barbara Robertson recently received the top prize by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) for her feature entry in the Trade category. The ASJA awards honor the outstanding nonfiction work produced on a freelance.
Longtime Computer Graphics World contributing editor Barbara Robertson recently received the top prize by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) for her feature entry in the Trade category. The ASJA awards honor the outstanding nonfiction work produced on a freelance.
Robertson’s article, titled “What’s Old is New Again,” chronicles the breakthrough CG techniques and technologies used by Digital Domain to create the digital human Benjamin Button in the feature film of the same name. For years, studios have struggled to overcome the Uncanny Valley by creating realistic CG characters with emotion. Working for years to refine its approach, Digital Domain achieved that goal with the Button character. (That feature appeared in the January 2009 issue of CGW. It can be read online at http://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2009/Volume-32-Issue-1-Jan-2009-/Whats-Old-is-New-Again.aspx.)
"The publishing world may be changing, but we all still recognize and honor the first-rate writing and honest, accurate reporting exemplified in these awards. Once again, it's a pleasure for ASJA to foster the very best in nonfiction writing, as we have for more than 60 years," says Salley Shannon, ASJA president.
Robertson has been writing for Computer Graphics World for more than 20 years. Throughout that time, she has covered a broad range of technology topics, in recent years focusing particularly on newly forged techniques to achieve a unique effect in feature films, whether for characters, environments, or both. Often those CG innovations find their way into other applications, from gaming to simulation and beyond.
“I am so happy that Barbara is being recognition for her outstanding work,” says Karen Moltenbrey, chief editor of Computer Graphics World. “Everyone within the CG industry is appreciative of her talent and knowledge of the industry. However, an award like this illustrates the extensiveness of her journalistic skills that span far beyond our industry.”
Computer Graphics World was in good company among the publications for which other winning freelancers were named, including Reader’s Digest, Fortune, New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, Newsweek, and CIO.
Over the years, Robertson has received national recognition from the American Business Media (ABM) and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) for her feature articles. “It’s awards like these that help confirm that CGW is a top-notch publication both within the digital content creation community and outside our industry,” says Moltenbrey.
The ASJA awards will be presented on April 23, 2010, during the 39th Annual ASJA Writers Conference, which is being held in New York City. Founded in 1948, ASJA’s more than 1300 members have each met exacting standards of professional achievement.