Presenter

Chris Nichols
Biography
Christopher Nichols is a seasoned expert in Visual Effects, with over 30 years of experience in Computer Graphics. As Director of Special Projects at the Chaos Innovation Lab, he leads groundbreaking initiatives at the intersection of technology and creativity. He also hosts the CG Garage podcast, where he interviews top industry minds about emerging trends in CG.

At Chaos, Christopher has spent over a decade advancing ray tracing in virtual production, culminating in Project Arena. He produced Ray Tracing FTW, the first proof of concept for the project, highlighting its transformative potential.

Christopher holds a BA in Mathematics and Fine Arts from Colgate University and a Master’s in Architecture from Rice University. His multidisciplinary background includes work at top firms like Gensler, Digital Domain, Sony Imageworks, and Method Studios. His VFX credits include Maleficent, Oblivion, and Tron: Legacy, showcasing his lasting impact on both film and CG innovation.
Presentations
Industry Session
4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT Wednesday, 13 August 2025 East Building, Room 16
Arts & Design
New Technologies
Production & Animation
Animation
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Games
Industry Insight
Pipeline Tools and Work
Real-Time
Rendering
Full Conference
Experience
Exhibits Only
Wednesday