About me
Steve May’s tenure at Pixar Animation Studios spans more than 25 years, where he is currently Chief Technology Officer. In this role, he leads all technology at the studio, including software R&D, information systems, RenderMan, and the development of visual effects tools and processes for each film. He is also the Founder and Chair of the Alliance for OpenUSD — an open, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the interoperability of 3D content through
OpenUSD (Universal Scene Description).
Steve began his tenure at Pixar Animation Studios in 1998 as a technical director on TOY STORY 2. For Pixar’s next film, MONSTERS, INC., he helped pioneer the fur technology and overall look for the character Sullivan. He went on to work as a supervising technical director for FINDING NEMO, CARS, UP, and BRAVE.
Steve has a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from Ohio State University, where he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by the College of Engineering. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, serving on the Executive Committee of the Animation Branch. He is a member of the governing board of Disney Research Studios. He also serves on the Technology Committee for the Visual Effects Society (VES) and led the creation of the VES Emerging Technology Award. For his work on UP and BRAVE, he received two VES Awards for Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture.
