Carl Rosenthal graduated from Stanford University in 1979. Seeking a way to combine his passions for filmmaking and technology, he founded Pacific Data Images in 1980. PDI became one of the pioneering and highly innovative creators of computer animation for film and television. During his 20 years of leading the organization, PDI produced over 700 commercials, worked on visual effects for over 70 feature films and, in partnership with DreamWorks SKG, produced the hit animated film “Antz” and the Academy Award winning “Shrek.” In 1998 Carl was recognized with a Technical Achievement Academy Award for PDI’s contributions to modern filmmaking. In early 2000 he sold PDI to DreamWorks SKG.

After leaving PDI, Carl was a venture capitalist at Mobius Venture Capital and founded a company in the youth media space.

In 2008, Carl joined Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center, where he is a Distinguished Professor of Practice. He mentors and advises students working on their Masters in Entertainment Technology degrees, teaches a course on entrepreneurship, and was the Director of the ETC’s Silicon Valley satellite campus. In addition, Carl is an advisor for several companies, where he specializes in helping to direct and manage creative organizations that are technology based.