Perry Kivolowitz

Professor Perry Kivolowitz brings broad and deep academic and entrepreneurial experience in Computer Science to Carthage College. He has co-founded five tech companies principally in the computer graphics and visual effects fields. His contributions to filmmaking were recognized in 1996 with an Academy Award® for Scientific and Technical Achievement (and for contributions to Babylon 5, an Emmy certificate in 1992). In 2019, Professor Kivolowitz received the Emmy Award for Engineering for his contributions to SilhouetteFX.

Notable early work includes Forrest Gump and Titanic. More recently he is a partner in SilhouetteFX, LLC, a maker of widely used software for rotoscoping, paint, and 2D to 3D motion picture conversion. Today, most high-profile motion pictures (such as the Harry Potter and Hobbit movies), a lot of television, and some graphic arts are touched by his inventions.

Prof. Kivolowitz joined Carthage in 2015 after 10 years as a Faculty Associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Computer Sciences Department, where he was awarded the student’s trophy for Excellence in Teaching in May 2015. During the UW–Madison Sesquicentennial Celebration, Prof. Kivolowitz was selected by the Chancellor’s office as being one of the “150 Ways the University of Wisconsin has touched the World.” Also related to the Wisconsin Idea, that the work of the University of Wisconsin should impact the world, Prof. Kivolowitz wrote a zombie apocalypse novel, “Get Off My L@wn,” in which the end of humanity starts on the Madison campus.

3D stereo plus something less obvious. Prof. Kivolowitz is a partner in the company that made the software that assisted the preparation of the 3D version of “Avatar.” Plus something else. Can you spot it?

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Did the President really say that? Prof. Kivolowitz's invention was used to add the lip movements in “Forrest Gump” as well as make the handshake and feather happen.

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Media Mentions:

Innovations: Carthage professor helped create software for movie special effects

Professor Kivolowitz is featured in the BizTimes Milwaukee after winning the 2019 Engineering Emmy Award for his work with SilhouetteFX. (BizTimes Milwaukee, November 11, 2019)

Carthage College Computer Science Professor Wins Engineering Emmy

Professor Kivolowitz wins a 2019 Emmy award for engineering TV software. (Kenosha News, October 5, 2019)

Local professor answers questions over dimly lit ‘Game of Thrones’ episode

Professor Kivolowitz talks about the most recent ‘Game of Thrones’ episode that had viewers irked. (CBS 58, May 1, 2019)

Carthage College computer science professor earns Academy Award for contributions through special effects

Professor Kivolowitz is highlighted for his behind the scenes science and technology talents that have been proven so valuable to the movie-making process. (CBS 58, February 24, 2019)

Carthage College professor earns Academy Award

Professor Kivolowitz’s software earns major recognition in the movie industry. (Today’s TMJ 4, February 11, 2019)

• Stony Brook University

• CSC 1810 Principles of Computer Science I
• CSC 1820 Principles of Computer Science II
• CSC 3510 Computer Organization
• CSC 3600 Data Communication
• CSC 4000 Senior Seminar
• CSC 4730 Operating Systems
• CSC 4770 Introduction to Computer Graphics
• CSC 4900 Senior Thesis Completion