Robert Abel and Associates

Robert Abel and Associates
Company type	Private
Industry	Computer graphics, Visual effects, Advertising
Founded	1971
Founder	Robert Abel, Con Pederson
Defunct	1987
Headquarters	Hollywood, California, United States
Products	Computer-generated graphics for television advertising, visual effects for films and video games

Robert Abel and Associates (RA&A) was an innovative American production firm focused on creating computer-generated graphics for television advertising. Established in 1971 by Robert Abel alongside Con Pederson, RA&A became renowned for its creative direction and received multiple Clio Awards throughout its operation.

The company’s team was responsible for some of the most sophisticated computer-animated projects of the time, including pioneering full ray-traced images and advanced character animation techniques that were largely unprecedented. Their work encompassed prominent TV commercials, visual effects for movies such as The Andromeda Strain and Tron, as well as involvement in laserdisc video game titles like Cube Quest. RA&A was originally hired to handle visual effects for Star Trek: The Motion Picture, but the contract was lost due to financial difficulties. Additionally, the company gained recognition for producing visuals in The Jacksons' 1981 music video "Can You Feel It."

Located in Hollywood, California, at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Romaine Street, RA&A ceased operations in 1987 following an unsuccessful merger attempt with Omnibus Computer Graphics, Inc., a Toronto-based company.

Numerous former RA&A employees went on to found significant enterprises such as Wavefront Technologies and Rhythm & Hues, with several individuals earning Academy Awards for their achievements in computer animation.

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