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Bran Ferren completed his degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before pursuing entrepreneurial interests.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that Bran Ferren attended MIT but departed in 1970 at the age of 16 to pursue entrepreneurial interests, thus not completing a degree there.
John Ferren, Bran Ferren's father, was primarily known for his contributions to the film industry, specifically designing the nightmare sequence in *The Trouble with Harry*.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that John Ferren designed the nightmare sequence in *Vertigo* and created paintings for *The Trouble with Harry*, but was primarily a painter and integral to the New York School of Abstract Expressionists, not primarily known for film contributions, and the specific film mentioned for the nightmare sequence is incorrect.
Bran Ferren's first entrepreneurial venture, Synchronetics, was started while he was still in high school.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that Bran Ferren started his first design and engineering company, Synchronetics, while he was still in high school.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a professional role or expertise attributed to Bran Ferren?
Answer: Historian
Explanation: The source lists Bran Ferren's diverse roles as technologist, artist, architectural designer, vehicle designer, engineer, lighting and sound designer, visual effects artist, scientist, lecturer, photographer, entrepreneur, and inventor. 'Historian' is not among them.
When and where was Bran Ferren born?
Answer: January 16, 1953, in New York City, New York, U.S.
Explanation: The source states that Bran Ferren was born on January 16, 1953, in New York City, New York, U.S.
What was a notable event during Bran Ferren's association with MIT, despite his brief enrollment?
Answer: He was invited back as a keynote speaker for MIT Technology Day in 1996.
Explanation: Despite his brief enrollment, Bran Ferren was invited back by then-school president Charles M. Vest to be a keynote speaker for MIT Technology Day in 1996.
Which of the following films featured paintings created by Bran Ferren's father, John Ferren, for Alfred Hitchcock?
Answer: *The Trouble with Harry*
Explanation: The source states that John Ferren created paintings for Alfred Hitchcock's film *The Trouble with Harry*.
Associates & Ferren was founded by Bran Ferren at the age of 21, with a focus exclusively on visual effects for arena concerts.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that Ferren founded Associates & Ferren at the age of 25, not 21, and its mission was broader than exclusively visual effects for arena concerts, operating at the 'crossroads of design and science and entertainment'.
Bran Ferren won a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle award for his work on the Broadway play *The Crucifer of Blood*, specifically for its thunder and lightning effects.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Ferren won a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle award for his work on *The Crucifer of Blood*, specifically noting his 'shattering display of thunder and lightning'.
*Sunday in the Park with George* was the first Broadway musical to use pre-processed, geometrically corrected 35mm film projection and high-powered lasers that extended into the audience.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that *Sunday in the Park with George* was notable for being the first Broadway musical to utilize these specific technological innovations, including digitally-processed projection mapping and high-powered lasers that traveled throughout the audience.
Frank Rich of *The New York Times* criticized Bran Ferren's special audio-visual effects in *Frankenstein* as being too simplistic for theatrical standards.
Answer: False
Explanation: Frank Rich of *The New York Times* actually stated that Bran Ferren's special audio-visual effects in *Frankenstein* were 'impressive by theatrical standards,' contradicting the claim of being too simplistic.
Associates & Ferren developed technologies for industrial and government clients, including robotics and 3D machine vision, in addition to their entertainment work.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Associates & Ferren developed various technologies for industrial and government customers, including robotics and 3D machine vision, alongside their entertainment sector work.
Bran Ferren invented the first multi-monitor video wall, which debuted at the opening of Studio 54 in New York City.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that Ferren invented the first multi-monitor video wall, but it debuted at the opening of the Palladium Club in New York City in 1985, not Studio 54.
The final scene of the 1980s music video 'Take On Me' by A-ha was directly inspired by Ferren's work in the film *Altered States*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that the final scene in the 1980s music video 'Take On Me' by A-ha was directly inspired by a similar scene designed by Ferren in the film *Altered States*.
Before his 21st birthday, Ferren pioneered visual effects for arena concerts for which of the following major music groups?
Answer: Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Explanation: The source indicates that before his 21st birthday, Ferren pioneered visual effects for arena concerts for major music groups such as Emerson, Lake & Palmer, among others.
At what age did Bran Ferren found Associates & Ferren?
Answer: 25
Explanation: The source states that Ferren founded Associates & Ferren at the age of 25.
Which major Hollywood science-fiction film marked Bran Ferren's first prominent assignment as a special visual effects director?
Answer: *Altered States*
Explanation: Following his acclaimed work on *The Crucifer of Blood*, director Ken Russell recruited Ferren for his first prominent assignment as special visual effects director on the major Hollywood science-fiction film *Altered States*.
Which Broadway production was the first to utilize digitally-processed projection mapping and a radio-controlled costume with a robotic endoskeleton?
Answer: *Sunday in the Park with George*
Explanation: The source highlights *Sunday in the Park with George* as the first Broadway musical to utilize these specific technological innovations, including digitally-processed projection mapping and a radio-controlled costume with a robotic endoskeleton.
Which New York City club saw the debut of what is believed to be the first multi-monitor video wall, invented by Ferren?
Answer: The Palladium Club
Explanation: The source states that the first multi-monitor video wall, invented by Ferren, debuted at the opening of the Palladium Club in New York City in 1985.
Bran Ferren was the first corporate executive to hold the job title 'Creative Technology,' which is now a common designation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that starting in 1993, Bran Ferren was indeed the first corporate executive to be given the job title of 'Creative Technology,' which has since become common.
The Tower of Terror ride and the Test Track by General Motors are examples of Disney Theme Park attractions that benefited from Ferren's direct creative and technical input.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Bran Ferren had direct creative and technical involvement in Disney Theme Parks projects, including the Tower of Terror ride and the Test Track by General Motors.
The Disney Fellows Program, initiated by Ferren, aimed to attract leading minds in business management.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that the Disney Fellows Program, initiated by Ferren, aimed to attract leading minds in computer science, not business management.
Ferren's research group at Disney developed concepts for direct on-demand music and video delivery to the home via telephone networks before the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that in the 1990s, Ferren's research group at Disney developed and demonstrated pioneering concepts such as direct on-demand music and video delivery to the home via telephone networks, predating widespread internet adoption.
The 'Yellow Box Test' primarily evaluated a candidate's ability to correctly identify all items in the box.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Yellow Box Test' evaluated candidates not just on identifying items, but more importantly on their thoughtful explanations of how the items would be used, their design, technical principles, material selection, and other insights.
Michael Eisner stated that Bran Ferren's mission at Disney was to manage existing technologies efficiently.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to Michael Eisner, Bran Ferren's mission at Disney was 'to dream about the future and show us new and innovative ways to tell stories,' not to manage existing technologies efficiently.
What was Bran Ferren's final position at Disney before co-founding Applied Minds?
Answer: President of R&D and Creative Technology for Disney
Explanation: The source states that Ferren ultimately became president of R&D and Creative Technology for Disney, a position he held for a decade, before co-founding Applied Minds.
Who was the first Disney fellow in the Disney Fellows Program initiated by Ferren?
Answer: Danny Hillis
Explanation: The source explicitly names Danny Hillis, Ferren's future co-founder at Applied Minds, as the first Disney fellow in the program.
Which of the following was a pioneering concept developed by Ferren's research group at Disney in the 1990s, anticipating future technologies?
Answer: Direct on-demand music and video delivery to the home via telephone networks
Explanation: The source lists direct on-demand music and video delivery to the home via telephone networks as one of the pioneering concepts developed by Ferren's research group at Disney in the 1990s.
What was the primary focus of the 'Yellow Box Test' devised by Ferren for screening talent?
Answer: Ability to identify unusual items and explain their use, design, and technical principles
Explanation: The 'Yellow Box Test' evaluated candidates on their ability to identify unusual items and provide thoughtful explanations of their use, design, technical principles, and other insights, rather than mere identification or memorization.
According to Michael Eisner, what was Bran Ferren's mission at Disney?
Answer: To dream about the future and show new and innovative ways to tell stories.
Explanation: Michael Eisner stated that Bran Ferren's mission at Disney was 'to dream about the future and show us new and innovative ways to tell stories'.
Bran Ferren co-founded Applied Minds in 2000 with Danny Hillis, where he currently serves as the Chief Creative Officer, focusing on high-technology product and architectural design.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Bran Ferren co-founded Applied Minds in 2000 with Danny Hillis and serves as its Chief Creative Officer, focusing on high-technology product and architectural design.
Applied Minds has been described as a 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' for geeks due to its innovative development environment.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Applied Minds has been vividly described as a 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' for geeks, highlighting its innovative and high-technology development environment.
Metaweb, a spin-off from Applied Minds, was acquired by Microsoft in 2010.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that Metaweb, a spin-off from Applied Minds, was acquired by Google in 2010, not Microsoft.
Which successful technology company, spun off from Applied Minds, was acquired by Google in 2010?
Answer: Metaweb
Explanation: The source states that Metaweb, a spin-off from Applied Minds, was acquired by Google in 2010.
As Director of Research & Development for Revo Sunglasses, Ferren was the first to incorporate UV blocking into sunglass lenses.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that Ferren was the first to incorporate Infrared blocking into Revo Sunglasses, not UV blocking.
Bran Ferren's 2005 patent for multi-touch gestures was cited in 2013 as a basis for invalidating Apple's 'pinch-to-zoom' patent.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Bran Ferren's 2005 patent for multi-touch gestures was cited by the US Patent and Trademark Office in 2013 as the basis for invalidating Apple's 'pinch-to-zoom' patent.
Ferren's patent for contextual database technology, associated with Metaweb, became part of the Google Knowledge Graph after Google's acquisition of Metaweb.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Ferren's patent for contextual database technology, associated with Metaweb, became an integral part of the Google Knowledge Graph after Google acquired Metaweb.
What significant innovation did Ferren introduce to Revo Sunglasses?
Answer: Infrared blocking
Explanation: As Director of Research & Development for Revo Sunglasses, Ferren was notably the first to incorporate Infrared blocking into the lenses.
What award did the Genworth R70i Aging Experience, for which Ferren was creative design lead, receive?
Answer: 2016 Cool Tech award
Explanation: The Genworth R70i Aging Experience, with Bran Ferren as creative design lead, earned the 2016 Cool Tech award.
Bran Ferren's 2005 patent for multi-touch gestures was instrumental in invalidating which company's 'pinch-to-zoom' patent?
Answer: Apple
Explanation: Bran Ferren's 2005 patent for multi-touch gestures was cited in 2013 as the basis for invalidating Apple's 'pinch-to-zoom' patent.
Which company was assigned Ferren's 2009 US patent (#8381985) for using two cameras and electronic image processing to emulate zoom lenses in handheld devices?
Answer: Intel Corporation
Explanation: Ferren's 2009 US patent (#8381985) for dual-camera zoom emulation in handheld devices was assigned to Intel Corporation.
Ferren's patent for contextual database technology, associated with Metaweb, became an integral part of which Google service?
Answer: Google Knowledge Graph
Explanation: After Google acquired Metaweb, Ferren's patent for contextual database technology became an integral part of the Google Knowledge Graph.
The MaxiMog, designed by Ferren, was primarily intended for military reconnaissance missions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The MaxiMog was designed to facilitate scientific explorations, research, and location photography in diverse environments worldwide, not primarily for military reconnaissance missions.
The GM-CDV Concept Demonstration Vehicle was designed to showcase new concepts in driver interfaces, navigation, and semi-autonomous driving assistance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that the GM-CDV Concept Demonstration Vehicle was a driving demonstrator showcasing new concepts in driver interfaces, navigation, seating, infotainment, LED lighting, 3D sound, and semi-autonomous driving assistance.
The SmarTruck II was a commercial vehicle concept developed for civilian use and featured at the 2003 Detroit Auto show.
Answer: False
Explanation: The SmarTruck II was an Army concept vehicle developed for defense and emergency response, not a commercial vehicle for civilian use.
Ferren led the design for over 100 command centers for the United States Government and contributed to Lockheed Martin's Center for Innovation.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Ferren's architectural and interior design projects for government entities include leading the design for over 100 command centers for the United States Government and contributing to Lockheed Martin's Center for Innovation.
What was Bran Ferren's role in the Columbus Center Hall of Exploration?
Answer: Chief designer
Explanation: The source states that Bran Ferren was the chief designer for the award-winning Columbus Center Hall of Exploration.
Applied Minds won an international design competition for the renovation of which Smithsonian institution's gallery?
Answer: Renwick Gallery's Grand Salon
Explanation: The Smithsonian American Art Museum selected Applied Minds as the winner of an international design competition for the renovation of the Renwick Gallery's Grand Salon.
Which of the following advanced Research & Development vehicle projects did Ferren lead at Applied Minds?
Answer: KiraVan
Explanation: The source lists KiraVan as one of the advanced Research & Development vehicle projects that Ferren led at Applied Minds.
Where was the MaxiMog notably exhibited for three months in 2001?
Answer: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City
Explanation: The MaxiMog was notably exhibited for three months in 2001 at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
What was the SmarTruck II, featured at the 2003 Detroit Auto show?
Answer: An Army concept vehicle for defense and emergency response.
Explanation: The SmarTruck II was an Army concept vehicle developed by TARDEC for defense and emergency response, featured at the 2003 Detroit Auto show.
Ferren's architectural and interior design work for government entities includes leading the design for how many command centers for the United States Government?
Answer: Over 100
Explanation: The source states that Ferren led the design for over 100 command centers for the United States Government as part of his architectural and interior design work for government entities.
Ferren designed a 15,000-square-foot traveling exhibit for the Bill of Rights tour, but the document itself was transported by a third-party security firm.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that Ferren designed and built the Bill of Rights Secure Transit Vehicle specifically engineered to transport the fragile parchment document safely, indicating he was responsible for its transport, not a third-party firm.
Ferren advocated for locating the USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) near Washington D.C. to leverage government talent.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that Ferren advocated for locating the USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) near Los Angeles to tap into the local talent pool's expertise in gaming, visualization, and UI/UX design, not near Washington D.C. to leverage government talent.
Ferren controversially recommended that the US armed forces increase their reliance on GPS/GNSS for precision PNT within a decade.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ferren advanced a controversial idea suggesting that the US armed forces should reduce their reliance on GPS/GNSS, not increase it, advocating for alternative or supplementary systems.
Bran Ferren has served on the advisory boards for the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Bran Ferren's advisory work includes board memberships at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Geodesign is a field that Bran Ferren believes can transform city, regional, and global planning and environmental management.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Bran Ferren is a strong proponent of Geodesign and believes in its potential to transform planning and environmental management.
What historical document's bicentennial tour did Bran Ferren lead the design and engineering for?
Answer: The United States Bill of Rights
Explanation: Ferren served as the lead designer, engineer, and producer for the 50-state, 16-month tour of the United States Bill of Rights, commemorating its bicentennial.
In 2016, Bran Ferren was appointed to the senior advisory board of which organization, contributing his expertise to areas like driving autonomy and AI?
Answer: Toyota Research Institute (TRI)
Explanation: In 2016, Bran Ferren was appointed to the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) senior advisory board, contributing expertise to driving autonomy and AI.
Bran Ferren's film "Funny" was distributed exclusively through traditional cinema releases.
Answer: False
Explanation: The film 'Funny' was distributed by Warner New Media in both LaserDisc and CD-ROM formats, not exclusively through traditional cinema releases.
Before Disney acquired Associates & Ferren, Bran Ferren and his company had already received an Academy Award for Science and Engineering.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that before Disney acquired Associates & Ferren in 1993, Ferren and his company had already earned an Academy Award for Science and Engineering, as well as two Academy Awards for Technical Achievement.
Bran Ferren's concept of 'emotional resolution' suggests that increasing technical resolution too much can detract from storytelling by highlighting production flaws.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explains that Ferren's concept of 'emotional resolution' suggests that excessive technical resolution can diminish storytelling effectiveness by drawing attention to production flaws rather than narrative engagement.
In his 2014 TED talk, Bran Ferren primarily discussed the history of engineering and its separation from artistic endeavors.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bran Ferren's 2014 TED talk, 'To Create for the Ages, Let's Combine Art & Engineering,' emphasized the critical intersection between art, design, and engineering, and also discussed autonomous vehicles, not primarily the history of engineering and its separation from art.
Bran Ferren received the Wally Russell Lifetime Achievement Award in Lighting Design in 2008.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bran Ferren received the Wally Russell Lifetime Achievement Award in Lighting Design in 1998, not 2008.
The Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Bran Ferren in 2016 for his imagination in service to society.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Bran Ferren was honored with the Sir Arthur Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for his imagination in service to society.
Bran Ferren is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, but not the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that Bran Ferren is a voting member of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences.
What was Bran Ferren's role in the film "Funny," which was released in 1992?
Answer: Producer, director, and cinematographer
Explanation: The source states that Bran Ferren produced, directed, and served as the cinematographer for the film 'Funny,' released in 1992.
How many Academy Awards for Technical Achievement did Bran Ferren and Associates & Ferren receive prior to the Disney acquisition?
Answer: Two
Explanation: Before Disney acquired Associates & Ferren in 1993, Ferren and his company had earned two Academy Awards for Technical Achievement, in addition to an Academy Award for Science and Engineering.
What was the title of Bran Ferren's widely viewed 2014 TED talk?
Answer: To Create for the Ages, Let's Combine Art & Engineering
Explanation: Bran Ferren's popular 2014 TED talk was titled 'To Create for the Ages, Let's Combine Art & Engineering'.
Which museum has accepted two of Bran Ferren's photographs into its permanent collection?
Answer: Smithsonian Museum for American Art
Explanation: The source states that two of Bran Ferren's photographs have been accepted into the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum for American Art.
With which artist did Bran Ferren collaborate on the exhibition 'The Third Mind' at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2009?
Answer: Laurie Anderson
Explanation: The source indicates that Bran Ferren collaborated with Laurie Anderson on the exhibition 'The Third Mind' at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2009.
When did Bran Ferren receive the Kilby International Award for significant contributions to society?
Answer: 2000
Explanation: Bran Ferren received the Kilby International Award in 2000 for his significant contributions to society.
*Fast Company* magazine recognized Bran Ferren in 2011 by adding him to which esteemed list?
Answer: 100 Most Creative People in Business
Explanation: In 2011, *Fast Company* magazine recognized Bran Ferren by adding him to their list of '100 Most Creative People in Business'.
What is the name of Bran Ferren's upcoming large format photo book project?
Answer: *Eleven Seconds*
Explanation: The source states that Bran Ferren is currently completing a large format photo book project titled *Eleven Seconds*.