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Jonathan Erland and Kay Erland founded Composite Components Company in 1993. Jon received his early training at the London International Film School in 1956. He was a member of the group formed by John Dykstra, A.S.C., to create the visual effects for STAR WARS (1977), and subsequently served as Director of Research and Development for Apogee Productions. At Apogee, he received patents and Academy Awards® for Reverse BluescreenTM, Blue-MaxTM and a method for making front projection screens. The author of more than 15 SMPTE papers, he has received the SMPTE Journal Award, and the Fuji Gold Medal. He is a Fellow of the SMPTE, a member of the BKSTS, a Director of the Visual Effects Society, an Associate of the American Society of Cinematographers and a founder of the Technology Council of the Motion Picture and Television Industries. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and, as Chairman of the Visual Effects Committee, achieved the long sought goal of establishing Visual Effects as a Branch of the Academy. He presently serves on the Board of Governors, the Executive Committee of the Visual Effects Branch and the Scientific and Engineering Awards Committee of the Academy.  Scientific and Engineering Award (Plaque) 1983: (Apogee Incorporated) - For the engineering and development of a reverse bluescreen traveling matte process for special effects photography. (w. Roger Dorney)  Technical Achievement Award (Citation) 1984: (Apogee Incorporated) - For the design and development of the "Blue Max" high-power, blue-flux projector for traveling matte composite photography. (w. Donald Trumbull, Stephen Fog & Paul Burk)  Technical Achievement Award (Citation) 1984: (Apogee Incorporated) - For an innovative design for front projection screens and an improved method for their construction. (w. Robert Bealmear)  Scientific and Engineering Award (Plaque) 1996: For the development of the Digital Series Traveling Matte Backing System used for composite photography in motion pictures. (w. Kay Beving Erland)  Award of Commendation 2007 (Special Plaque) - In recognition of his leadership and efforts toward identifying and solving the problem of High-Speed Emulsion Stress Syndrome in motion picture film stock. 4 Scientific/Technical Awards, 1 Honorary Award