Final answer:
George Lucas founded the Graphics Group, which became PIXAR, and played a crucial role in the development of CGI in filmmaking. He sold this division to Steve Jobs, which led to the production of groundbreaking films like Toy Story.
Step-by-step explanation:
The film director who played a pivotal role in assembling the talented individuals and fostering the creation of the computer graphics and hardware that would eventually become PIXAR is George Lucas. He founded the Graphics Group, the division of Lucasfilm that later became Pixar, and was instrumental in its early development. Ultimately, he sold this division to Steve Jobs, who then invested in and transformed it into the PIXAR we know today, a leader in computer-animated films.
George Lucas, well known for his work on the Star Wars franchise, understood the potential of computer graphics in filmmaking. Under his direction, George Lucas hired Ed Catmull and other talented individuals, who would spearhead the technology and creative processes that became a cornerstone for PIXAR's success. This unit would become responsible for developing the breakthrough CGI technology used in various films, creating a new era for animation with movies like Toy Story, and elevating CGI to new heights in cinema.