Currently at work on Episode I, Tanaka is doing research and development for 3-D models and performing blue screen tests for compositing research.

Serving as the Visual Effects Editor on the Star Wars Special Edition, he created a blueprint for the artists who would composite the images, and researched information applicable to the new technology.

Tanaka has worked for ILM for seven years, and his credits include Jurassic Park, Forrest Gump (both of which have received technical achievements), and Death Becomes Her. He has also worked on Steven Spielberg's Amistad, which starred Anthony Hopkins and Morgan Freeman.

David Tanaka was born in Oakland, California and grew up in El Cerrito. He attended the University of California at Berkeley where he studied film. Tanaka began freelance work in the San Francisco Bay Area in post production and editing of educational films, corporate videos, and documentaries.