Academy to Celebrate Art of Sound in Action-Adventure Films

Beverly Hills, CA — On Thursday, May 17, at 8 p.m., the Academy’s Science and Technology Council will present “The Sound behind the Image,” an evening celebrating the art of sound in action-adventure films, hosted by Academy Award®-winning sound designer Ben Burtt and Academy Award-nominated sound mixer and Academy governor Kevin O’Connell at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The evening will include a historical overview with clips from films ranging from “Don Juan” (1926) to “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), and culminate in a tribute to the groundbreaking sound design of “Star Wars” (1977).

O’Connell will moderate a panel discussion featuring key members of the “Star Wars” sound team, including Ben Burtt, Academy Special Achievement Award recipient for the creation of the alien, creature and robot voices featured in the film; and sound effects editor Richard Anderson. The discussion will feature clips and live demos to examine the role sound recording, sound editing and sound mixing played in the groundbreaking film, and how “Star Wars” continues to influence contemporary sound design in the action-adventure genre.

Established in 2003 by the Academy’s Board of Governors, the Science and Technology Council provides a forum for the exchange of information, promotes cooperation among diverse technological interests within the industry, sponsors publications, fosters educational activities and preserves the history of the science and technology of motion pictures.

Tickets to “The Sound behind the Image” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased in advance, either by mail or in person at the Academy’s ticket office, located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills. Doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

Editors: Please note that downloadable images are available at http://photos.oscars.org/.