Academy Award Winning Film Sound Director Comes to Chabot Space and Science Center

Chabot Space and Science Center, just a short drive away in the Oakland Hills overlooking Highway 13, offers a wealth of special events above and beyond its normal programming. Movie special effects fans and sci-fi lovers will not want to miss the center's April 20 6 p.m. presentation by Ben Burtt, who has been a sound designer and director for Lucasfilm/Pixar. Burtt will reveal  the magic behind some blockbuster hits.

Here is an excerpt from the center's website about his presentation:

"Ever wonder who created the voice for R2D2, Wall-E, or Darth Vadar’s heavy breathing? Join us for a rousing evening of dynamic conversation about the science of noise and sound effects from the one and only Ben Burtt, Sound Designer and Director, Lucasfilm/Pixar.
 
Ben has won four Academy Awards for Sound Effects in such films as E.T., Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, for which he created the sound of the lightsabers by mixing the humming sound of his TV set - tuned between channels - with the sound of an old 35mm projector.

Ben was a Physics major and has enjoyed an illustrious career in the motion picture industry for over 30 years. "Sound Effects in the movies are there to create an illusion, says Burtt, "But behind all this sonic “make-believe”, I exploit scientific principles to create special noises." "

How to buy tickets:

Tickets for this event cost $20 for Chabot Space and Science Center members, $23 for member guests and $29 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but are subject to availability. No discount ticket programs are in effect. Call (510) 336-7373 for more information. The center is located at 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland.