Skywalker Sound Names Randy Thom Director of Sound Design

ANIMATION WORLD NETWORK

By Bill Desowitz | Monday, September 12, 2005 at 12:00am

Randy Thom has been appointed as director of sound design at Skywalker Sound. Thom, recipient of last years Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing on THE INCREDIBLES, and previously a Best Sound Oscar for THE RIGHT STUFF, began working for Lucasfilm in 1979. His film projects this year include HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE and TWENTIETH TOONS: TOONED OUT, as well as additional sound design for WAR OF THE WORLDS. A highly prolific sound designer and mixer, Thom is equally at home with animation or live action, with an additional 11 Oscar nominations during his career.

"Randy has an amazing ear, coupled with an artistic passion for the soundtracks contribution to filmmaking that is unbridled, said Glenn Kiser, vp/gm of the award-winning audio post-production facility. "In the six years we've worked together, I've come to know Randy as the consummate professional, and an eager advocate for marrying artistry with technology. With the addition of the new wing at Skywalker, Randy is the perfect choice to lead us forward."

Ive always been passionate about film sound and its effect on the audiences experience, and Randy shares that passion, added George Lucas. Im happy that he has accepted this new role, and am confident that his talent and experience will lead Skywalker forward in the digital age.

Skywalker Sound is a unique environment for me creatively, suggested Thom. I have the luxury of having all facets that compose a soundtrack under the same roof which assures excellence. We also have an amazing talent pool, driving fully integrated editing and mixing suites, using our new fiber optic network. I am honored to have the opportunity to help shape our future.

Upcoming projects for Thom are MONSTER HOUSE and BEOWULF for Sony Pictures, DUSK AND DAWN 2 for Metro-Goldwyn Mayer, PUPPET PALS, ERAGON, AND ICE AGE 2 for 20th Century Fox and OVER THE HEDGE for DreamWorks SKG.

Skywalker Sound, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is a Lucasfilm Ltd. company serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for audio post-production. Skywalker Sound has been honored with 18 Academy Awards for Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the worlds leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion picture and television productions, the companys global businesses include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts; Lucas Licensing; Lucasfilm Animation and Lucas Online. Lucasfilms feature films have won 19 Oscars and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.