AES Convention to Introduce New Sound for Pictures Track

The 133rd AES Convention, scheduled for Oct. 26-29 at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, will introduce a new track dedicated to “Sound For Pictures.” The conference track will focus on the key technical and creative issues related to digital audio production for feature films and TV. The track is co-chaired by leading sound mixer/producer Brian McCarty (The Big Lebowski, Dick Tracy, As Good As It Gets) and by Steve Martz, senior design engineer, THX.

Key issues to be addressed include postproduction techniques, standards and multi-channel formats for digital cinema.

“The AES is the leading forum for audio for film and TV sound,” said McCarty. “Top sound mixers have been attending the convention for years to exchange ideas and information and kick the tires on new technology. Early this year we formed a technical committee on sound for digital cinema and TV. Our objective is to adopt a consistent approach for digital cinema sound installations, and contemporary digital dubbing stage recording and mixing activities worldwide.”

“Based on the initial reception to this committee, executive director Bob Moses felt it was time to develop a formal AES Convention Track for this increasingly important field,” McCarty added.

The presentations will include “Postproduction Audio Techniques for Digital Cinema & Ancillary Markets,” “Reconsidering Standards for Cinema Sound – Alternatives to ISO 2969” and “New Multi-Channel Formats For 3D Cinema and Home Theater.”

“We have developed an extremely diverse and comprehensive Sound For Pictures Track,” said McCarty. “Our Workshop participants are all outstanding leaders in their fields. The ‘New Multi-Formats For 3D Cinema’ panel is a particularly newsworthy event. Gathering developers of competitive systems together for a high level, working dialogue is a major coup which may have important ramifications for film exhibitors.”

For more information, please visit www.aes.org.