Beverly Hills, Calif. - The Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present "Visualize This: Previs in the Making of Star Trek," a program exploring the previsualization (previs) process in the digital age, on Thursday, November 18, at 8 p.m. at the Academy's Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Writer-producer Damon Lindelof will use sequences from the 2009 Academy Award nominee Star Trek to demonstrate how innovations in previs are influencing the filmmaking process.
The evening will feature a panel of Star Trek crew members, including David Dozoretz, senior previsualization supervisor; Brian Pohl, previsualization supervisor; Roger Guyett, visual effects supervisor; Marc Evans, production executive; and film editors Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey. Joining the panel will also be production designer and Council member Alex McDowell and previsualization supervisor Chris Edwards. Lindelof will lead a discussion on the challenges and opportunities that come with this technology-driven process. In addition, the program will include film clips and behind-the-scenes footage demonstrating how previs was used to shape several key scenes in the film.
Previs is an evolving pre-production process that now incorporates 3D animation tools and virtual environments, enabling filmmakers to explore their creative visions through the use of visual references for complicated film shots and sequences long before production begins.
In addition to producing Star Trek, Lindelof is co-writing the film's forthcoming sequel, as well as the feature Cowboys & Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau, due to be released in 2011. Lindelof also was a writer and executive producer on the television series "Lost."
Star Trek received Oscar nominations for its visual effects, sound editing, and sound mixing, and won an Oscar for Makeup.
Tickets for "Visualize This" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets are available for purchase by mail, at the Academy box office (8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online at www.oscars.org. Doors open at 7 p.m. All seating is unreserved.
The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at the 1313 Vine Street in Hollywood. For more information, call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.