The visual effects and sound artists from Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound will describe their roles in creating cinematic magic for last year’s blockbuster hit Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in a special Super Session at The 2017 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Hosted by the Motion Picture Sound Editors in partnership with NAB, the Super Session, The Force Returns: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” is slated for Wednesday, April 26th at 2:00 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Upper S222. Speakers will include ILM Visual Effects Supervisor John Knoll and Animation Supervisor Hal Hickel, and Skywalker Sound Supervising Sound Editor Matthew Wood. Hollywood Reporter technology editor Carolyn Giardina will moderate.

Not only did Industrial Light & Magic create the visual effects for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, its chief creative officer, John Knoll, Executive Producer and Visual Effects Supervisor on Rogue One, developed the film’s concept and original story. Rogue One features more than 1700 visual effects shots, including a fleet of new starships, a digitally recreated central character (Grand Moff Tarkin), and a quintessential, third act space battle.

In addition to the new spaceships, there are fresh weapons and Droids for which Skywalker Sound designed distinctive, original sounds. Learn how Skywalker Sound and ILM balanced the new with the classic through such technical innovations as virtual production, their proprietary “Flux” software, an innovative production pipeline and more. The session will include behind-the-scenes footage and offer insight into how sound and visual effects worked together to produce another box-office hit for Lucasfilm.

“This is a special opportunity to learn how movie magic is made from some of the top practitioners of their craft,” said MPSE President Tom McCarthy. “It’s especially inspiring to learn how artists from different departments interact and collaborate to push boundaries and advance the art of storytelling. We expect this to be a very lively and exciting session.”

What: The Force Returns: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Super Session

Sponsors: The Motion Pictures Sound Editors and NAB

When: Wednesday, April 26, 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Upper, Room S222

Participants: John Knoll, Visual Effects Supervisor, Industrial Light & Magic; Hal Hickel, Animation Supervisor, Industrial Light & Magic; Matthew Wood, Supervising Sound Editor, Skywalker Sound

Moderator: Carolyn Giardina, Technology Editor, Hollywood Reporter

Registration:  Conference Flex Pass or Session Pass

About MPSE
Founded in 1953, the Motion Picture Sound Editors is a non-profit organization of professional sound and music editors who work in the motion pictures, television and gaming industry. The organization’s mission is to provide a wealth of knowledge from award winning professionals to a diverse group of individuals, youth and career professionals alike; mentoring and educating the community about the artistic merit and technical advancements in sound and music editing; providing scholarships for the continuing advancement of professional sound education; and helping to enhance the personal and professional lives of the men and women who practice this unique craft.