Ben Burtt has one of the best answers to the my favorite reoccurring question, “What was your first gig like?” After graduating from USC with a masters in film production, he was hired to record some sounds for this sci-fi movie fellow USC alum George Lucas was putting together. Some 30 years later, Burtt is credited with designing the most memorable sounds for some of the most beloved films as well as helping to put film sound into the public consciousness. In the late 1970’a he was there when what was Sprocket Systems started and has been a cornerstone in its evolution into skywalker sound. He is now an employee of Pixar and adding to his ridiculous resume, he has two huge films releasing this summer. Thanks so much, Ben, for taking time out to talk about one of those films, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Check back next month for a discussion with Ben about the other film, Pixar’s “Wall-E”.
LONG OVER-DO UPDATE: Finally got around to rehosting my phone interview thanks to Matteo from USOproject.com for the reminder.
FSD.COM AUDIO INTERVIEW: BEN BURTT
UPDATE: If you like your interview’s visual and I know you do, Mix Magazine did the one below just for you.
Searching around for video about Ben’s work I came across this one that seemed appropriate.
Please post the audio interviews again