“Visualize This: Previs in the Making of STAR TREK” At AMPAS

I’m a huge Star Trek and VFX geek – probably why I like Michael Bay films. I was so pleased when STAR TREK took home the Oscar for makeup at the 82nd Academy Awards earlier this year. As you can see from the picture above, yours truly was at the Academy’s Makeup Symposium on Saturday eve of the Oscars. AMPAS sent out this press release on another special Star Trek event at the Academy earlier today.

Beverly Hills, CA (November 10, 2010) – 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.

Scheduled guests:

Star Trek Panelists:
Senior Previsualization Supervisor David Dozoretz
Previsualization Supervisor Brian Pohl
Visual Effects Supervisor Roger Guyett
Editors Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey
Production Executive Marc Evans

Other panelists:
Previsualization Supervisor Chris Edwards
Production Designer Alex McDowell

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 fully 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 http://www.oscars.org/index.html.

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