| Skywalker Sound | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Skywalker Sound headquarters at the Skywalker Ranch | |
| Formerly | Sprocket Systems (1975–1987) |
| Type | Division |
| Industry | Sound effects, Sound editing and Remastering |
| Founded | September 7, 1975 |
| Founder | George Lucas |
| Headquarters | Skywalker Ranch, , United States |
| Key people | Josh Lowden (General Manager of Skywalker Sound) Leslie Ann Jones |
Number of employees | 160 |
| Parent | Lucasfilm |
| Website | skysound |
Skywalker Sound (formerly known as Sprocket Systems) is an American company devoted to sound effects, sound editing, sound design, sound mixing and music recording. Founded in 1975 as a division of Lucasfilm, the company's main facilities are located at George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch in Lucas Valley, near Nicasio, California. [1]
Skywalker Sound was founded in 1975 as Sprocket Systems in San Anselmo, California.[ citation needed ]
While located in San Anselmo, Sprocket Systems occasionally came into contact with residents. For instance, Kentfield resident Pat Welsh was "discovered" while shopping at a camera store and went on to provide the voice for E.T. During the sound recording of Raiders of the Lost Ark , Harrison Ford practiced his bullwhip technique in the parking lot. [2]
Sprocket Systems moved from San Anselmo following a dangerous flood in January 1982. The company changed its name to Skywalker Sound in 1987 after the company moved to Skywalker Ranch.[ citation needed ]
Skywalker Sound's staff of sound designers and re-recording mixers have either won or been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound and Best Sound Editing every year since Star Wars in 1977; in that year, Ben Burtt was given a Special Achievement Award, since the category for Sound Editing had not yet been established. Skywalker Sound has won 15 Academy Awards and received 62 nominations.[ citation needed ]
Mixing stages, editorial services, and scoring stages are all located in a central "Tech Building", with dining areas and living quarters in the vicinity but separate from the main work area.[ citation needed ]
In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired Skywalker Sound as part of its purchase of Lucasfilm.[ citation needed ]