The University of Nottingham

One of Hollywood’s top sound designers and film directors is visiting The University of Nottingham next week as the latest big industry name to join forces with the University’s unique Institute for Screen Industries Research (ISIR).

Gary Rydstrom is a legendary sound director whose credits include Titanic, Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park. He has won no less than seven Academy awards and is a member of Pixar’s key creative team, working on blockbuster projects like Toy Story, Finding Nemo and A Bug’s Life. Gary is the fourth Hollywood film practitioner to visit the University in a research collaboration aimed at pioneering ideas for the global film industry.

During his week-long visit to Nottingham, Gary will also be awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his glittering career as well as taking part in a packed programme of events for staff, students and the public. He will be giving lectures and seminars to the University’s Creative Student Network, as well as taking part in discussions on ideas generation and innovation in the film industry with key players from the creative sector in the East Midlands such as Antenna, Broadway and Nottingham City Council.

A screening of the acclaimed Japanese animation, ‘The World of Arrietty’ at Derby’s Quad centre at 7pm on Wednesday 10th July will be followed by a Q&A session by Gary who directed the US version of the film.

Reacting to his new academic Fellowship and Honorary Doctorate, Gary Rydstrom said: “Cinema is a powerful blend of art and science. As an advocate of collaboration, within crafts and between traditionally unrelated fields, I follow with great interest the Institute for Screen Industries Research. I am eager to work with the ISIR and am inspired and deeply honoured to receive an honorary degree from The University of Nottingham along the way.”

Director of the Institute for Screen Industries Research, Dr Gianluca Sergi, added:”Staff and students here are absolutely delighted that Gary will be joining us as he has a huge amount of experience at the cutting edge of movie-making. Gary has been a very strong supporter of the Institute’s work from its inception and has already played a great role in opening doors in Hollywood for us to generate new contacts and partnerships. We think his engagement with us will further cement Nottingham’s position as a leading provider of research and ideas generation for the future film industry.”

Gary Rydstrom will address a VIP gala reception in the Great Hall of the Trent Building at 6pm on Tuesday 9th July when the University will also announce a new partnership with global entertainment technology giant, Dolby Laboratories. Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement, Professor Chris Rudd will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Julian Pinn, Dolby’s Director of Cinema Marketing – agreeing to collaborate on research projects, resource sharing and talent development through research and other similar mutually beneficial projects.

The University’s Institute of Screen Industries Research (ISIR) was set up to bridge the gap between the film business and academic research and was the first institution in the UK to offer internships to Hollywood studios,  such as Fox and Lionsgate. This year the Institute is offering a new programme of postgraduate opportunities in film and TV research, including a brand new MA in Film and Television Industries.

Staff and researchers across several disciplines including Film/TV, Business and Computer Science also offer the industry expert and cost-effective research back-up. ISIR provides access to a unique talent development resource and audience testing from the University’s 40,000 students over campuses in Nottingham, China and Malaysia.