Meeting Topic: December Holiday Screening Event - Film Preview- Zero Dark Thirty
Moderator Name: John Gordon
Speaker Name: Paul N. J. Ottosson, Zero Dark Thirty Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer
Meeting Location: Folino Theater, at Chapman University, Orange, CA
On Saturday, December 15, the Los Angeles Section held a preview screening of the Kathryn Bigelow film Zero Dark Thirty.
Taking an informed investigation of "The Greatest Manhunt in History," the film follows the deep search for Osama bin Laden following
the September 2001 World Trade Center attacks, and his subsequent death at the hands of Navy SEAL Team 6 almost 10 years
later in May of 2011.
For many members in attendance, a special highlight of the evening was the Q&A with Oscar®-winning sound designer Paul N.J.
Ottosson following the screening. Ottosson served as sound designer, supervising sound editor and re-recording mixer for the picture.
He shared insights into the movie making process, working with director Kathryn Bigelow on both this film and on the acclaimed The
Hurt Locker, as well as more subtle aspects of the sound design for ZDT, as the film is often called.
Attendees were interested in learning more about how music choices were made for this film, when and how temp music tracks were
used, and details about the sound design for a few specific scenes. They asked many other insightful questions delving into details
of this film's soundtrack and production, as well as a few about The Hurt Locker.
The AES-LA Executive Committee would like to thank Columbia Pictures for the opportunity to screen this excellent film, and Dean
Bob Bassett, Sorel Geddes and Jim Smith from the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and Paul N.J. Ottosson for sharing his
knowledge and experiences working in the film sound business.
Special thanks to John Gordon for again arranging an outstanding film screening, and for moderating the interesting Q&A session
Written By: Eric Johnson
